How To Become A Registered Nurse
There are a number of RN programs out there that will allow you to become a registered nurse quickly and fairly easily. People who would like to become registered nurses should follow these few easy steps for becoming an RN. It is a lot easier than you may think to become a registered nurse, and if you are serious about the commitment you should be able to be working as an RN in no time at all. The important thing is that you follow the advice given below carefully.
The first thing that you need to do in order to become a registered nurse is to gain access to an RN program. In order to gain access to an RN program you will need to have a high school diploma or GED. There are very few registered nurse programs out there that will accept you without one. If you don’t yet have a GED or high school diploma, then make sure that you focus on biology and chemistry when you start working towards earning them as this will help you a lot in your RN program.
You will then have to choose between the different RN programs on offer. You could for example do a 2 year Associate’s degree RN program, or you could choose the longer Bachelor’s degree RN program which could take anything up to 4 years to complete. This second program does of course prepare you better for work as an RN, and consequently you may want to consider this over an Associate’s degree. However an associate’s degree gets you into the workforce faster and allows you to start earning. You always have the option of completing the qualification and getting a Bachelor’s degree later.
At this point it may help to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various RN programs you can choose from. There are so many different registered nurse programs that can be useful to you in your path to becoming an RN and it really is essential that you take the time to consider all of the options available. We will briefly consider the various options available to you here in order to help you make a better decision when it comes down to deciding between the many different programs on offer:
- The first RN program we will consider is the Bachelor’s degree. This is one of the highest levels of education you can earn as a registered nurse and it is something that is well worth pursuing. As far as RN programs go, however, this is the most strenuous and time consuming method, and many nurses in fact choose to do a shorter qualification and start using, later going on to study further and get a Bachelor’s degree. Although this is the longest path to becoming an RN, it is the one that will open up the most doors for you in your career.
- One of the RN programs that nurses choose as a sort of intermediary step towards becoming an RN is an Associate’s degree, which has been mentioned already. Unlike the Bachelor’s degree this one only takes about two years to complete allowing you to enter the workforce more quickly. When looking at how to become a registered nurse it may be a good idea to start with an Associate’s degree and work your way up, especially as in many hospitals there are few differences between the duties of registered nurses that have completed a 4 year RN program or a 2 year RN program.
- A third option that is worth mentioning here is simply to become a Licensed practical nurse or LPN before going on to become a registered nurse. Many nurses use this short and quick course as a stepping stone to becoming a fully registered nurse later on. Once you are an LPN it is far easier to get into RN programs, and you may also find that you will even be able to complete a large portion of the coursework online, making the entire RN program a whole lot easier to get through.
The next thing that you will have to do in your quest towards becoming an RN is to choose an RN program. There are many registered nurse programs available, but you have to choose very carefully if you want to attain success as a registered nurse. There are a number of very important things that you have to look at when choosing between the many RN programs available and this is something that you cannot afford to compromise on if you want to be a good registered nurse when you enter the working field. Here are some of the more important things to consider:
- Location of School: Although the location of the RN program you are interested in can affect a number of things, such as your cost of transport, it is advised that you do not base your entire decision on this aspect, although it is something to take into consideration along with all of the other aspects mentioned below.
- The Cost of Tuition: One of the biggest hurdles for many in the process of becoming an RN is the cost of most registered nurse programs. For people that are in financial difficulties the cost is something you will have to consider, although it is important to remember that the cost of tuition does not always reflect that quality of the tuition. There are some RN programs that offer financial aid to their students, so if you are in need of financial aid, these are the registered nurse programs you should consider first and foremost above the other options in your area.
- Accreditation: It is very important that you make sure that the RN program you enrol in is in fact accredited with the State Board of Nursing for your State. When considering how to become a registered nurse it must be noted that if you graduated from an RN program that is not accredited you will be effectively wasting your time and your money, so make sure you take this into consideration when looking at registered nurse programs. There are a number of RN programs, especially online ones, which are not properly accredited, so make sure that you look into this very carefully.
- Coursework: The course work offered by the registered nurse programs you are considering is also important. You should try and compare the coursework offered in detail to the kind of questions you will get in the exam as well as to the kind of things that you will need to do once you are a registered nurse. A good RN program is one with comprehensive coursework, so make sure that you look at this aspect very, very closely. Coursework typically also involves clinical practice, especially if you do not already hold an LPN qualification, so make sure this is included.
- Clinical Facilities: In relation to the previous point it is impossible to become an RN if you have not completed the necessary clinical practice. In becoming an RN and considering registered nurse programs you also need to carefully consider the clinical facilities offered. As you need to do clinical training you will want to do it in the best facilities possible, so it is important that you take the time to tour the various facilities of the various registered nurse programs you are interested in and make sure that you are able to make the best decision in this regard.
- Preparation for the Exam: One of the important steps in how to become a registered nurse lies in the ability of the program you choose to prepare you for the exam. That’s right: if you want to finally qualify and work in the field of nursing you will have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and if you are not being properly prepared for that by your program, look elsewhere for tuition. Typically you can judge the quality of RN programs based on the number of passed pupils who have passed the NCLEX-RN exam. This is important so take the time required to look into this.
Once you have gotten as far as choosing from among the many registered nursing programs on offer you will need to work hard in order to successfully get through the program and become an RN. RN students who are the most successful at becoming RNs are those that work hard right from the beginning and that have a thorough understanding of all of the coursework offered simply because they listened well from the outset and did everything that was required of them to their utmost ability. RN programs require that you work hard. This is an unavoidable aspect of becoming an RN.
