Here’s a brief list of what Registered Nurses do:

• Patient Assessment: Assessing patients' health conditions and documenting medical histories to develop personalized care plans.

• Medication Administration: Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers, ensuring accuracy and patient safety.

• Patient Education: Providing health education to patients and their families on disease prevention, treatment plans, and self-care practices.

• Care Coordination: Collaborating with healthcare team members, including doctors, therapists, and specialists, to coordinate patient care and treatment plans.

• Patient Advocacy: Advocating for patients' rights, preferences, and needs within the healthcare system to ensure quality care and positive outcomes.

• Monitoring Vital Signs: Monitoring and recording patients' vital signs, symptoms, and responses to treatment to evaluate progress and identify any changes in condition.

• Wound Care and Management: Providing wound care, dressing changes, and monitoring healing progress for patients with acute or chronic wounds.

• Emergency Response: Responding to medical emergencies, providing immediate care, and initiating emergency protocols as needed to stabilize patients.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Requirements:

• Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Begin by completing your high school education or obtaining a GED (General Educational Development) certificate.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN):

• BSN: Consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university. A BSN typically takes about 4 years to complete and provides a comprehensive education in nursing theory, clinical practice, leadership, and public health.

• ADN: Alternatively, you can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a community college or vocational school. An ADN program generally takes about 2-3 years to complete and focuses on foundational nursing skills and clinical training.

2. Complete Nursing Education Program:

• Accredited Program: Enroll in a nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Both BSN and ADN programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, and nursing ethics.

• Clinical Experience: Gain hands-on clinical experience through supervised practice in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or community health settings as part of your nursing program.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam:

• NCLEX-RN Examination: After completing your nursing education program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) exam. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to assess your readiness to practice as an entry-level nurse.

• Licensure Application: Apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) through your state board of nursing after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so check with your state board for specific details.

4. Obtain RN Licensure:

• State Licensure: Once you pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet all state requirements, you will receive your RN license. This license allows you to practice nursing legally within your state.

• Compact States: If you plan to work in a compact state (participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact), your RN license may be valid in multiple states, enhancing flexibility in your nursing career.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!