How to Become a Registered Nurse
Becoming a Registered Nurse
Many individuals enter the nursing profession with the goal of making a positive impact. If you feel that a career in nursing aligns with your goals, there are various paths to begin and advance in this field.
Starting your journey as a registered nurse allows you to significantly affect patient outcomes. Within two to four years, you can complete an accredited nursing program and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam, leading to your RN license.
This article covers:
- The role of a registered nurse - Duties of registered nurses - Work settings for registered nurses - Different types of registered nursing specializations - Steps to obtaining your RN license - Additional qualifications needed for nurses - Career outlook and salary information for RNs
### What is a registered nurse?
A registered nurse is a certified healthcare professional responsible for coordinating and providing patient care in various healthcare environments.
RNs have several key responsibilities, such as:
- Advocating for patients to ensure they receive the best care - Coordinating care among different specialists - Creating individualized care plans - Educating patients about their health issues and treatment options - Offering emotional support to patients and families - Providing bedside care to those recovering from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries
RNs may also work outside traditional clinical settings, such as in travel nursing or home care.
### Qualities of a successful registered nurse
Empathy is crucial for RNs, as it is important to treat patients facing medical challenges with compassion.
Other important qualities include:
- **Attention to detail:** Monitoring vital signs and other indicators can improve patient outcomes. - **Commitment to patient advocacy:** RNs prioritize safety and quality care, holding themselves and others to high standards. - **Strong communication skills:** Clear communication is essential for explaining health conditions and treatment plans to patients and their families, as well as collaborating with other healthcare providers.
### What do registered nurses do?
Being an RN offers a variety of responsibilities depending on your employer. Based on your department and specialization, you may manage other nurses or focus on patient care.
### A day in the life of a registered nurse
RNs have a dynamic work environment with varied tasks. Common responsibilities include:
- Administering medications and treatments - Assisting in medical procedures as part of a team - Developing patient care plans - Collecting samples and performing lab tests - Educating patients and their families and addressing their questions - Monitoring patient vitals and documenting progress - Providing wound and skin care
Some RNs may also handle administrative tasks or assist during surgeries, demonstrating the wide range of opportunities in this field.
### Common conditions treated by registered nurses
RNs manage a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Chronic illnesses - Conditions requiring hospitalization - Post-surgical recovery
### Where do registered nurses work?
Most RNs work in hospitals, with some in outpatient settings. They can also work in schools, government agencies, and care facilities. Starting with bedside care roles can provide valuable experience.
### What are specific types of registered nurses?
RNs can specialize based on interests and career goals. With an RN license, you can pursue roles like:
- Neonatal nurse - Cosmetic nurse - Critical care nurse - Medical-surgical nurse - Nurse case manager - Operating room nurse - Pediatric nurse - Public health nurse
### How do you become a registered nurse in 3 steps?
To become an RN, follow these steps involving education, experience, and certifications.
#### Step 1 – Become a registered nurse
First, obtain a degree that meets your career goals and pass a competency exam.
**Earn a degree**
You can choose an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many start with an ADN for hands-on experience before moving to an RN-to-BSN program. If you have a bachelor's in another field, an Accelerated BSN can be a fast option, taking about two years. Some opt for a four-year BSN program.
**Pass the NCLEX-RN exam**
Apply for the NCLEX-RN exam six weeks before graduation. It includes a set number of questions to be completed in a certain time. If unsuccessful, a waiting period is required before retaking it.
Topics on the NCLEX-RN include:
- Safe and effective care - Health promotion - Psychosocial integrity - Physiological integrity
#### Step 2 – Accumulate experience
After obtaining your RN license, gain practical experience in healthcare settings related to your specialty. For instance, aspiring operating room nurses should seek roles in surgical recovery.
**Helpful skills and experience**
The skills needed vary by nursing path. Aspiring pediatric RNs should find roles involving mentoring and pediatric care.
#### Step 3 – Obtain certifications
All nurses need basic life support certification, and some pursue Advanced Life Support certification. Specializing RNs need additional certifications to enhance their qualifications for advanced roles.
### What are additional requirements of registered nurses?
After obtaining your RN license and certifications, maintain and renew them as required to continue practicing. Most states require renewal every few years, often involving continuing education credits. Renewal schedules vary by certification and accrediting body.
### What are the salary and career outlooks for registered nurses?
RNs, especially those with advanced degrees, are in high demand and earn competitive salaries. The field is expected to grow, offering more opportunities for aspiring nurses.
### Job satisfaction
While burnout is a concern, RNs often report high job satisfaction.
### Next steps
RNs have many options for advancing their careers. You could pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a nurse educator or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for more autonomy. Seek advice from experienced professionals as you plan your career path.
