How To Become A Registered Nurse (RN)

Nursing is one of the fastest growing professions across the world and there are pretty bright future prospects for aspiring nurses. With remarkable shortage of nurses in almost every state in the US, there is a great room for nurses who want to practice nursing on long-term basis. Plus, the salaries and incentives that a practicing nurse enjoys is far from being deplorable. Before anything else, you need to know the steps needed to become a professional nurse.

Decide What Type Of Nurse You Want To Be

Nursing is a vast field of expertise and there are various roles and types of nurses that play their role in the industry. The most common career paths go by these titles: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Vocational Nurse, and Certified Medical Assistant.

Go To Nursing School/College And Get Degree

Once you have decided on the career path, it would be easier for you to find the relevant institution to complete your formal education. Majority of the nursing jobs required college degrees and you will need to study formally to be able to practice as a registered nurse. The most common nursing degrees include: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), Certificate of Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

Get Certified

Once you’re done with your studies, it is time to take certification exam passing which you would become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Certification is not mandatory for getting every job but it would be required in majority of states and you will have your chances of getting the right job lit up. It is, however, incumbent on advanced practices nurses such as nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners to be certified before landing a job.

Continue Your Job And Education

Once you have landed a job, continue practicing as a registered nurse. It would be nice if you continue towards advanced nursing education as well. This will add great value to your resume and career path. The more qualified the nurse, the higher paying salaries he/she will continue to get. 

How To Be A Registered Nurse (RN)