Pursuing a career as an RN?

How to Become a Registered Nurse
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Education
Nursing education programs usually include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree programs, like programs in some other healthcare and related fields, typically take 4 years to complete; associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and associate of science in nursing (ASN) degrees also typically take 4 years to complete. Diploma programs, usually offered by hospitals or medical centers, typically take 2 to 3 years to complete. There are far fewer diploma programs than there are BSN, ADN, and ASN programs. All programs include supervised clinical experience.
In addition to science courses, bachelor’s degree programs usually include education in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. A bachelor’s or higher degree is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching.
Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of education programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. However, employers—particularly those in hospitals—may require a bachelor’s degree.
Registered nurses with an ADN, ASN, or diploma may go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and accelerated programs for those who wish to enter the field of nursing and already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement.
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) must earn a master’s degree in nursing and typically already have 1 year or more of work experience as an RN or in a related field. CNSs who conduct research typically need a doctoral degree.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Registered nurses must have a nursing license issued by the state in which they work. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Other requirements for licensing, such as passing a criminal background check, vary by state. Each state’s board of nursing provides specific requirements. For more information on the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Nurses may become certified through professional associations in specific areas, such as ambulatory care, gerontology, or pediatrics. Although certification is usually voluntary, it demonstrates adherence to a specific level of competency, and some employers require it.
In addition, registered nursing positions may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification.
CNSs must satisfy additional state licensing requirements, such as earning specialty certifications. Contact state boards of nursing for specific requirements.
Important Qualities
Critical-thinking skills. Registered nurses must assess changes in the health status of patients, such as determining when to take corrective action.
Communication skills. Registered nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients in order to understand their concerns and evaluate their health conditions. Nurses need to clearly explain instructions, such as how to take medication. They must work in teams with other health professionals and communicate patients’ needs.
Compassion. Registered nurses should be caring and empathetic when working with patients.
Detail oriented. Registered nurses must be precise because they must ensure that patients get the correct treatments and medicines at the right time.
Emotional stability. Registered nurses need emotional resilience and the ability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stressors.
Organizational skills. Nurses often work with multiple patients who have a variety of health needs. The ability to coordinate numerous treatment plans and records is critical to ensure that each patient receives appropriate care.
Physical stamina. Nurses should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as lifting patients. They may be on their feet for most of their shift.
Advancement
Most registered nurses begin as staff nurses in hospitals or community health settings. With experience, good performance, and continuing education, they can move to other settings or be promoted to positions with more responsibility.
In management, nurses may advance from assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or head nurse to more senior-level administrative roles, such as assistant director or director of nursing, vice president of nursing, or chief nursing officer. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions require a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration. Administrative positions require leadership skills, communication ability, negotiation skills, and good judgment.
Some nurses move into the business side of healthcare. Their nursing expertise and experience on a healthcare team equip them to manage ambulatory, acute, home-based, and chronic care businesses. Employers—including hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and managed care organizations—need registered nurses for jobs in health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance.
Some RNs may become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners, which, along with clinical nurse specialists, are types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs need a master’s degree but many have a doctoral degree. APRNs may provide primary and specialty care, and in many states they may prescribe medications.
Other nurses work as postsecondary teachers or researchers in colleges and universities, which typically requires a Ph.D.
Content shared from US Bureau of Labor and Statistics
OR Nurses Returning to Full Capacity, plus Backlog
By Debra Wood, RN, contributor In the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governors ordered elective surgeries postponed to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE)…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Nurture Their Emotional Health
Article Shared from TravelNursing.com By Jennifer Larson, contributor “How are you feeling?” If the truthful answer to this question is something along the lines of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why BSNs are Important
Article shared from TravelNursing.com Cost vs. reward still a factor for BSN-prepared nurses By Debra Wood, RN, contributor When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
8 Fast-growing Travel Nurse Specialties
This article is sourced from TravelNursing.com. With a nursing shortage compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven thousands of nurses from the bedside, many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Prolyn
PROLYN’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was a psychology student who was extremely interested in medicine. I wanted to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Alora
ALORA’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College, I was working as an EMT and a CNA. I really loved the work I was doing,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Tina
TINA’S STORY “I had been working in real estate for 20 years when I decided to take my excellent, customer service skills into the medical…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Caroline
CAROLINE’S STORY “I originally began my healthcare career working as a CNA/Medication Technician. I really enjoy helping others, especially the elderly. I wanted to expand…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Pursuing a career as an RN?
How to Become a Registered Nurse Registered nurses must be able to effectively communicate with patients to understand their concerns and assess their health conditions.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Next Generation NCLEX-RN
With new changes to the NCLEX going into effect in April, it is imperative students and educators are prepared as the nursing shortage continues to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Ryan
RYAN’S STORY “I started out working as a personal trainer but knew becoming a nurse was my ultimate goal. Helping people has always been the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Julianne
JULIANNE’S STORY “Previously, I was working as a CNA at an adult family home. I wanted to increase my skill set and employment opportunities, so…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Sydnee
SYDNEE’S STORY “Before apply to Sumner College’s ADN program, I had completed their LPN program and was working at an assisted living facility. I’ve wanted…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Gloria
GLORIA’S STORY “Before attending Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was employed as a Clinical Specialist for VeiMed Healthcare. Since I can remember, I have…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Lowell
LOWELL’S STORY “Before applying to Sumner College, I was working in Residential Construction. I really like to help people. I chose Sumner College because of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Camila
CAMILA’S STORY "Before applying to Sumner College’s ADN program, I was working as a Medical Assistant at The Vancouver Clinic. I really wanted to expand…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College’s NEW Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Sumner College has launched its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program — featuring a Clinical Simulation Lab and a new…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
January Student of the Month: Hamza Bagala, LPN
Hamza was selected by Sumner College faculty and staff for the January Student of the Month. Some of the reasons was was selected include: "Hamza…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Top Paying Nursing Jobs
Article Shared from DiversityNursing.com Whether you are considering a career in Nursing or are a Nurse looking to switch pathways, something to consider is salary. Many factors…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Secure The Spot For Most Trusted Profession 22nd Time In A Row
Article shared from DiversityNursing.com. The Gallup polls are in and for more than two decades, Nurses have achieved the highest ethics rating from Americans. According to the findings, the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Travel Phlebotomist Jobs Growing at a rate of 17% through 2029
Content for this article is shared form AMN Healthcare | Club Staffing . Growth for Phlebotomy careers is much faster than the average for all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Where do Registered Nurses Work?
RN Work Environment Registered nurses work in many settings, from schools to doctors' offices. Registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2021. The largest…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Presidents Day
Sumner College is closed today in honor of Presidents Day.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
February 18th is Critical Care Transport Nurses Day
The Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association sponsors the annual Critical Care Transport Nurses Day which takes place on February 18th each year. This day…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Info Sessions
Interested in learning more about the BSN program at Sumner College? Schedule a FREE BSN Info Session online at www.sumnercollege.edu. Reserve your spot today -…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Sumner College
Sumner College now offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing! The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program is the only program in Oregon…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Valentine’s Day from Sumner College! Gift ideas for Valentine’s Day to honor the nurses in your life
Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Nurses Full Time Nurse's February 2nd blog has some suggested ideas for honoring the nurse in your life for Valentine's…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Ambulatory Care Nursing Week is February 6-12
Ambulatory Care Nurses are critical thinkers, leaders, communicators, listeners, courageous, caregivers, and so much more. Join us to celebrate and support them! This celebration takes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What Color Tubes Are Used for Which Tests in Phlebotomy
Tube Colors And What They Mean The various tube colors phlebotomists use denote specific types of draws. The tube color refers to the color of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Registered Nursing – Occupational Outlook
The field of nursing is an occupation that has exploded in recent years and is poised for continued impressive growth. According to the Bureau of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn