How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
College Admission, the NCLEX-RN Exam, and Finding a Nursing Job
Sep 27, 2009
Registered nurses have diverse roles in the medical setting. Many specialize in a specific area of medicine and are involved in direct patient care. Other registered nurses may seek advancement in hospital administration. Some registered nurses become nurse practitioners, who consult with and treat patients just as a family physician does. Nurse practitioners are often primary health care providers for many. They work closely with physicians and refer patients as needed.
Nursing has been facing a staffing shortage for many years, and that shortage is expected to continue. The following is an action plan for becoming a registered nurse.
Preparatory Education Before Nursing School
One must obtain a high school diploma or GED, because they are requirements for enrolling in a college program. An emphasis in science courses will create a strong background for higher education courses. Some nursing programs require one year of basic courses before applying to the program.
Entrance into nursing programs may be quite competitive. If one's high school or college grades need improvement, one must take additional courses to raise his or her grade point average. It may be necessary to consider retaking the courses in which a lower grade has been received, if possible.
Choosing a Nursing Program
There are different kinds of nursing programs from which to choose. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the most common degree program chosen and is available in community and private colleges. Some hospitals offer two- or three-year diploma programs. Both of these programs prepare nurses for direct patient care, working with patients in the hospital, for example.
A Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree is required for registered nurses in certain fields, like public health. It is also a requirement for those wishing to acquire a Masters of Science Nursing (MSN). Both the BSN and the MSN are desirable for hospital administration. The MSN is most often a requirement for those wishing to become Nurse Practitioners (NP).
All nursing programs will include basic college courses as well as science courses, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and patient care. There are also extensive nursing courses. Nursing theory will be more of a focus for the BSN and MSN programs.
Nursing Licensure
One must apply for a nursing license from the state board of nursing in the state of prospective employment, which can be found by viewing the Complete List of State Nursing Boards. The state board will determine eligibility for taking the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam for registered nurses.
It is necessary to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. Buying a study guide and considering taking review courses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN is strongly advised.
One must make an appointment to take the NCLEX-RN. Upon acceptance by the state board, the nursing candidate will receive an Authorization to Take the Test (ATT). He or she will also be provided with a list of testing centers and exam-related information including instructions.
One may retake the test as many times as possible in order to pass, but he or she must wait three months between tests, although individual state boards may have different requirements.
Finding a Job as a Nurse
Nursing candidates should begin their job searches three months prior to graduation. It may take this long for a hospital to select candidates for interviews. Job opportunities can be found by searching through newspapers, online job placement web sites, and hospital postings (usually in or near the Human Resources Department in the hospital). Resumes and cover letters should be submitted to potential employers. Applications are often filled out during the interview process.
The process of becoming a nurse can take two to five years with additional education going beyond that. It is important for nursing candidates to remember as much information as possible from coursework so they will be more prepared for the NCLEX-RN.
Related Articles
How to Become an MRI Technician
 |