The next step in how to become an RN lies in your job application process. Now that you have gone through the program successfully and passed the exam you are ready to start looking into finding the perfect RN job for you. Make sure that you do some research here as well. Different institutions may require you to do slightly different things so it is best to try and find the place you’ll fit into the best. There is a shortage of nursing professionals at the moment, which means that you will find a job relatively easily.
Registered Nursing Schools
There are a number of different RN schools out there for you to choose from. Like mentioned earlier there are also different degrees you can do in order to become an RN. If you would like a comprehensive list of accredited RN programs that are available please take the time to visit http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/rnprograms.shtml. A comprehensive list of schools and colleges can be found here for anyone looking for how to become a registered nurse. Remember that your choice of school is extremely important so consider the options carefully and don’t rush to a decision.
Here are just a few of the schools that you will be able to choose form:
- University of Phoenix
- South University
- LA College
- Kaplan University
- Jones International University
- Virginia College
- Western Governors University
This is not an exhaustive list of your options, however.
Registered Nurse Information
Registered Nurse Salary
The salary of an RN is very good, and if you would like to compare RN salary by state have a look at this website that provides all of the information that you will need: http://www.rn-123.com/. If you are wondering whether or not it is a good idea to consider RN programs as your way forward, remember that this is a job that is both rewarding in the spiritual as well as in the financial sense and you can earn a very lucrative salary if you are willing and able to go through the process of how to become a registered nurse.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook
There are several job domains that are suffering shortages at the moment. Luckily for you the field of registered nursing is one of these domains. This is a good thing for you because it means that you will always be employed. Unlike other industries hat decline with the economy, the medical industry is one that will always be going strong, and therefore means job security. Consequently we feel that considering the many RN programs that are out there and finding out the answer to the question “What is a registered nurse?” will open your eyes to many new possibilities.
Cost Of Becoming An RN
There is no simple answer when considering how much RN programs cost. There are just so many factors to take into place. Like with most other things the cost of RN tuition will differ significantly depending on which state you are in. This means that you need to find out the specific facts and figures for you state. It also depends on the type of school you attend. For example if you attend a private institution it will cost much more than if you go to a community college. The quality of tuition will also differ, of course, but you need to look at all the options.
Advantages Of Being A Registered Nurse
There are several advantages involved in becoming a registered nurse, which may make looking into the various RN schools in your area more appealing. For one thing you will not be in danger of losing your job as the medical industry is one that simply cannot decline. Many programs can also be done while you continue to keep up with your full-time job. This is convenient for people who cannot afford to stop working in order to complete their studies. These are two of the more notable advantages.
Online RN Programs
There are a number of online RN programs that you may want to consider. However, if you do not already hold an LPN qualification you will need to engage in a lot of practical work in order to successfully complete your RN program. This is something that cannot be offered online, so you will probably have to find a place to do your practical work on your own. If you can do that you will find that online programs are a lot more convenient to get through and you will not have to stop your current job in order to study.
Registered Nurse Specialization
As an RN you will be able to specialize in many different areas according addictions, cardiology, critical care, emergency, forensic nursing, geriatrics, home health care, infusion, oncology, medical-surgical, pain management, pediatrics, Perioperative, psychiatric, radiology, and research. There is something for everyone when it comes to RN nursing and you will definitely be able to find your niche if you take the time to look for it. You also have the option of being a general RN. However specializing will increase your chances of being employed in specific fields whereas general RNs are a dime a dozen out there.
RN Coursework
In the coursework of most RN programs you will do Anatomy and Physiology, Behavioral Sciences, Chemistry, Epidemiology, Medical-Surgical Care, Microbiology, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Theory, Nutrition, Psychology, Research, and Science and Technology of Nursing. If you feel a little daunted by the prospect of studying these things remember that you will be taught from scratch and you will understand it by the end of your course. If however you feel that you are not interested in learning about one or more of these aspects you should perhaps reconsider the career as an RN as being the right one for you.
Summary Of Job Description
As a registered nurse you will have to be in charge of making sure that medical ethics are being upheld by other staffs in the hospital, of maintaining a record medical history of a patient, of providing emotional support for patients and their families and of providing assistance to doctors to help the patients. These are all things that will be touched on in most RN programs but it is helpful to have a basic understanding and skill for these sorts of things before you begin your career as an RN. If you have the necessary skills you will be a successful nurse.
Steps For Being A Great Registered Nurse
In order to be a great RN you should become familiar with the hospital setting very early on, get an advanced degree or certification, and maintain a positive attitude. These are things that you will have to do on your own initiative and that are not covered in RN programs. For example, you can be an RN without advanced certification, but if you have the advanced certification you will not only stand a higher chance of getting a great job but you will also be able to do your job a whole lot better. A positive attitude is a primary personality requirement for being a great RN so if you are not naturally positive this may not be the line of work for you.
A registered nurse is one who has "successfully completed an accredited nursing school program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam". Registered nurses make up a huge portion of the healthcare industry. In a hospital setting RN nurses have superiority over LPN nurses and therefore have a lot of power. RN programs prepare you for the long hours that you will work as a registered nurse. You may also be require to work evenings, nights, and even on weekends as the healthcare industry is one that can never afford to rest.
Registered nurses are involved in: