For many, being a nurse is a rewarding career both for personal and professional growth. Nursing is one of the most respected professions and has a huge earning potential. Considering this, many people want to become nurses in the United States. Are you also the one who always wanted to become a nurse and help society? Or are you working in a different field but want to switch careers to nursing? If yes, this blog will help you gain important information on becoming a registered nurse in the USA.
What Is The Role Of A Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses are essential members of the healthcare community. The role of a registered nurse varies widely depending on their team size and where they work – school, hospital, private clinic, assisted care facilities, and so on. The typical role of a nurse involves the following.
- Observe the patient and perform the assessment.
- Monitor patient history and symptoms.
- Treatment and medication management.
- Give specialized attention to the patients.
- Wound and pain care.
- Update patient records as needed.
- Create a patient care plan in collaboration with the rest of the medical team.
- Collecting lab specimens.
- Help patients and their families throughout the treatment.
Registered nurses often have stable jobs and competitive incomes. The national median salary for a registered nurse in the United States is $75,797.
4 Steps To Becoming A Registered Nurse
Once you have decided to pursue your career as a registered nurse, three simple steps are involved in the process.
1. Obtain A Degree In Nursing
You must first earn a degree from an approved university before you can practice as a registered nurse. Ultimately, where you want to work will decide what degree you need to earn and how long it will take. In some states, registered nurses only need an associate’s degree to practice. Others may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in order to be licensed.
2. Clear The NCLEX Test
Upon graduation, you will be required to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses, commonly known as NCLEX or NCLEX-RN.
To ensure that you are prepared to handle the demands of nursing, NCLEX seeks to evaluate your knowledge in important nursing areas. NCLEX is not just a simple MCQ-type question paper; you should know how NCLEX is scored. It uses computerized adaptive testing to determine your score.
It is also essential to pass this exam to get a state license. You must wait 45 days before retaking the NCLEX if you fail to pass the first time you take it.
3. Obtain A State License
You must get a nursing license in the state where you wish to practice after passing the NCLEX. Unless governments officially recognize permits from other jurisdictions, you must get a permit from each state if you reside close to the border or wish to operate in more than one state.
Please consult the appropriate board before proceeding, as each state will have its own rules.
4. Higher Education Studies (Optional)
After obtaining the state license, you can start working as a fully registered nurse. However, if you want to excel, generate more money and make career advancements continuously, one route is to opt for advanced studies. For example, popular options include- pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, oncology, and more.
Final Words
Nursing is a profession that requires patience and consistent effort to help people in need. Only some people can embark on this journey, and you should be proud of yourself if you have decided to become a registered nurse. Not only will you enjoy excellent job security and a decent salary for your profession, but you will also help the lives of many needy people.
