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A typical day would include waking up around 5am in order to get ready for the day. A nurse's appropriate attire would be scrubs and clogs. Once arrived at work, the employee will be informed on the current state of their patients. The nurse will then need to check in with their patients, check blood work, assist patients with everyday things if needed, and administer medicine. Throughout the day nurses receive new patients so they will have to check vital signs, ask about their health history, etc. Next they will need to make sure all of their charts are updated for the next shift, and they will also need to inform the next shift of nurses on all of the patients' status before leaving.

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There is no typical day for a nurse. Every single shift has the potential to be momentous, exhilarating, exhausting, energizing, or all of the above. On any given day, nurses can see people at their weakest and most vulnerable, or at their strongest and most resolute. They witness the results of career-ending (and life-ending) injuries and illnesses with such regularity that they become par for the course.

It's almost impossible to portray a typical day for a nurse, given how different healthcare workplaces can be, and how work can vary from shift-to-shift depending on which patients a nurse needs to see. What follows is a broad outline of what a workday might be like for a nurse on a 12-hour day shift in a hospital.

Related resource: What You Need to Know About Your First Nursing Job

5:00 a.m. - Wake up

A nurse's day often begins before the sun is up. Many nurses are out of bed, showered, and eating breakfast before other professionals even hit the snooze button. If there's time in the quiet morning hours, they'll steal a few moments of solitude before beginning the day.

7:00 a.m. - Relieve the night shift

Most day shift nurses will begin by conferring with their colleagues on the night shift. The night staff will update them on any change in patient status since the last day shift, admissions, or other matters they should be aware of. At the start of their shift, nurses will also review assignments and physician notes, and read up on each patient that they have to see to that day.

Related resource: Things Nobody Tells You About Being a Nurse

8:00 a.m. - Morning rounds

Mornings are busy for nurses. They'll check in with each patient and record their status. Nurses check blood work in the morning, monitor the blood sugar of diabetic patients, and check in to see if anything requires their immediate attention. This is also a time when nurses will assist patients in ADL, or "activities of daily living." During this time of day, it's common for nurses to assist patients with eating (if they cannot do it themselves) or basic mobility. This time will also include what's known as a "med pass," when nurses will administer medications to patients.

12:00 p.m. - Lunch

If they can, nurses will try to take some time for lunch in the middle of the day. This doesn't always happen, though. Sometimes a lunch will be whatever you can grab in between tasks. Nothing's a guarantee for a nurse, especially mealtimes.

Related resource: Interview With Ameritech Alumni Jennifer Dunford Shealy

1:00 p.m. - Afternoon rounds

By the afternoon, many patients who arrived in the morning could conceivably be released, and several more will have been admitted in the interim. Nurses can often find themselves managing new patients, administering any medications that need to be given during that time, and catching up on charting.

This is also when nurses will likely have to make use of their people skills. New patients often have to be educated about their diagnoses and treatment plans; nurses will have to answer patient questions, and also ensure both patients and their family members have adequately internalized what they need to know.

Related resource: The Journey of a Former Ameritech Student and Nurse Extraordinaire

6:00 p.m. - Prepare for the night shift

Before going home, a day shift nurse will have to make sure that everything has been properly documented and made ready for counterparts working the night shift. Nurses will check and double-check patient charts and information that the night shift will need. When the night nurses arrive, the day shift will brief them, leave things in their capable hands, and then go home for some hard-earned rest.

After that, a nurse has 12 hours to sleep, eat, and refresh. The next day, come 5:00 a.m., the cycle begins all over again.

Are you ready to join the world of nursing? Visit our program pages to learn more about our nursing and RN-BSN programs, or follow us on Facebook.

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There is no typical day for a nurse. Every single shift has the potential to be momentous, exhilarating, exhausting, energizing, or all of the above. On any given day, nurses can see people at their weakest and most vulnerable, or at their strongest and most resolute.

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The average starting salary for a nurse in the DFW area is around $68,000 a year. However, the salary can range anywhere from $47,000 to $100,000. A nurse's salary will depend on experience, location, and education. The profession of nursing also includes various benefits. Nurses recieve health insurance, child care assistance, pension plans, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, sick leaves, paid time off, and flexible schedules. For instance, an employee can choose to work 3 days a week (12 hour shifts) and still be considered full time. Nursing is a very secure occupation too. The demand for nursing is constantly growing, so it’s almost guaranteed to find a job in this field.

