Nursing Requirements to Start a Career in Nursing
Employment figures demonstrate a strong demand for qualified nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average 7% employment growth for registered nurses (RNs) from 2019-2029. For more advanced nursing roles, projections indicate a 45% growth rate for nurse practitioner (NP) jobs from 2019-2029, far outpacing the national average.
Career levels for nurses include licensed practical nurse (LPN), RN, and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each level requires different nursing degrees and, in some cases, certification. All roles require state licensure.
This page explores the steps required to become a nurse, nursing school requirements, and how long it takes to become a nurse.
Licensure | Nurse Degrees | Certification | FAQs
What Do Nurses Do?
Nursing responsibilities vary among roles. LPNs are responsible for providing basic patient care. Their job duties include measuring vitals, performing physical exams, administering medications, and handling basic patient needs, such as eating and dressing.
RNs provide more advanced patient care, serve in managerial and leadership positions, and educate nursing students. Typical job duties include performing diagnostic tests, overseeing nursing staff, and supervising nursing students during clinical fieldwork.
Nurses enjoy many job opportunities in diverse settings. They may practice in hospitals, residential care facilities, home healthcare services, educational services, and community health centers. Nurses in medical and healthcare services collaborate with doctors and other nurses on a daily basis.
Consult the following link to learn more about nurse responsibilities.
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How to Become a Nurse
To become a nurse, you must first complete educational requirements. LPNs need a certificate or diploma in nursing from an accredited program. Aspiring RNs must earn a minimum of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or equivalent training. Advanced nursing roles, such as APRN, require a graduate degree in nursing.
After obtaining your nursing degree, you must then seek state authorization to sit for the national licensure exam for LPNs or RNs. Most states do not set a specific timeframe for application approval for exam authorization. Therefore, candidates should apply well before their target exam dates. Test-seekers can use the waiting period to prepare for the exam.
Licensure
LPNs and RNs must hold licensure through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), though requirements vary by state. The NCSBN offers National Council Licensure Examinations (NCLEX) for LPNs and RNs.
Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX exams requires test authorization. State or district regulatory bodies grant this authorization to individuals who meet specific nursing requirements. Authorized individuals need to register for the NCLEX, which costs $200 as of 2021.
The NCLEX exams focus on client needs, physiological integrity, and safe and effective care environments. Candidates can prepare for the tests by reviewing the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN test plans. License renewal timelines vary by state. Many states take part in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to practice in multiple states.
Nurse Degrees and Roles
Responsibilities and salary potential for nurses increase with education, certification, and employment levels. The BLS reports median annual earnings of $48,820 for LPNs and $117,670 for APRNs as of 2020. Below, we explore the necessary education requirements and typical responsibilities for four nursing careers.
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Further Education for Nursing
Many nurses pursue additional education for nursing specialties, including cardiology, surgery, prenatal, and gerontology. Most concentrations require additional certifications. Professionals should prioritize organizations with accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American Board for Specialty Nursing Certifications.
Certification boards for nursing specializations include:
Frequently Asked Questions Asked By Nurses
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