Ever been worried about how to become a registered nurse yourself? This content gives you the light to recognize the easy steps to achieving you lifelong dream and aspiration. Just as it is one thing to go to school and become a nurse, it also requires another process to reaching the point of getting yourself registered under the government of your state.
However, there some professional qualifications you need to get that before you become a registered nurse. Registered nurses, who are also called RNs, provide care to patients and assist other health care professionals, such as physicians, to ensure they have the support they need to do the best possible job.
Over the coming years, demand for health care workers is growing. And among health care workers, registered nurses make up the largest group of employees in the health care system. This is because of the responsibilities for which they are known in the medical space:
- Administering prescribed medications
- Inserting catheters
- Monitoring vital signs
- Creating patient care plans
- Documenting patient information
Certifications: Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse
Below are the list of what you can do to fully enjoy the bounty that comes with being an RN:
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National Nursing Licensure Examination
Earning your nursing license by passing a national nursing licensure examination (NCLEX) is pivotal in any nurse’s career. Without the correct credentials, individuals will not be able to practice nursing. Licensing requirements vary by state, nursing specialty, and occupation.
Most administrative branches of nursing programs would be able to provide assistance with how to obtain the correct licensure, but be sure you understand which examination you should be taking, as well. Here are three of the most popular examples of national exams:
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- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
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Earn State Licensing
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you will need to obtain a nursing license from the state in which you would like to practice. The exact requirements for obtaining licensure will vary from one state to another, so make sure to check with your state’s regulatory board to ensure that you meet all of them. If you hope to work in multiple states (or countries), you’ll need to be licensed in each state.
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Own Your Own Specialized Space with Required Certificates
Being a registered nurse may need you to specialize in a specific area or pursue an advanced degree. There are several ways you gain the required training and qualifications you’ll need to advance your career.
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- Board certification: RNs usually need two or more years of clinical experience in a specialty focus and to pass an exam. Popular specializations include oncology, pediatrics, neonatal, gerontology, cardiac nursing, and more. Earning certifications can give you a salary boost and make you a more marketable nurse.
- Advanced degree: You’ll likely need to earn a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP). Advancing and investing further in your education can lead to a substantial increase in your paycheck, while you might also achieve more fulfillment by advancing in your nursing career.
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Get Employment
After you’re properly educated and licensed, the only thing left to do is find a job. Fortunately, nursing is a rapidly growing field, expected to grow 15% by 2026 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s more than double the average national growth rate for all jobs.
It’s important to note that nursing has become a more popular profession, as well, so there will be healthy competition for open positions. Location and specific areas of nursing can have a lot to do with employment chances.
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Additional Training
For some this may not be necessary, but for others with specific career goals in mind, this may be a great option. In the field of nursing, much like other professional industries, further schooling often results in senior-level employment opportunities, higher salaries, and greater responsibility.
Fortunately, there are many options for advanced degrees in nursing.