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Registered Nurse: All Guides about RN Schools and Programs

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Registered nurse benefits may prove to be an important issue if you wish to opt for a nursing profession. The demand for RNs never diminishes even during the recession. It's a safe, reliable, and secured career. As per the latest survey in the United States, there is a high demand for nurses in many parts of the world. Before the end of 2016, approximately 58,000 nurses are required in the U.S. Besides job security and flexible schedules; this career offers so many benefits that you might not have even thought of.

20 Benefits of Being a Registered Nurse

The major benefits that you can get as a registered nurse are:

1. Job Security

Find schools and get information on the program that's right for you.

As mentioned above, the nursing career is recession-free and is expected to grow even more in the future. In comparison to other professions, the job opportunities in the nursing field are expected to grow by 19 percent from 2012 to 2022.

2. Better Job Opportunities

With more than 100,000 vacant positions and the growing need for these professionals, the future prospects are outstanding for RNs.

3. Varying Job Areas

Upon completion of graduation, RNs may choose any of the following job areas as per their convenience.

4. Flexible Work Schedules

The foremost benefit in this profession is that the RNs may organize their work schedules as per their need. One may find a number of job opportunities with different time requirements. You may choose 4, 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts, or work on weekends or weekdays or in a combination of the two.

Scheduling options:

Three of four weekends per schedule equals 12-hour shifts.

Forty-eight (48) weekends per year equals 12-hour shifts.

Working three shifts per week (i.e. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), three of four weekends equals 12-hour shifts.

5. Career Flexibility

A nurse does not require changing their jobs in order to take benefits of the available opportunities. They may enjoy growth in their career by securing the challenging positions staying right in their profession. You may move ahead by earning an advanced degree course. Along with demanding, nursing is fulfilling and rewarding too, which will give you immense satisfaction with times.

6. High Salary Packages

RN salary depends on the experience, type of organization, educational background, and location. A nurse with highly specialized skills and experience is definitely paid more. The median annual salary of RNs in the United States in May 2013 was $68,910 and the mean hourly wages were $33.13. The highest 10% earned more than $92, 240, the middle 50% earned between $51,640 and $76,570 a year, and the lowest 10% earned less than $43,410 per annum. The registered nurses, who worked on weekends, earned

Day shift (7:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.)- $38 per hour

Night shift (7:00 p.m.-7:30 a.m.)- $41 per hour

7. Mental Satisfaction

Being an RN is extremely rewarding mentally as it provides you opportunities to help and serve others, and to make an impact not only on the severely ill patients but also on their family members. Thinking about your contribution to making a healthy society will definitely make you feel delighted.

8. Traveling Assistance

Generally, most of the professions require you to stick at one place, but a career in nursing allows you to travel to the different places. You may choose to work as a traveling nurse and spend time visiting enormous states or countries like you may spend a year in New York and the following year in San Francisco and so on.

9. Fringe Benefits

RNs throughout their job tenure relish fringe benefits. Most of the employers pay 100% of continuing education expenses to the nurses, working with them. In addition to this, most hospitals offer free lab work each year to the registered nurses. Apart from this, these professionals may also enjoy:

It means that you receive payment for each hour you have not worked. For instance, in some hospitals, if you had worked for a year, you may receive between 160 and 180 hours of PTO, which means that you may take off for 160 hours or 13 days and 180 hours or 15 days throughout the year and get paid for them.

10. Tax Saving Plans

Through these plans, you may contribute a part of your salary to a saving account. The healthcare facility also contributes the equal amount. For instance, some hospitals contribute 100% of 4% of your salary. It means if your yearly salary is $100,000 and you contribute $4,000, the hospital will also make a contribution of $4,000, turning it into $8,000.
11. Life Insurance
The healthcare organization pays for your Life Insurance to the insurance company. The lump sum amount is paid to your family members or friends, in a case; you have met with some accident.

12. Pension Plans

It is a retirement benefit, which depends on the number of years you have worked with a healthcare organization. The longer the years, the more benefits you will receive after retirement.

