The unsung heroes of our society, nurses offer companionship and care to those sick or dying. Nurses take care of us when we are sick, injured, or dying. Nursing is demanding and challenging work. It can be heartbreakingly sad and frustrating, but it can also be deeply satisfying. When considering how to become a nurse, you need to take specific steps to fulfill your dreams.
Tips on How to Become a Nurse
Nursing is a gratifying career. As a nurse, you will be trained to save lives, provide medical care, and help people by promoting health and preventing illness within the community. It can provide a high level of job satisfaction and professional autonomy. If you want to become a nurse, you need to determine if this is the right career path.
Get Your Degree in Nursing
The first step of how to become a nurse is to earn a degree in nursing course from accredited institutions. Some states allow registered nurses to practice just with their associate degree in nursing. Recently, more states have required nurses to have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing to be licensed. A Bachelor’s degree widens your options significantly. You can also opt for the accelerated nursing program if you have a degree from another field.
Obtain a License by Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam
The next step of how to become a registered nurse is to start the licensure process. The process generally requires a graduate to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is administered by the National Council Licensure Examination. This test assesses your nursing knowledge and competence. Passing the exam will qualify you to get a state license.
Get Licensed in Your State
After passing the NCLEX-RN Exam, you can now apply to get licensed in the state of your choice. If you intend to work in border areas or in multiple states, you may be required to obtain separate licenses for those states. However, some states honor licenses from other states. You need to verify that your education meets all the requirements set by the state board of nursing.
Get Yourself a Job
As a registered nurse, you can operate independently as a licensed nurse in any hospital within the state where you live and work. You are in for great times as demand for RN’s is expected to grow by 16% in 2025.
Get Advanced Training
You can, however, opt to go for additional training so that you can specialize or work in different settings such as hospitals, schools, and even travel abroad. Additional training expands your options, flexibility, and pay. You can specialize in a specific specialty, or get a master’s or Doctorate degree in nursing.
How Long Does it Take to Become An RN?
This question is hard to answer because there are so many paths to becoming a registered nurse. Depending on where you start and the routes you will take, you will take 16 months to four years to be an RN.
How to become a nurse? Look for RN Programs near Me
Nursing is an amazing career choice and offers you tremendous job security. There are countless RN programs on how to become a nurse to choose from. But, first, you must look for accredited institutions offering quality training. You will then be set for your dream profession.