If you want to become a registered nurse, you’ll need a bachelors degree in nursing or an associate’s degree and a diploma from an approved nursing program.
A master’s degree is needed for advanced practice nurses such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists or nurse practitioners.
You must pass a national licensing exam called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a nursing license.
A master’s degree is needed for advanced practice nurses such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists or nurse practitioners.
You must pass a national licensing exam called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a nursing license.
Related Registered Nurse Programs
What does a registered nurse do?
Regardless of which specialty, registered nurses (RN) treat and educate patients about various medical conditions. They record medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests, operate equipment, administer medications and assist in follow-up programs and rehabilitation.
RNs get involved with patients and their families in learning how to manage illnesses and injuries. They provide instruction on home care needs like diet, nutrition, and exercise programs.
When they care for patients, RNs set up care plans or assist on an existing plan. The plans may include medication administration, managing IV fluid lines, administering therapies and treatments, recording observations about the patients and consulting with doctors.
What kind of education does a registered nurse need?
A bachelor’s degree in nursing will take about four years to complete.
As a nursing student, you’ll take a combination of classroom instruction and a supervised clinical experience in a healthcare facility.
You’ll take coursework in psychology, chemistry, microbiology, physiology, anatomy and other classes in behavioral science.
The clinical work you must take to receive a nursing degree is usually provided in hospital departments like surgery, maternity, pediatrics or psychiatry. Some programs will have you take the clinical in a nursing care facility, public health department or ambulatory clinics
Continuing education is required in some states to maintain your nursing license.
How much does a registered nurse earn?
Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that median annual salaries for registered nurses are at around $62,450.
Where can a registered nurse work?
Registered nurses make up the largest portion of jobs in the healthcare occupation. About 60% of RN jobs are in hospitals. RNs also work in home care, nursing homes, clinics, schools and doctors offices.