13. Tuition Reimbursement

The fee of 6 to 8 credit hours per semester is reimbursed to the RNs by some organizations.

14. Adoption Assistance and Child Care

The benefits are offered to RNs in order to assist their family needs.

15. Dental and Vision Insurance

Dental and vision insurance are generally offered when you opt for it.

16. Health Insurance

Many employers provide health insurance plans for you and your family.

17. Maternity Leaves

The duration depends on the organization you are working with.

18. Philanthropy Benefits

RNs are fully paid for the trips they assist for the betterment of the people by donating their precious time and skills.

19. Life-long Learning

With the advancement in the science of nursing, a successful nursing career requires you to develop interest and accept open challenges. By attending conferences, reading journals, attending graduate schools, and joining specialty organizations, you can keep your knowledge updated.

20. Trusted Profession

Since 1999, nursing is ranked as one of the most trusted professions in the U.S., except in the year 2001 (In this year, firefighters were given the 1st rank).

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20 Registered Nurse Job Benefits - Is Nursing Career Worth it?

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Registered nurse benefits may prove to be an important issue if you wish to opt for a nursing profession. The demand for RNs never diminishes even during the recession. It's a safe, reliable, and secured career. As per the latest survey in the United States, there is a high demand for nurses in many parts of the world.

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Nursing is one of the oldest professions in the world, traditionally starting in the 19th century. Founded by Florence Nightingale, nursing started in 1854. A Registered Nurse is a health care worker who works closely with patients in need. Their career is solely based on the health and well-being of their patients. Nurses generally carry out the majority of care and support of patients. They carry out tasks such as monitoring patients, checking vital signs, educating patients on their medical issues, maintaining health records, providing medication, and providing emotional support to patients and their family members. It is also a good career choice seeing as it is one of the fastest growing occupations and remains in high demand.

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Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Y_2fpET0U.

Quick Facts: Registered Nurses
2022 Median Pay

$81,220 per year
$39.05 per hour

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians' offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools.

Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $81,220 in May 2022.

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for registered nurses.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of registered nurses with similar occupations.

Learn more about registered nurses by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Duties

Registered nurses typically do the following:

Assess patients' conditions

Record patients' medical histories and symptoms

Observe patients and record the observations

Administer patients' medicines and treatments

Set up plans for patients' care or contribute information to existing plans

Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals

Operate and monitor medical equipment

Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results

Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries

Explain what to do at home after treatment

Most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.

Registered nurses' duties and titles often depend on where they work and the patients they work with. For example, an oncology nurse works with cancer patients and a geriatric nurse works with elderly patients. Some registered nurses combine one or more areas of practice. For example, a pediatric oncology nurse works with children and teens who have cancer.

Many possibilities exist for working with specific patient groups. The following list includes some examples:

Addiction nurses care for patients who need help to overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, and other substances.

Cardiovascular nurses care for patients who have heart disease or heart conditions and people who have had heart surgery.

Critical care nurses work in intensive-care units in hospitals, providing care to patients with serious, complex, and acute illnesses and injuries that need close monitoring and treatment.

Genetics nurses provide screening, counseling, and treatment for patients with genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis.

Neonatal nurses take care of newborn babies who have health issues.

Nephrology nurses care for patients who have kidney-related health issues stemming from diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, or other causes.

Public health nurses promote public health by educating people on warning signs and symptoms of disease or managing chronic health conditions. They may also run health screenings, immunization clinics, blood drives, or other community outreach programs.

Rehabilitation nurses care for patients who have temporary or permanent disabilities or have chronic illnesses.

Some nurses do not work directly with patients, but they must still have an active registered nurse license. For example, they may work as nurse educators, healthcare consultants, or hospital administrators.

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). They provide direct patient care in one of many nursing specialties, such as psychiatric-mental health or pediatrics. CNSs also provide indirect care by working with other nurses and medical staff to improve the quality of care that patients receive. They often serve in leadership roles and may educate and advise other nursing staff. CNSs also may conduct research and may advocate for certain policies.

Registered nurses held about 3.2 million jobs in 2022. The largest employers of registered nurses were as follows:

Hospitals; state, local, and private

59%

Ambulatory healthcare services

18

Nursing and residential care facilities

6

Government

5

Educational services; state, local, and private

3

Ambulatory healthcare services includes industries such as physicians' offices, home healthcare, and outpatient care centers. Nurses who work in home health travel to patients' homes; public health nurses may travel to community centers, schools, and other sites.

