What education is needed to become a registered nurse

"How to Become a Registered Nurse: Education and Requirements

Registered nurses (RNs) play an important role in providing quality healthcare across the country. If you have an interest in patient care and find yourself drawn to the medical field, becoming a registered nurse could be a great career choice. This article will outline the educational requirements necessary to become an RN as well as other qualifications you'll need along the way.

Education

Common paths to becoming an RN include obtaining either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN is a two-year program that provides students with a solid foundation of nursing theory and practice, including basic nursing skills, patient care planning and pharmacological treatments. A BSN is a four-year program that provides more comprehensive education in the field, with topics such as leadership, research and community health promotion. Achieving either one of these degrees from an accredited institution is usually sufficient for obtaining licensure as a registered nurse.

Certifications

In addition to earning one of the above qualifications, some states require candidates to also pass examinations like the NCLEX-RN for licensing purposes. This exam puts your knowledge about core nursing concepts and practices to the test, so it's important that you reach out to local resources and use practice tests if available to ensure you're prepared when the time comes.

Professional Credentials

While not absolutely necessary for becoming an RN, there are various types of credentials offered by organizations like American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Such credentials usually serve as confirmations of specialty skills or further develop your expertise in specific areas of nursing practice – ultimately allowing you to provide more specialized care for patients. Generally speaking, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements before taking these certifications; so be sure to review each organization's prerequisites before registering.

Soft Skills

Beyond having the proper education and certifications, it's important that nurses possess certain attributes such as excellent communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills - all of which are essential when dealing with patients or other healthcare personnel on a daily basis. All RNs should also be patient advocates - advocating on behalf of their patients while maintaining empathy and understanding their situation throughout every aspect of care provision.

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