How to Become a Registered Nurse in 2025

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Many individuals enter the nursing profession driven by a passion to make a positive impact. Once you determine that nursing aligns with your career goals, there are numerous pathways to launch and advance your nursing journey. Opting to become a Registered Nurse (RN) means you can have a significant influence on patient care. Within two to four years, you can complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination to secure your RN licensure.

This article will explore:

• The definition of a registered nurse
• The responsibilities of registered nurses
• The work environments of registered nurses
• Different specializations within registered nursing
• Steps to become a registered nurse
• Additional qualifications required for registered nurses
• Financial prospects and career forecasts for registered nurses

Understanding the Role of a Registered Nurse

A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare practitioner who provides and coordinates patient care across a variety of healthcare environments. Among the many duties of registered nurses are:

• Advocating for optimal patient care
• Collaborating with medical specialists
• Formulating daily care plans
• Educating patients about their health challenges and treatment options
• Offering emotional support to patients and their families
• Delivering hands-on care to patients recovering from illnesses, injuries, or surgical procedures

RNs also have opportunities to work outside traditional clinical roles, such as becoming travel nurses or providing home care services.

Essential Qualities of Successful Registered Nurses

Empathy is a vital trait for RNs, as they frequently support patients during some of their most trying times. Patience and compassion are equally important attributes. Competent RNs also possess:

• A keen attention to detail, which enhances patient outcomes
• A commitment to patient advocacy, ensuring safety and high standards of care
• Strong communication skills for effectively sharing information with patients and healthcare teams

Responsibilities of Registered Nurses

The diverse nature of an RN's role means that their daily tasks can change based on employment and specialty. Duties may include supervising other nursing staff, managing patient care, or performing direct patient care. A typical day for an RN could include:

• Administering medications and treatment regimens
• Assisting in medical procedures as part of a team
• Developing comprehensive patient care plans
• Collecting lab samples and drawing blood
• Educating patients and families, addressing their inquiries
• Monitoring and recording patient vitals and progress
• Providing wound care and managing skin conditions

Some RNs might take on additional responsibilities in administrative or surgical support roles.

Conditions Managed by Registered Nurses

Registered nurses deal with patients facing various medical conditions and illnesses. They help coordinate care for:

• Long-term health problems
• Acute illnesses or injuries requiring hospitalization
• Recovery processes following surgical or medical interventions

The specific conditions treated will depend on the nursing specialization.

Work Environments for Registered Nurses

About 61% of RNs are employed in hospital settings, while approximately 18% work in ambulatory care or outpatient facilities. Others find roles in education, governmental organizations, or long-term care facilities. For those entering the nursing profession, roles that involve bedside care serve as excellent opportunities to gain essential experience.

Types of Registered Nurses

Registered nurses can pursue various specialties depending on their interests and professional aspirations. Popular nursing specializations include:

• Neonatal nursing
• Aesthetic nursing
• Critical care nursing
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Case management nurse
• Operating room nurse
• Pediatric nursing
• Public health nursing

The Pathway to Becoming a Registered Nurse in Three Steps

There are three primary steps to becoming an RN, which encompass education, experience, and certifications.

Step 1 – Attain Your RN Qualification

To start, acquire a degree and pass the necessary competency exam. You have two main educational pathways: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Some professionals may begin with an ADN, gain experience, and then further their education through an RN-to-BSN program. Those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree may enroll in an Accelerated BSN program to complete their education in approximately two years. Alternatively, a full-time nursing program can lead to a BSN in four years before entering the workforce.

Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam

About six weeks before graduation, you can apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This test consists of various questions to be completed in a five-hour timeframe. If you do not succeed on your first attempt, you will need to wait a designated period before retaking it.

Exam topics cover:

• Safe and effective care environments
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Psychosocial integrity
• Physiological integrity

Step 2 – Gain Practical Experience

Once you receive your RN license, seek hands-on experience in healthcare environments that match your interests. For those aiming to work in an operating room, for example, pursue opportunities in recovery units. The skills required will vary based on your nursing pathway. If you aspire to become a pediatric RN charge nurse, look for roles providing experience with young patients.

Step 3 – Secure Necessary Certifications

All licensed nurses must hold Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, with many pursuing Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification as well. RNs focusing on a specialty will need to obtain specific certifications that reflect their competencies. Options can include adult-gerontology or psychiatric-mental health certifications.

After securing your RN license and essential certifications, keep them updated by adhering to the necessary renewal processes to maintain your ability to practice. Most states mandate that RNs renew their licenses every few years, often contingent upon completing continuing education requirements. Renewal deadlines can differ based on certification types and governing bodies.

Financial Prospects and Career Forecasts for Registered Nurses

Registered nursing is a field of high demand, offering competitive salaries and expected growth in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses in 2023 was approximately $77,600, with the highest earners reaching $120,000 or more. The job outlook for registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, reflecting a steady demand for healthcare services.

Multiple opportunities for professional advancement are available, including the pursuit of graduate-level education for roles as educators or advanced practice providers. For more on job opportunities in healthcare, visit GoodWork.