How To Become A Registered Nurse
Nursing is a growing field, with U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting that jobs in this field will grow 15% by 2026. That’s twice as fast as the average national growth rate for all occupations. The growing demand for nurses has led to increased competition for available positions.
1-2 Years
If you’d like to become a nurse, the first step is to go to nursing school. The average program lasts two years and prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam. After graduating from nursing school, you can apply for state licensure, which usually takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Depending on your level of education, the time it takes to become a registered nurse will vary. It can take as little as two years for an Associate Degree, or as long as four years for a Bachelor’s Degree. Fortunately, if you already have some nursing experience, it may speed up your time to a Registered Nurse degree.
Once you have your Bachelor’s degree, you can choose to specialize in a certain field of nursing. You may choose to specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, or psychiatric nursing, but a BSN will give you a broad education that will be useful for both clinical settings and academia.
CCNE and NLNAC Accreditation
The National League for Nursing (NLNAC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are two organizations that evaluate nursing education programs and grant accreditation. NLNAC programs range from certificate and diploma programs to master’s and clinical doctorate programs. While the two organizations are similar, they have significant differences. NLNAC is more concerned with the student experience, while CCNE focuses more on the standards of nursing programs.
CCNE is a non-profit organization, recognized by the Department of Education, that evaluates the quality of nursing programs. It also encourages self-assessment and holds member nursing programs accountable for their educational practices. CCNE accreditation involves a thorough review of a nursing program’s mission, goals, and resources. After accreditation, nursing programs must submit yearly reports detailing the performance of their programs.
In 1999, the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Council for Postsecondary Accreditation (CCNE) recognized the National League for Nursing Accreditation Program. After the NLNAC approved the new name, the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (CCNE) became an independent entity. The Commission for Nursing Education began operations in 1997.
Prerequisites
If you’ve ever considered a career in nursing, there are some prerequisites you must meet before you get started. The first step is to earn a degree or nursing diploma. Associate and bachelor’s degree programs are the two most common pathways. The degree will help you develop the leadership skills necessary for a successful career as a registered nurse.
You should also be aware of the requirements for licensure, which vary from state to state. In New York, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Many nursing schools require that you take prerequisite courses in biology, anatomy, and physiology. In some cases, you’ll also need to submit an essay that describes your personal background and how you’d like to use your degree in the nursing field.
The American health care industry is growing at a rapid pace, which is creating an urgent need for qualified health care professionals. An aging population and a COVID-19 pandemic are driving this growth in the field. In addition, registered nurses enjoy the satisfaction of helping people.
Advanced Degree Options
There are many ways to further your career as a registered nurse. Nurses with advanced degrees can work in a variety of settings, from providing advanced patient care to advising corporations and public policymakers. They can also pursue certification in a specific area of nursing, such as critical care or pediatrics. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge. Advanced degrees in nursing can lead to a variety of career paths, from nurse practitioner to clinical nurse specialist to nurse midwife.
An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a great option for working RNs who are looking to specialize in one area of nursing. These programs can take just two years to complete, and they provide more technical training than a BSN. In addition to that, they are typically available at community colleges and vocational schools. Depending on your situation, this option can be perfect for those with busy schedules or those who wish to be a registered nurse sooner than a four-year BSN.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is also an excellent option for working as a registered nurse. This program offers higher-level skills and prepares students for management positions. Moreover, many health care organizations now consider the BSN to be the optimal entry degree for the profession.
