Nursing is a rewarding career that allows making a real difference in people’s lives. Becoming a nurse needs a lot of dedication, but the rewards and satisfaction are worth it. It is not only limited to classes but also involves hands-on clinical experience.
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How to Become a Nurse in United States: Process
Becoming a nurse is a rewarding and challenging career that involves patient care. Becoming a nurse varies depending on the country or region but typically includes completing an educational program and taking an examination to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).
1. Education
To become a nurse, you must complete an accredited nursing program. Most programs are offered at the undergraduate level and include both classroom and clinical learning experiences. During your program, you can choose a specialization in pediatrics, gerontology, surgery, or mental health nursing.
2. Licensure
Once your degree is obtained, you must qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to get a registered nurse license. The NCLEX consists of two tests, the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, designed to assess your knowledge of nursing care.
3. Certification
After becoming licensed, you may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of nursing. For example, you could become certified as an Emergency Room Nurse or a Nurse Practitioner.
4. Continuing Education
Many states require nurses to finish continuing education courses to maintain their licenses and certifications. You may be required to earn a certain number of contact hours or credits each year to keep your license or certification current.
What are the Different Nursing Programs in the United States?
The United States has various nursing programs available, depending on the type of nurse you wish to become. Here is a list of different nursing types and their related programs:
1. Licensed Practical Nurse
LPN programs are typically one year long and involve classroom instruction and clinical experience.
2. Associate Degree Nursing
This two-year program typically combines classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completion of the course, you will become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
BSN programs has four years in length and combines didactic learning with hands-on clinical experience.
4. Master of Science in Nursing
MSN programs focus on advanced skills and knowledge related to a specialty such as nurse practitioner, health care administration, or informatics. MSN programs are typically two years in length.
5. Doctor of Nursing Practice
DNP programs require around two years of study beyond the master’s degree and focus on advanced practice nursing.
It doens’t matter what type of nurse you want to become, there is a program that will prepare you for success. You can undoubtedly becoming a nurse with dedication and perseverance!
What are the Types of Nurses in the United States?
There are many different kinds of nurses in the United States, each with its specialized role. Here is list of few of them:
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs provide direct patient care and use their assessment skills to assess patients’ conditions, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans.
Eligibility: RNs must have a degree of Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs assist registered nurses with patient care, administer treatments and medications, observe patients’ health status, and provide primary patient care.
Eligibility: To become an LPN, one must have at least a diploma in practical nursing or a diploma/degree in nursing from an accredited school and qualify the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) provide primary care services such as physical exams, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses.
Eligibility: To become an NP, one must have a Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited school and qualify the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
4. Surgical Assistant Registered Nurse
Surgical assistant registered nurses work alongside surgeons in the operating room, assisting with preparing for and completing surgical procedures.
Eligibility: To become a Surgical Assistant Registered Nurse, one must have an ASN or BSN degree from an accredited school and pass the (NCLEX-RN).
5. Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Emergency room registered nurses provide medical care in emergencies such as trauma, heart attack, or stroke. They assess patients’ physical and mental condition, diagnose patients’ illnesses, develop treatment plans, and administer medication.
Eligibility: To become an Emergency Room Registered Nurse, one must have a degree of Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
6. Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses specialize in caring for newborns and infants who experience health complications due to prematurity, illness, or other factors. They assess and monitor newborns’ physical and mental condition, diagnose diseases, develop treatment plans, administer medication, and provide supportive care.
Eligibility: To become a Neonatal Nurse, one must have an (ASN) or (BSN). After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
7. Labor & Delivery Nurse
Labor & Delivery Nurses care for women before, during, and after childbirth. They assess patients’ physical and mental condition, diagnose any complications that may arise during delivery, administer medication, and provide emotional support for mothers and families.
Eligibility: To become a labor & delivery nurse, one must have a degree of ASN or a BSN. After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
8. Advance Practice Registered Nurse
Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are registered nurses with advanced training and education in specialized areas of nursing. They provide primary care services such as physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, and can even prescribe medications.
