How to Become a Registered Nurse: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registered nurses (RNs) offer patient care and help other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, ensure they have the resources they need to execute their jobs effectively. The demand for healthcare personnel will expand in the future.  According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare occupations are predicted to rise by 13% between 2021 and 2031, with about 1.9 million job openings per year across the decade. Amidst all the increasing demands, registered nurses are the most commonly preferred healthcare professional.

If you want to learn how to become a registered nurse and start a rewarding career in healthcare with a promising future, this article is the best place to start. You will learn everything you need to do to become an RN, as well as more about the profession's income and career outlook.

Who is a Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare practitioner who collaborates with doctors and other professionals to provide you with the best possible treatment. RNs conduct a variety of activities, including physical exams, discussing your symptoms, and teaching you about a problem or treatment plan. For instance, an RN can opt to focus on working in emergency rooms or providing care for patients with cardiovascular disease.

RNs work in hospitals, medical offices, and a variety of other locations. They often undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Assessing patients' health state involves examining their vital signs, doing physical exams, and noting their medical history.

• Developing and implementing nursing care plans for patients, including prescription administration and wound care.

• Administering therapies that physicians prescribe.

• Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and social workers, to coordinate patient care.

• Advocating for patients and their families to ensure that they receive high-quality care and treatment.

• Monitor and record patient progress and results, and communicate changes or concerns to physicians.

• Offering emotional support and counselling to patients and their families.

• Participate in patient education programs to promote healthy living and illness prevention.

• Maintaining ethical and legal norms in the nursing profession.

Read more: The Importance of Online Life Support Certification for Nurse Practitioners

How To Become A Registered Nurse? 

With a rapid rise in the demand for healthcare professionals, becoming a registered nurse can open a range of opportunities for you in terms of employment, salary expectations and more. Consider the steps below to understand how to become a registered nurse:

• Complete upper secondary education. 

One of the crucial steps to become an RN is first to complete your upper secondary school. To efficiently prepare for nursing entrance exams, use the biology-mathematics program in grades 10+1 and 10+2. Achieving above-average grades in biology, chemistry, and mathematics will help you secure admission to prominent nursing institutions.

Read More - The Importance of Continuing Education for Registered Nurses

• Pursue a nursing degree or diploma study.

Another critical RN education requirement is to hold a diploma or professional degree in nursing. After passing the 10+2 board exams, you can pursue a diploma course. Alternatively, you might pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing from a reputable institution or university. 

• Pass the nursing council admission test. 

The RN education timeline account for about 6 years. After finishing the course, you should prepare for state and national admission exams. These examinations are conducted by state nursing councils and the Indian Nursing Council (INC). The exams assess your nursing knowledge and abilities and are often administered in the form of a written test or an online exam.

• Sign up with a state nursing council.

After passing the entrance examination, register with the nursing council in the state where you live and practice. Registration is a key step in the RN certification process. This is required to join a state-level registration of nurses and find work in local healthcare. 

A state council registration allows you to practice as a nurse in both the private and public sectors. The registration procedure entails providing your educational credentials, proof of identification, and other necessary papers. 

• Obtain a license from the INC. 

After enrolling with the state nursing council, apply for an INC license. The INC is a public regulating agency that oversees nursing education and practice. Obtaining this license is required to practice as an RN in healthcare facilities.

• Create a CV that highlights your qualifications and credentials.

A good resume for an RN position should highlight essential information about your educational background, nursing experience, and skills. Begin with a brief, objective statement that emphasizes your professional ambitions and the value you can add to a healthcare organization. 

Create a separate area to list your nursing abilities, such as patient care, medication administration, and wound care. In addition, give a full account of your work history, including your RN education timeline, the names of the healthcare institutions where you worked, your duties, and your accomplishments. Highlight any applicable qualifications or professional development courses that illustrate your dedication to continuous learning and growth in the industry. 

Apply for RN opportunities.

Among the critical steps to become an RN is applying for RN opportunities. However, you must consider a few points before applying for any roles: 

1. Look into healthcare institutions and organizations whose activities match your professional interests and career objectives.

2. Customize your CV and cover letter to meet the exact job criteria.

3. Consider using keywords from the job description in your application materials.

Employers might utilize an application tracking system (ATS) to expedite the recruiting process. An ATS scans applications for keywords from the job description, so including them in your papers may help you get through this step of the process. 

Consider examining the employer's website for information about the organization's culture and goal, as well as material relevant to the position you are applying for and its duties. You may also network with other nurses and healthcare professionals to learn about new job openings and possibilities in this field. 

Start practicing as an RN.

Once you have received your license, passed the recruiting procedure, completed the RN certification process and attended orientation and training, you can begin working as an RN at a healthcare facility. Depending on your interests, you might work as a registered nurse in hospitals, clinics, or at home. Some nurses may also be able to work remotely as part of medical camps or health and development projects.

Read more - Essential Skills Every Registered Nurse Should Master

Conclusion

In the healthcare system, registered nurses (RNs) are essential because they give patients compassionate treatment and have a beneficial influence on their lives. Learning how to become a registered nurse is a good idea to step into this lucrative and exciting job that allows you to touch the lives of others positively. 

Becoming an RN involves commitment, lifelong learning, and a sincere desire to deliver top-notch care. A career as a registered nurse can be ideal for you if you're passionate about helping people and want to change the healthcare industry.