Some nurses travel frequently in the United States and throughout the world to help care for patients in places where there are not enough healthcare workers.

Injuries and Illnesses

Registered nurses may spend a lot of time walking, bending, stretching, and standing. They are vulnerable to back injuries because they often must lift and move patients.

The work of registered nurses may put them in close contact with people who have infectious diseases, and they frequently come into contact with potentially harmful and hazardous drugs and other substances. Therefore, registered nurses must follow strict guidelines to guard against diseases and other dangers, such as accidental needle sticks and exposure to radiation or to chemicals used in creating a sterile environment.

Work Schedules

Nurses who work in hospitals and nursing care facilities usually work in shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage. They may work nights, weekends, and holidays. They may be on call, which means that they are on duty and must be available to work on short notice.

Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other places that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours.

Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.

Education

Nursing education programs usually include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree programs, like programs in some other healthcare and related fields, typically take 4 years to complete; associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and associate of science in nursing (ASN) degrees also typically take 4 years to complete. Diploma programs, usually offered by hospitals or medical centers, typically take 2 to 3 years to complete. There are far fewer diploma programs than there are BSN, ADN, and ASN programs. All programs include supervised clinical experience.

In addition to science courses, bachelor's degree programs usually include education in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. A bachelor's or higher degree is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching.

Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of education programs (bachelor's, associate's, or diploma) qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. However, employers-particularly those in hospitals-may require a bachelor's degree.

Registered nurses with an ADN, ASN, or diploma may go back to school to earn a bachelor's degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master's degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor's and master's programs, and accelerated programs for those who wish to enter the field of nursing and already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement.

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) must earn a master's degree in nursing and typically already have 1 year or more of work experience as an RN or in a related field. CNSs who conduct research typically need a doctoral degree.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Registered nurses must have a nursing license issued by the state in which they work. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Other requirements for licensing, such as passing a criminal background check, vary by state. Each state's board of nursing provides specific requirements. For more information on the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Nurses may become certified through professional associations in specific areas, such as ambulatory care, gerontology, or pediatrics. Although certification is usually voluntary, it demonstrates adherence to a specific level of competency, and some employers require it.

In addition, registered nursing positions may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification.

CNSs must satisfy additional state licensing requirements, such as earning specialty certifications. Contact state boards of nursing for specific requirements.

Important Qualities

Critical-thinking skills. Registered nurses must assess changes in the health status of patients, such as determining when to take corrective action.

Communication skills. Registered nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients in order to understand their concerns and evaluate their health conditions. Nurses need to clearly explain instructions, such as how to take medication. They must work in teams with other health professionals and communicate patients' needs.

Compassion. Registered nurses should be caring and empathetic when working with patients.

Detail oriented. Registered nurses must be precise because they must ensure that patients get the correct treatments and medicines at the right time.

Emotional stability. Registered nurses need emotional resilience and the ability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stressors.

Organizational skills. Nurses often work with multiple patients who have a variety of health needs. The ability to coordinate numerous treatment plans and records is critical to ensure that each patient receives appropriate care.

Physical stamina. Nurses should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as lifting patients. They may be on their feet for most of their shift.

Advancement

Most registered nurses begin as staff nurses in hospitals or community health settings. With experience, good performance, and continuing education, they can move to other settings or be promoted to positions with more responsibility.

In management, nurses may advance from assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or head nurse to more senior-level administrative roles, such as assistant director or director of nursing, vice president of nursing, or chief nursing officer. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions require a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration. Administrative positions require leadership skills, communication ability, negotiation skills, and good judgment.

Some nurses move into the business side of healthcare. Their nursing expertise and experience on a healthcare team equip them to manage ambulatory, acute, home-based, and chronic care businesses. Employers-including hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and managed care organizations-need registered nurses for jobs in health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance.

Some RNs may become nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners, which, along with clinical nurse specialists, are types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs need a master's degree but many have a doctoral degree. APRNs may provide primary and specialty care, and in many states they may prescribe medications.

Other nurses work as postsecondary teachers or researchers in colleges and universities, which typically requires a Ph.D.

