Skip to content

Pursuing a Career as a 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.

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

Learn more about Registered Nursing:

Seven Highly Effective Habits for Nursing Students

Nursing school is challenging, whether you’re a new student or a seasoned professional in an RN to BSN. Between the volume of material to cover, the hours of studying to understand it all and learning to care for patients, nursing students have to work hard to stay on top of it all.

The good news is that it is possible to do a great job in nursing school and still have time for family, friends and fun. Making these seven habits a part of your life can make you a more effective – and successful – nursing student, no matter what stage you’re in.

Habit 1: Manage Your Time

There’s a reason this is the first habit to master: it’s the most important! Balancing classes, studying, work, family obligations and a personal life takes some serious planning.

Break each day into blocks of time and then decide what’s the most important thing for each block. For example, you know you need time to sleep. Will you manage to get eight hours every day? Or should you plan for seven? Proper sleep is the foundation for a healthy, stress-free nursing school experience, so don’t skimp on it.

Schoolwork is the next important chunk for nursing school students. Tests, papers, and important assignments all require a certain amount of study time. Plan ahead and block out sufficient study time every day. Try not to let it get away from you.

Working nurses who are studying for a BSN or MSN need to become experts at balancing school, studying and their shifts, often while caring for family members.

That’s where strict scheduling helps.

Enlist your family to keep a master calendar so everyone knows when you’re working, going to class and studying. And be sure to schedule some free time for the things you like to do, whether it’s working out, reading, listening to music or spending time with your family. That balance will help you get through the rigors of nursing school.

Habit 2: Study Smart

Some people can cram for a test and make it work. But in nursing, you really have to understand the material and how to apply it in real-world situations. You’ll be using your reasoning skills to apply the right choices to different conditions, and not choosing between answers “A” or “B” on a test. That’s why you need to study smart. Try these ideas to make your study time work more effectively for you:

  • Study effectively. Don’t spend four hours on something that should really take two. Try dividing a four-hour study block into four, one-hour study segments, and space them out a bit. You’ll probably comprehend the material much better and finish faster.
  • Avoid distractions. When you sit down to study, put away any books, materials and devices that you don’t need. Avoid the temptation to check your texts or social media.
  • Review classwork ahead of time. Read through text before you get to class.
  • Practice. When you finish a section of reading, run through some practice test questions. See if you can answer them without your notes.
  • Give yourself enough time. Most students underestimate the amount of time it will take to finish an assignment, study or write a paper. Be realistic.

Habit 3: Ask for Help

This is a tough one! For most of us, asking for help seems like a sign of weakness or failure, but it’s not. Seek out someone who’s been in your nursing shoes, and can offer advice or just listen. They’ll help you get through the difficult spots.

Habit 4: Focus

Now more than ever, nursing students are multi-tasking. It’s so easy to get distracted by a message or alert, and get way off track. The fact is that almost no one is good at multi-tasking. So try to focus on one thing at a time. Eliminate distractions by organizing your study space, and turn off your phone, TV and music. When you focus on studying, you’ll finish faster, leaving more time for catching up on social media and your favorite shows.

Habit 5: Make Realistic Goals

Keep it real, and you’ll be much more successful in reaching your goals. Sure, it would be great to study for eight hours over the weekend, but is it really possible? Can you aim for four and make that happen? How about setting daily goals like covering one major section and one smaller chapter? You’ll feel better about yourself when you make and reach smaller goals along the way to the big goal – your BSN or MSN degree.

Habit 6: Be Proactive

Planning ahead and staying on top of your assignments will save you lots of time, and prevent a rush to complete everything right before the end of the term. Also, take the initiative to ask questions of your instructors. Find out early about their standards and preferences, and you’ll complete assignments right the first time.

Habit 7: Reward Yourself

With all the challenges of nursing school, it’s not easy to do your best over the long haul. You will probably get tired of studying when you’d rather be spending time with your family or friends. That’s when it’s time to set a goal and reward yourself when you reach it. Getting into the habit of motivating yourself, controlling your behavior and doing something nice for yourself will take you far, both in nursing school and in your career.

These 7 Habits Can Make Nursing School Better

Creating good habits can make nursing school much easier, no matter how challenging it can be. Managing your time, being proactive, rewarding yourself, studying smart, focusing and asking for help will keep you happy and healthy while you earn that degree. Also, consider online nursing programs, which are designed for working professionals, and allow you to attend classes as your schedule permits.

Content shared from Daily Nurse.

Learn more:

Speciality Nursing

Once you’re a Registered Nurse (RN), you can take your career in so many new directions by specializing in an area you enjoy, with endless

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Paying for Nursing School

Many resources exist to assist nursing students with the cost of nursing school, from federal student aid (FAFSA) to scholarships and grants. Loan repayment programs

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Nurses Transforming Healthcare

Nurses Transforming Healthcare --Nurses are innovators, leaders, scientists, and fierce patient advocates, improving healthcare and patient outcomes across communities and in various settings every day.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Jobs for RNs will increase 15% by 2026

Registered nurses are highly sought after across the US. Find out which states offer the most job opportunities and highest salaries. https://nursing.jnj.com/where-to-work/      

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Fast-Paced, Team-Based: The Exciting Possibilities of Perioperative Nursing

Johnson & Johnson nursing discusses perioperative nursing.  Is perioperative nursing for you? Perioperative or operating room (OR) nurses provide patient-focused care in a variety of

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Why Become a Nurse?

Nurses are leaders, innovators, and fierce patient advocates Content shared from Johnson & Johnson Nursing A career in nursing is one of the most dynamic,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

How to succeed in college – Oregon Goes to College

You may find college different from high school in many ways. Our partners at Oregon Goes to College have shared the following tips on preparing

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

November is College Application Month – Oregon Goes to College

The Oregon Goes to College Website helps you navigate the college application process. Learn what you need to do to apply for college: 📝 Be prepared

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Open doors to advanced nursing employment

Do you have an associate’s degree? Do you aspire to advance your career in the field of healthcare? If you answered yes, then the RN

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Transfer up to 25% of your college-level credits from other institutions

Choosing the right BSN program can shape your future in nursing. At Sumner College, we value the effort you've put into your education. We allow

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

What makes Sumner College standout?

Are you passionate about nursing and eager to dive into a rewarding career? At Sumner College, our Practical Nursing Program is designed to fast-track your

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

SUMNER COLLEGE STUDENT OF THE MONTH: AUGUST 2023

Congratulations to LPN student, Sarah, for being awarded the Student of the Month for August, 2023. Sarah is inspired by an unwavering passion to help

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

November BSN Info Sessions Now Open

We are committed to helping every student make the right choice for their career. Part of our admission requirement is for you to attend a

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

For Healthcare to Work, It Takes Nurses – Johnson & Johnson

Join us in recognizing, celebrating, and supporting the irreplaceable value and impact that nurses bring to healthcare, every day. Proudly Advocating for, Elevating and Empowering

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

You Know You’re a Pediatric Nurse When…

It’s easy to pick a pediatric nurse out of a crowd — just look for the Elmo strapped to their stethoscope and the SpongeBob characters covering

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October can feel different for each of us — some wear pink to celebrate, some quietly observe the month, some feel grief, and some feel

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Fun Facts About Nursing

Article shared from NurseTogether Becoming a registered nurse is the ultimate goal for a lot of men and women looking to enter the medical field.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet

The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Careers at Sumner – We are Hiring

Sumner College is looking for a few exceptional people to fill positions at the nursing school. The following jobs have just been posted and will

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

November BSN Info Sessions – Now Open

Sumner College is accepting applications for BSN, LPN and RNBSN classes. If you want to jump-start your #career in nursing, register to attend one of the

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Spirit Week

It's time to get your spirit on at Sumner College. We've planned a week of activities for our nursing students. Special events are sprinkled throughout

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Welcome New Nursing Students

Welcome to our new BSN, LPN and RNtoBSN students starting this month on their journey to becoming a nurse.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Unlock your Success with the RN to BSN Program, Online

Are you a working RN and considered earning your BSN? Look no further than Sumner College's RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN is

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Benefits of Going to College

Education or training beyond high school is important. A college degree gives you more opportunities and a better life. "The purpose of college is not

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Going Back to School to be a Registered Nurse

Want to change careers? See how becoming a registered nurse offers a relatively quick option for professionals to jumpstart a new, fulfilling career. In 2019,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

College Prep for High School Seniors

Parents - Are you staying on top of your high school senior student with important dates and tasks as they explore their next adventure after

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

October Info Sessions Now Available – Enrolling for January 2024

Sumner College is accepting applications for BSN, LPN and RNBSN classes. If you want to jump-start your #career in nursing, register to attend one of

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Tips to Stay Health in Nursing School

The key components to staying healthy during your nursing education and going forward are to minimize stress, a proper nutritional daily intake, and an active

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Student of the Month: July 2023

Congratulations to ADN student, Kindra, for being awarded the Student of the Month for July 2023. Kindra was introduced to the nursing profession through their

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Student of the Month: June 2023

Congratulations to PN student, Evan, for being awarded the Student of the Month for June 2023. Evan embarked on his nursing journey after hearing glowing

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn