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

A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional licensed by a state board of nursing in the United States to provide patient care. These professionals pursue programs like an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to pursue their licensure. This often varies from state to state. Registered nurses can easily work in multiple professions, including, but not limited to, addiction, cardiovascular, and medical-surgical nursing. Ready to start a career that makes a difference? Let’s learn further how to become a registered nurse in detail.

Read More: How To Become a Pediatric Registered Nurse?

Steps to Become a Registered Nurse

 Learn relevant steps to guide you on your journey to becoming a registered nurse.

Earn Your Degree

To become a registered nurse, you must earn a degree from a recognized institution. However, the degree you pursue and the time it takes to complete it often depend on where you intend to work.

RNs usually need to earn their associate’s degree in nursing to practice in some states. Several other states in the U.S. require registered nurses (RNs) to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) to obtain their license. Moreover, individual employers may require a bachelor’s degree to consider a new hire, even in states that do not require any qualification for licensure.

Pass the NCLEX Exam

Sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, known as the NCLEX or NCLEX-RN exam, once you’ve completed your degree. 

The NCLEX tests your knowledge in key areas of nursing to ensure that you are always prepared for the challenges of the job. However, you will need to pass the exam to get your state licensure. You will need to wait 45 days before you can take it again if you don’t pass the NCLEX on your first attempt.

Obtain Your State Licensure

You must obtain state nursing licensure in the state that you wish to practice in after you’ve successfully passed the NCLEX exam. If you live in a border area or would like to work in multiple states, you must obtain a license from each state. This specifically applies unless the states specifically honor the license of those other jurisdictions.

Each state has its own unique requirements for registered nurses, so check with the relevant board for further confirmation.

Seek Advanced Training

You will officially be a registered nurse once you have received your state license. There are several opportunities to advance in your nursing career.

You may earn a nursing certification that signifies your ability in a specific field. Some popular options include oncology, neonatal, gerontology, pediatrics, and more. This also involves seeking additional qualifications, such as continuing education programs, to meet the requirements for part-time versus full-time RN roles. These certifications can help you increase your salary and attract multiple employers.

Read More: Scope of Practice: Nurse Practitioner vs. Registered Nurse

Who is a Registered Nurse?

A Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional trained to provide direct care to patients in a variety of settings. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting in treatments, and educating patients and their families about health conditions and care plans.

RNs work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and community health centers. Some specialize in areas like pediatrics, emergency care, or cardiology. Others may care for patients during routine check-ups or assist those with long-term health conditions.

To become an RN, a person must complete an approved nursing program, either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Each state also has specific licensing requirements.

RNs are required to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to keep their licenses active. CEUs help RNs stay up to date with medical advancements, refine their clinical skills, and continue delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.

Types of Registered Nurses

The following table showcases relevant details of registered nurses in the country: 

What Do Registered Nurses Do?

Registered nurses provide patient care and support other medical professionals, such as physicians, to improve patient outcomes. Currently, these professionals make up the largest group of employees in the U.S. healthcare system.

Here is an overview of the roles and responsibilities fulfilled by registered nurses across healthcare systems:

Clinical Responsibilities 

Registered nurses play a key role in delivering direct patient care and ensuring that standards are met in healthcare settings. Their clinical responsibilities are focused on the following activities: 

Patient Assessment

RNs conduct initial assessments to gather patients' health histories and identify health concerns. They also routinely monitor key signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to track the patient's condition and detect any abnormalities.

Direct Patient Care

RNs administer medications orally, intravenously (IV), or via other methods. This helps them ensure correct dosages and monitor for side effects or adverse reactions. They also care for patients with wounds, burns, or surgical incisions by applying dressings, monitoring for infection, and ensuring proper healing.

Treatment Procedures

RNs assist physicians and specialists during medical procedures. They prepare patients, sterilize equipment, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Some RNs are trained to perform specific tasks, such as taking blood samples, performing catheterizations, or providing emergency support with ventilators. 

Emergency Care

These professionals are trained to act quickly in emergencies and provide life-saving interventions, such as CPR and first aid. RNs can easily stabilize patients until more advanced medical help is available.

Administrative Responsibilities

Registered nurses also carry a set of important administrative responsibilities that contribute to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. These include:

Patient Documentation and Record-Keeping

RNs are responsible for documenting a patient's health information, including assessments, treatments, medications, and progress notes. Many healthcare facilities use EHR systems, and registered nurses enter patient data into these systems to ensure easy access to a patient's history.

Coordination of Care

RNs help create and implement patient care plans that outline medical treatments, medications, and nursing interventions tailored to each patient's needs. They also communicate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that all aspects of a patient's care are coordinated. 

Supervision of Nursing Staff

Registered nurses often supervise and delegate tasks to nursing assistants (CNAs) and other lower-level nursing staff. They ensure that care standards are upheld and that tasks are completed effectively. These professionals also train and mentor new nurses and nursing students, helping them develop the key skills needed to succeed in their roles.

Read More: Essential Skills Every Registered Nurse Should Master

Where Do Registered Nurses Work?

Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings across the United States. These include:

• Hospitals.

• Doctors’ offices.

• Outpatient clinics.

• Schools.

• Community health centers.

• Nursing and residential care facilities.

• Private homes (home health care).

Registered Nurse Salary in the U.S.

You must know what is the registered nurse salary in the USA to understand the scope of this job role. The average annual salary of a registered nurse in the United States is currently $1,02,965 per year. Moreover, the estimated additional pay for these professionals is $12,917. 

Let’s delve into the details of the registered nurse salary by state in the table below.

Earn Certifications to Become a Registered Nurse

Registered nurse is a rewarding career in the United States if you have the correct degree or certification to prove your credentials. Be a part of the larger healthcare system in the country by learning how to become a registered nurse. This involves earning some additional certifications for RNs that enable you to acquire more knowledge and skills in this field. If you’ve already made up your mind about building a career as a registered nurse, contact LearnTastic for the best courses and certifications now. 

FAQS 

1. What is the quickest path to becoming an RN? 

The quickest way to become a registered nurse is by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. This usually takes around two years to finish and allows you to enter the workforce as an RN more quickly than a longer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. 

2. How long does it take to become a registered nurse in the States?

You can become a registered nurse in two years, but several employers in the United States prefer nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This particular degree often takes four years to complete.

3. What is a 2-year nursing degree called?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a two-year nursing degree that prepares you to become a registered nurse in the United States. 

4. Is it hard to be a registered nurse?

No, it's not hard; becoming a registered nurse is achievable with dedication and the right training. While it requires hard work and commitment, the process is manageable, and the rewards are well worth it. 

References

1. https://www.regiscollege.edu/blog/nursing/how-to-become-a-registered-nurse

2. https://nursinglicensemap.com/nursing-specialties/registered-nurse/