Registered Nurse
Provide comprehensive patient care, administer medications, coordinate treatment plans, and educate patients across diverse healthcare settings.
| Median Salary | $93,600 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +6%Very Good |
| Education | Associate Degree |
| Time to Start | 2-4 years |
Work Settings
- •Hospitals (ICU, ER, Med-Surg, Operating Room)
- •Outpatient clinics and physician offices
- •Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
- •Home health care
- •Schools
- •Public and community health organizations
- •Telehealth services
- •Rehabilitation centers
- •Mental health facilities
Primary Duties
- •Assess patient conditions by monitoring vital signs, observing symptoms, and conducting physical examinations
- •Develop, implement, and modify individualized patient care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team
- •Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
- •Maintain accurate and detailed medical records, documenting all aspects of patient care
- •Educate patients and families about health conditions, medications, treatment plans, and self-care techniques
- •Coordinate patient care by communicating with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals
- •Provide emotional support and advocacy for patients and their families
- •Oversee and delegate tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
How to Become Registered Nurse
Complete prerequisite coursework
Complete required courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, psychology, and statistics with grades of 'C' or better
Duration: 12 months
Complete nursing program
ADN programs take 2-3 years, traditional BSN takes 4 years, or accelerated BSN takes 12-18 months for career changers
Duration: 48 months
Apply for state licensure
Submit application to state board of nursing, complete criminal background check and fingerprinting, pay application fee ($143 in New York)
Duration: 24 months
Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
State board verifies eligibility and issues ATT, allowing you to schedule the NCLEX-RN exam
Duration: 24 months
Take and pass NCLEX-RN exam
Register with Pearson VUE, schedule exam at testing center, and pass the computer adaptive test (minimum 75 questions)
Duration: 24 months
Receive RN license and begin practice
State board issues license after passing NCLEX-RN, allowing you to work as a licensed Registered Nurse
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
Most states require RNs to complete continuing education units (CEUs) for license renewal, typically every 2-3 years. The specific number of hours varies by state, but generally ranges from 15-30 contact hours per renewal period. Specialty certifications like CCRN, CEN, and OCN also require periodic recertification through continuing education and/or re-examination. Many employers provide opportunities for ongoing professional development, and some offer tuition assistance for RNs pursuing BSN or advanced degrees.
Certifications & Licenses
- •NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination - required for all RNs)
- •State RN License (required)
- •Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
- •Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- •Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
- •Certified Nurse, Operating Room (CNOR)
- •Registered Nurse Certified (RNC) in various subspecialties
Citations
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