Eligibility: To become an APRN, one must have a Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited school and qualify the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
9. Surgical Assistant Registered Nurse
Surgical assistant registered nurses work alongside surgeons in the operating room, assisting with preparing for and completing surgical procedures.
Eligibility: To become a Surgical Assistant Registered Nurse, one must have an Associate of Science or BSN degree from an accredited school and pass the (NCLEX-RN).
10. Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse experts are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in a particular area of nursing, such as pediatrics or mental health. They provide consultation services to other healthcare professionals and collaborate on patient care plans.
Eligibility: To become a clinical nurse specialist, one must have a Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited school and (NCLEX-PN).
11. Certified Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during medical procedures. They assess patient conditions, develop treatment plans, administer medication, and provide post-operative care.
Eligibility: To become a Certified Nurse Anesthetist, one must have a degree of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited school and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-CRNA).
12. Home Care Registered Nurse
Home Care Registered Nurses provide care to patients in their homes. They assess patient conditions, develop care plans, administer medications, and support families and caregivers.
Eligibility: To become a home care registered nurse, one must have an ASN or BSN. After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
13. School Nurse
School nurses provide health care and guidance to students, staff, and faculty in a school setting. They assess student’s physical and mental condition, administer medications, provide health education, and develop individualized care plans.
Eligibility: To become a school nurse, one must ASN or BSN. After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
14. Public Health Nurse
Public Nurses care for individuals and communities in various settings. They focus on prevention and health promotion, providing immunizations, screenings, education, and referrals for care.
Eligibility: To become a public health nurse, one must have an ASN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
15. Nurse Case Manager
Nurse case managers coordinate patient care during treatment and rehabilitation. They assess patients, develop care plans, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, and support family members and caregivers.
Eligibility: To become a nurse case manager, one must have an ASN or BSN. After attaining the educational qualification, they have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
Top Nursing Colleges in the United States:
1. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD
2. Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, NC
3. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA
4. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing in New York City, NY
5. Yale School of Nursing in New Haven, CT
6. University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle, WA
7. Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City, NY
8. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Atlanta, GA
9. University of Michigan School of Nursing in Ann Arbor, MI
10. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, TN.
Top Online Nursing Programs
1. University of Cincinnati Online MSN Program
2. Georgetown University Online MSN Program
3. Regis College Online MSN Program
4. Maryville University’s Online MSN Program
5. Drexel University Online RN to MSN Program
6. University of Southern California’s Online MSN Program
7. Arizona State University Online BSN to MSN Program
8. University of Texas at Arlington Online MSN Program
9. Northeastern University Online MSN Program
10. Simmons College Online RN to MSN Program.
FAQs:
How many years does it take to become a nurse?
It typically takes four years to become a nurse, but it can take less or more, depending on the program and type of nursing degree.
How much does a nurse make?
The average annual salary for nurses is $73,550 annually in the United States. The median wage for registered nurses is $71,730 per year.
What is the difference between an MSN and a BSN?
Master of Science in Nursing is a higher-level degree than a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). An MSN typically offers more advanced training in nursing practices and focuses on specialty areas, like a nurse practitioner or midwifery.
Are online nursing programs legitimate?
Yes, there are many legitimate online nursing programs offered by accredited universities and colleges. It’s essential to research the program before enrolling to make sure it is accredited and meets all the requirements for licensure in your state.
What type of nurse is in the highest demand?
The types of nurses in the highest demand include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and licensed practical nurses. It is also increasingly crucial for specialty nurses, such as geriatric or pediatric nurses, to be in high demand.
What is the eligibility to be admitted to a nursing program?
Every nursing program has prerequisites, like earning your high school diploma, GED, Associate or Bachelor’s degree, etc.
Final Words
Nursing is a rewarding career with many professional growth and development opportunities. With the right qualifications and training, one can pursue various specialties, from public health to case management to online nursing programs. It is vital to research the requirements for each thing before beginning your journey into nursing and understand what type of nurse is in the highest demand. You can have a successful and satisfying career as a nurse with the proper education and training.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.