What Percentage Of Registered Nurses Get A Bachleor Degree

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A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and has then taken a test that is required to earn RN credentials. In other words, you can earn an ADN or BSN degree to become licensed as an RN.

What Is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Typically plant in hospitals, medical offices, and clinics, a registered nurse assists doctors and other nurses in providing critical care to patients.

As one of the most versatile roles in the nursing industry, registered nurses (RNs) are in loftier demand. Working equally an RN can exist incredibly rewarding and impactful, as well as a great stepping stone if you decide you want to accelerate your career.

Steps To Get a Registered Nurse

The path to becoming a registered nurse takes a fiddling time, but the journey is a rewarding one. Information technology's a fleck similar getting a driver's license in that you lot study and practice, take the test, and apply to go your license.

Decide if this career is right for you lot.

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A job as an RN comes with a lot of responsibility. No matter where y'all work or the type of nursing office you pursue, y'all'll likely exist working closely with patients. Yous'll need to be quick on your anxiety, approachable, and good with people.

Consummate your prerequisites.

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You'll need to accept a high school diploma or GED in order to apply for a nursing plan. Some schools will have students with a GPA of ii.five, while others require a iii.0 or higher. As you'd expect, the about in-demand schools require the highest GPAs.

Become your caste.

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Registered nurses demand to hold either an Acquaintance Caste in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to work every bit an RN. While about employers adopt to hire those with BSNs, earning an ADN tin be a adept way to get started in the nursing field with an teaching pathway that is more often than not quicker and less expensive. Entry-level classes include anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology. If y'all advance your education, you'll dive deeper into subjects like emergency care, nursing research, and population-based practice.

Take and pass the NCLEX.

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Post-obit graduation from an canonical program, all U.S.-based RNs must take and laissez passer the NCLEX exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The test is used to determine whether yous're prepared for entry-level nursing and includes a minimum of 75 questions. You'll answer upward to 265 questions if you lot haven't reached a passing score after the first round.

Questions on the examination cover topics such equally bones care and condolement, prevention and detection of disease, coping and adaptation, and pharmacological therapies. You can find sample tests online or in books, you can or take an NCLEX prep course through various schools and companies.

Get your RN license.

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Once you've passed the NCLEX exam, you lot tin can apply for RN licensure in the country where yous want to work. Each state has its own requirements, fees, and length of time that information technology takes to obtain a license, so yous'll need to exercise a little bit of inquiry. Another selection to consider is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This initiative allows nurses to get a multi-state license and practice in any state that is a fellow member of the alliance. There are 34 states that have enacted NLC legislation. The NLC is a particularly practiced option for RNs who call up they may want to pursue a career in travel nursing within the U.South.

First working as an RN.

nurse listening to girl's heart with stethoscope

Once you've been working for a while as an RN, y'all'll be able to figure out what you love—and what you don't love—about beingness an RN. You might decide to endeavor your mitt in a doctor's function or dispensary instead of a hospital. At present is your time to explore your options!

Keep up on your standing teaching requirements.

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How Long Does it Take to Get a Nursing Degree?

The time it takes to earn a nursing degree depends on the program you choose. An ADN volition likely have two years to complete, while a BSN typically takes four.

An ADN usually takes two years to complete; a BSN takes about four.

If you already agree an ADN and want to pursue a BSN, you may be able to do so in a shorter time than information technology would take to earn a typical bachelor'southward degree. Similarly, if you are already a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you tin can use your educational activity and experience equally a starting indicate to a higher paying task with more than responsibleness.

What Types of Jobs are Bachelor for RNs?

In that location are many roles registered nurses can make full, from pediatric nurses who see children for routine wellness exams to operating room nurses who help prep patients for surgery and assist the operating team during procedures.

Where Tin can RNs Work?

Most RNs work in hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, domicile healthcare services, and outpatient clinics. Just yous tin can also notice them in a number of other locations too, such as schools, churches, government offices, community centers, twenty-four hour period spas, and more.

How Much Money Do RNs Make?

The bacon of an RN can vary profoundly depending on their specialty, level of education and feel, boosted certification, and workplace location.

Salaries are besides dependent on where in the U.S. you live. Top-paying locations include California, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Alaska, and Oregon.