Registered Nurse (RN)
How to Become a Registered Nurse
The majority of Registered Nurses work in hospitals, but many work in community and wellness centers, patients' homes, rehabilitation clinics, and nursing care facilities as well.
Registered Nurse Education Programs
There are three types of nursing education programs that lead to a registered nurse (RN) license:
- Diploma program
- Associate degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN)
Diploma programs are hospital programs that usually take three years. ADN programs are offered by community and junior colleges and take two or three years. BSN programs are college programs and usually take four years.
What are a Registered Nurse's responsibilities?
A registered nurse's responsibilities include:
- Treating patients
- Keeping patient records
- Administering medications
- Assisting with medical tests
- Operating medical equipment
- Providing advice, education, and support
- Supervising staff members
- Running public health events such as blood drives
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs
Although the BSN requires greater time and expense, it gives you more opportunities in your career as a registered nurse to advance in administration or the nursing specialties. For example, you must have a bachelor's degree to apply to the master's degree programs that are required for the advanced practice specialties. A BSN degree also generally makes you eligible for higher pay.
NCLEX-RN: Nursing License Required
You must be licensed to be a registered nurse (RN). To obtain a license, you must complete an accredited nursing program and pass a national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN. As a registered nurse, you will have to renew your license periodically, sometimes by taking continuing education.
Nursing Degree Scholarships
A number of federal, private, and nonprofit organizations offer nursing and healthcare scholarships. Read more about nursing scholarships here:
Get matched to a Nursing degree program
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor