Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse
The healthcare field depends a lot on registered nurses. RNs make up a large section of the workforce group because of the important role that they play in caring for patients and running the healthcare facility on a daily basis. Working as a RN gives you the ability to determine what type of shift you would like to work under, whether it is a weekend shift, on call shift there are endless possibilities due to the demand of a registered nurse.
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On the path to becoming a registered nurse you will be required to obtain your nursing licenses. Each state has a Board of Nursing; the purpose of this board is for setting requirements and licensing for nurses that practice in that particular state. To receive your license you must pass a comprehensive test called the NCLEX, however before you are allowed to take this test you must have completed a nursing education program.
There are 3 options available that will qualify you to take the NCLEX. You can obtain a hospital diploma, an associate's degree in nursing, or a bachelor's degree in nursing.
When deciding on which course to pursue you want to evaluate how much time and the cost it will take. Pursing a hospital diploma will require on average 2-3 years, you can find yourself receiving a lot of hands-on experience directly with patient care in health facilities. However the number of hospitals that offer this are rapidly decreasing. Pursing an associate's degree in nursing is a cost-effective method. This will usually require 2 years of school from a community college; the focus is going to be basic math and science with little hands on. Most people focus on this route due to the ability to transfer credits earn to a 4 year institution to earn a bachelor's in nursing degree.
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While in school you may want to also consider getting a job in a local health facility, this can prove extremely vital for two reasons. One you will learn a lot of health terms that are commonly used while working and the second places are extremely interested in hiring you upon completion of school. They will already have a good evaluation of what type of worker you are. After completing the required schooling and passing the NCLEX you should be ready compile your resume. You should research local hospital jobs and the benefits that they are offering, some job opening may grant you a signing bonus extra vacation time. There is a huge demand for registered nurses you should way what job opening is providing top pay and benefits before making a rash decision. Once you have made a decision remember to always keep your eyes on new openings the time you are spending in one area of a health institution should not be to long with the experience and new added knowledge you are obtaining you want to move around to different areas which in turn will help you build a hefty resume that any employer will want to hire you.