Median annual wages, May 2022

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $81,220 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,250, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,400.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for registered nurses in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Government

$92,310

Hospitals; state, local, and private

82,250

Ambulatory healthcare services

78,670

Nursing and residential care facilities

75,410

Educational services; state, local, and private

65,450

Nurses who work in hospitals and nursing care facilities usually work in shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage. They may work nights, weekends, and holidays. They may be on call, which means that they are on duty and must be available to work on short notice. Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other places that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to have regular business hours.

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Demand for healthcare services will increase because of the large number of older people, who typically have more medical problems than younger people. Registered nurses also will be needed to educate and care for patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.

Job growth is expected across most types of healthcare settings, including hospitals and outpatient care centers that provide same-day services, such as chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. In addition, because many older people prefer to be treated at home or in residential care facilities, registered nurses will be in demand in those settings.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2022

Projected Employment, 2032

Change, 2022-32

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Registered nurses

29-1141

3,172,500

3,349,900

6

177,400
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about registered nurses, including credentialing, visit
American Nurses Association
For more information about nursing education and being a registered nurse, visit
American Society of Registered Nurses Johnson & Johnson, Discover Nursing National League for Nursing National Student Nurses' Association
For more information about undergraduate and graduate nursing education, nursing career options, and financial aid, visit
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
For more information about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and a list of individual state boards of nursing, visit
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
For more information about clinical nurse specialists, including a list of accredited programs, visit
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
Occupational Requirements Survey

For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see

Registered nurses (PDF)

CareerOneStop

For a career video on registered nurses, visit
Registered Nurses
O*NET
Acute Care Nurses Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses Clinical Nurse Specialists Critical Care Nurses Registered Nurses

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Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

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There are various educational choices one can make to become a Registered Nurse. However, depending on the education path you choose your opportunities will vary. In order to become an RN you need a diploma in nursing, associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree. A diploma in nursing takes about 2-3 years and is usually held in health facilities. This program only requires a high school diploma or GED to get in. After receiving a diploma in nursing you can work as a nurse, but the diploma is not synonymous with a college degree. Another pathway is an associate's degree. This process takes only 2 years and is generally for people wanting to take the fast track into nursing. One can also go the route of achieving a bachelor's degree in nursing. The process of earning a BSN is slightly longer, as it takes 4 years to complete. Lastly, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to get your certification in nursing.

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What registered nursing degrees are available?

Registered nurses (RNs) are required to have a minimum of an associate's degree, but bachelor's degrees in nursing (BSN) are also available and can help an RN's chances to earn better pay.

Weigh your school options based on your current educational needs and timetable.

Associate's Degree Programs

An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) includes courses in anatomy, nursing, nutrition, chemistry, microbiology among others. You'll also be required to take general liberal arts classes. Earning an ADN is the most popular option for registered nurses and opens the door to entry-level staff nurse positions which will provide you with hands-on experience in the medical field.

This is the fastest path to becoming a registered nurse as most associate's degree programs last about two to three years.

Bachelor's Degree Programs

An aspiring RN can earn a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) in four years at a college or university. If you're already an RN, you can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program which is geared specifically for RNs who have an associate's degree or nursing diploma. This path usually takes about two to three years.

An even quicker BSN option is for candidates who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. An accelerated BSN program allows students to apply general education credits from their first degree to the BSN. This route takes between one to one-and-a-half years.

As an example of a typical RN-to-BSN course load, Kaplan University offers the following:

Examples of RN-to-BSN Core Courses

Bioethics

Fundamentals of microbiology

Nursing research

Nursing care of the older adult

Public health nursing

What certification will I need?

After completing your degree program, you'll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

In order to sit for the exam, you'll need to apply for a nursing license from your state board of nursing. Since each state has different eligibility criteria, check with your state board to ensure you've met the requirements in order to take the exam.

The NCLEX exam covers four "categories of needs," according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing:

Safe, effective care environment: Management care and safety and infection control

Psychosocial integrity: Coping and adaptation and psychosocial adaptation

Health promotion and maintenance: Growth and development through the life span and prevention and early detection of disease

Physiology integrity: Basic care and comfort, pharmacological and parenteral therapies, reduction of risk potential and physiological adaptation

NCLEX is a registered trademark and/or servicemark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.

What will I learn in my courses?

Associate's degrees in nursing will provide students with the foundation they need to become a registered nurse. Classes will include core education requirements along with specific nursing topics. BSN programs will provide more depth and detail into various aspects of the nursing field.

Typical courses include:

Anatomy

Microbiology

Chemistry

Nutrition

Psychology

Nursing practice and theory

How long will it take?

Depending upon your level of dedication, a nursing degree can take the following time to complete:

Associate's degree programs, which provide entry-level opportunities, usually take two years

A bachelor's degree program takes four years

A bachelor's degree with direct entry typically takes three years

Master's degree programs generally require two years

Attending part-time is usually an option at most schools, but the program will take longer to complete.

Are online programs available?

Nursing is certainly a hands-on profession, but that doesn't mean online programs aren't available. In fact, there are many associate's and bachelor's degree programs to choose from. Distance learning usually requires to students complete their studies online and conduct their clinical experiences within their local community. If you're already an RN, online RN-to-BSN programs are also available. These programs are specifically geared toward working nurses and using an online classroom can make getting a nursing degree more convenient.

Accelerated, or second degree programs, can also be completed online and can usually help people starting a new career in nursing get going quickly (one or two years). Students with a bachelor's degree in another field who want to enter nursing should have a high GPA and health care experience.

How much will my education cost?

The type of degree you earn will factor into your education costs. An ADN, which takes about two years to complete, averages about $3,200 for the 2013-2014 school year, according to College Board's Trends in College Pricing report. As an example Pima Medical Institute offers a nursing program that costs $15,052 per academic year (two semesters). Considering an ADN takes two years, you're looking at roughly $31,000 to complete the degree.

You may be tempted to go with the cheaper option (associate's degree), but if your future career plans involve midwifery or nurse practitioner, you'll need a master's degree. In this case, a bridge program can sometimes be a cost-effective option.
*Cost of tuition only. Prices do not reflect other fees, books, room and board.
Are there prerequisites?

An associate's degree in nursing or a nursing diploma is required to practice as a registered nurse, but entry to a program is based on a few things.

Minimum SAT or ACT exam scores

GPA range between 2.0 and 3.25 (check your specific school's requirements)

3 years of math, including geometry and algebra II

3 years of science, including biology and chemistry

4 years of English

2 years of a foreign language

If you're applying to a 4-year college or university to earn a BSN, you will usually declare nursing as your major once you've completed prerequisite classes at the college or university.

What accreditation is there for my program?

Accreditation is a sure-fire way to know if a program meets nationally-recognized nursing education standards. Independent accrediting organizations register schools once they've undergone an arduous application process. For students, accreditation is a gateway to potentially reach financial aid eligibility. Secondly, earning a degree at one accredited school allows a student to pursue further education at other accredited schools.

The relevant accreditation bodies are listed below. When searching for accredited schools, you don't have to dig too deep. AllNursingSchools.com indicates which institutions are NLNAC-accredited using an easy-to-see logo next to the school/program name.

A quick tip: Accreditation isn't earned and maintained in perpetuity. Accreditations are usually handed down for a certain amount of time, usually between 5 and 10 years, and are different for each school. It's a good idea to check with your potential program about the length of time it's accredited for.

Main Accreditation Bodies

The Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly NLNAC: Accredits the entire spectrum of nursing programs (associate's, diploma, bachelor's and master's)

The Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): This body accredits bachelor's and master's nursing programs

There's another element students should consider when researching nursing schools. State boards of Nursing approve schools so they can prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). However, state board approval does not automatically equal school accreditation from one of the national organizations. While most accredited schools are state board-approved, it's always a good idea to check.
Non-accredited schools: If you're thinking of attending a non-accredited, but state board-approved school, there can be drawbacks.

While you can still take the NCLEX, your nursing profession may stall out if you're seeking additional education. Generally, education from a non-accredited school doesn't qualify students to attend an accredited school.

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Registered Nursing Degrees | A Complete Overview | All Nursing Schools

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Registered nurses (RNs) are required to have a minimum of an associate's degree, but bachelor's degrees in nursing (BSN) are also available and can help an RN's chances to earn better pay. Weigh your school options based on your current educational needs and timetable.