Training To Be A Registered Nurse - Learn About RN Degree Programs & Online Schools
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If you've been looking for a new career in the medical field that is both challenging yet extremely gratifying, becoming a registered nurse may be a good match.
A registered nurse is at the top of the nursing chain and often assigns duties to licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants. It is also a job that employs the highest number of people in the medical field.
You have to care for all the needs of patients and can do so in many different environments, like in doctor's offices, operating rooms, an ambulance, intensive care and other medical clinics.
It is a very tough job, but you will feel good about the number of people you are able to help and touch. If you are nurturing and responsible and are thinking of becoming a registered nurse, you need to look into different RN schools to see what your requirements and options are.
There are a variety of RN programs you can take that will supply you with the RN training you need to start your career. You can enrol in a diploma program, associate's degree or bachelor's of science in nursing. The associate's degree, which can be done in 2-3 years, is the most common choice because once you have graduated, you are able to already get an entry level job in the field that may help pay for you to then pursue an additional 2 years towards your bachelor's degree. Going directly for one of the other degree will take you 3-5 years for a diploma and 4 years for a bachelor's degree. Once you have graduated from any RN program you choose, you will need to become licensed by taking The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) which is a national certification exam. Be sure you know where you will practice though since different states have different requirements, and you may have to retake the local NCLEX-RN if you decide to move.
In your RN training you will cover studies in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, nutrition, mental health care, human development, CPR, patient care and research methods amongst other things. In a 4 or 5 year program, you will also do an internship in your 3rd or 4th year to provide you with additional clinical training. You may also continue your RN online training with bridge courses that can give you additional credentials. If you don't yet have your bachelor's degree but have attained your status as a registered nurse, you can apply online for an RN to BSN degree, which allows you to take an online accelerated program of study to attain your bachelor's of science while you are employed full time as a registered nurse. Generally if you already have your diploma or associate's degree, this is a transition course that is perfect for you.
There are other transition courses you can look into if you want to become a registered nurse from another medical field. You can take an LPN to RN course which allows licensed practical nurses to continue their education faster and without repeating any of the same classes. An RN makes considerably more money than an LPN and they have more opportunities for advancement, so it is in the best interest of a working LPN to take this transitional course and then the NCLEX-RN. There is also a paramedic to RN course which allows licensed and practicing paramedics the chance to study towards becoming a registered nurse in 12-18 months. These bridge programs are great educational steps for anyone in the medical field because it allows them the opportunity to work at the same time as gaining further education to open more doors for them in the future.
At RN schools you often have the choice of attending class or pursuing additional continuing education courses online, and they truly cater to a busy working professional. It really is ideal to dedicate 2 years to a classroom for an associate's degree and then tak advantage of the many bridge programs offered to increase your RN training quickly and while employed. With a few years of hard work, you could find yourself in a very stable position.
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