Becoming A Registered Nurse: Education Options

A registered nurse is a healthcare professional who provides care for sick persons

. Duties include administering medications, taking vital signs, and documenting progress in the patient's record. Registered nurses must pass comprehensive licensing examinations in the states where they work. The average starting salary for a registered nurse is around $40,000 per year with those working in large urban hospitals and in specialty areas earning more. Bachelor and Master's level nurses often work in nursing administration or education.

A person who desires to become a nurse should have some interest in biological and social sciences. They should also have character traits such as patience and the ability to get along with people. The ability to work well under pressure is essential, however the rewards can be great. The feeling that comes with helping individuals overcome illness and physical obstacles along with job security make nursing a wonderful career.

How to become a registered nurse

There are several avenues to reach the goal of becoming a registered nurse. One option is to earn an associate degree in nursing. Associate degree nurses attend community colleges or junior colleges, usually for two years. Graduates of two-year programs take courses such as English, math, and science as well as the clinical courses necessary to become licensed. They take the same licensing examination as bachelor's level graduates. Some students entering RN programs at the associate degree level require remedial coursework if the high school record is weak. If this is the case, they can usually complete a program within three years.

Some hospitals offer nursing education programs. Graduates of these programs usually earn a nursing diploma. Diploma nursing programs, like associate degree programs, emphasize the clinical aspects of nursing but liberal arts, social sciences and science courses are also taken by students in these programs.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs are offered by four year colleges and universities. Students who matriculate in these programs take many courses and electives along with clinical nursing courses. Graduates of these programs usually work to gain a few years of experience and then move into nursing administration.

Another recent option for becoming an RN is the a bachelor's degree in nursing that can be earned by persons holding degrees in other areas. This fast track type program is usually available through a partnership between hospitals and colleges. Because they already have most of the colleges courses they need, students can complete their clinical courses and in some cases earn a bachelor's degree in nursing in as little as two years. Usually the student must agree to work for a period at the sponsoring hospital.

by: Christine Harrell

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