How to Become an RN: A Guide to Registered Nursing

Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse? Becoming an RN is a great career choice, allowing you to provide care to patients while also playing a critical role in the healthcare industry.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps you’ll need to take to follow through on your ambition to become an RN.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

If you wish to pursue a career as an RN, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Your studies must meet the minimum standards set by the Board of Registered Nursing if you plan to be licensed. The length of your bachelor’s degree program may vary depending on your choice of university, but you should expect to invest at least four years of intensive study.

The bachelor’s degree in nursing will provide you with a comprehensive overview of medical terminology, healthcare procedures, anatomy and physiology, and nursing standards. You’ll also receive comprehensive instruction in nursing practice, likely with a clinical component to give you hands-on experience in the field.

Step 2: Pass National Licensing Exams

The next step to becoming an RN is to get your nursing license. To achieve this, you must pass two exams, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and the corresponding mid-level exams. The NCLEX is the product of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and tests your competence in nursing. Depending on the state where you reside, the mid-level exams may differ slightly but have a similar focus.

Step 3: Secure an Employment Position

Once your exams have been passed, the next step is to search for and secure an employment position in the nursing field. Once you have been accepted for a role, you can start your career as a medical practitioner.

You’ll generally be given a probation period during which time the employing organization will assess your competence and occupation-specific performance. If during this period your employers remain satisfied, your employment syllabus is officially completed and you can begin your journey to becoming a full-fledged RN.

The Impact of AI on Registered Nursing

In recent years, the healthcare industry has started to experiment with artificial intelligence (AI) and automated processes. While the impact of AI in nursing is still being determined, it’s likely that registered nurses will be affected by the introduction of this technology in the future.

AI can automate many of the mundane tasks nurses must complete, including data entry and taking inventory. This freeing up of time spent on repetitive duties can be utilized to help nurses spend more time with patients, enhancing their experience.

In addition to those duties, AI technology can provide complex analytics and predictions that the average human may be unable to generate. This can inform future decisions with patient care.

Conclusion

To conclude, becoming an RN requires you to complete an accredited four-year degree, pass two exams, and secure a reputable employment position. AI technology is also starting to play an increasingly significant role in the field, giving nurses more opportunity to spend more time with patients and make more informed decisions.

We hope today’s post has given you insight into the steps you must take to join this field and the potential impact of AI on registered nursing.