Working in the healthcare industry comes with several benefits, such as diverse interaction with people, a sense of pride, a respectful role, and many more. Also, the healthcare industry provides decent wages that can cover living expenses and others even in remote areas of the United States.
If you are looking for a career in the healthcare industry, starting as a registered nurse might be suitable. Moreover, you can progress towards management, leadership, and specialist roles by continuing your professional education in your spare time. Here, you’ll know how to get a job as a registered nurse anywhere in the United States. So, keep reading and know everything.
Let’s begin!
What Does a Registered Nurse Practice on the Job?
The healthcare industry cannot survive without registered nurses, even for an hour. The role varies with the size of the healthcare facility, services of the healthcare facility, and the nature of incoming patients. Also, registered nurses are required in many other organizations, such as schools, factories, doctor’s offices, the corporate sector, and many more. The registered nurse role requires the following.
- Taking patients under observation
- Conducting thorough assessments
- Maintaining medical records
- Collecting medical information
- Creating patient files
- Prepare patient care plans by collaborating with a large team
- Administering treatments
- Delivering medicine to patients
- Performing emergency wound treatment
- Collecting samples for lab tests, such as blood, urine, saliva, stool, and others
- Communicating with patients and families
Progressing your career from registered nurse to a higher role with a greater salary has become super easy nowadays due to online programs. You can start an Online Program for Registered Nurse to BSN today and get a lucrative salary after graduation. Indeed, you’ll never regret choosing a continuing professional education program.
Typical shifts for registered nurses are eight hours a day, and you’ll get a decent salary. Also, being a registered nurse comes with job stability. Healthcare facilities rarely downsize staff and hire more skilled persons to cover vacant positions.
How to Become a Registered Nurse?
Becoming a registered nurse is just like becoming any other professional. It means that you have to qualify for a degree, pass the license exam, complete your necessary training, and apply to the advertised jobs. However, the criteria to issue a registered nursing license are somehow stricter than other occupations. It’s because working in healthcare requires diligence, and people’s lives are always at stake. So, prepare your mind for a tough education period that’ll require you to put in all effort. Here are all steps that’ll get you a job as a registered nurse.
Earn a Degree
A degree from an accredited institute is a compulsory requirement to start your career in the healthcare industry anywhere in the United States as a registered nurse. However, some states allow an associate’s degree holder to work as a registered nurse. Some states have strict requirements; you must possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
It is also a fact that employers in every state prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, even in those states where the minimum requirement is an associate degree. So, it’s better to remain on the safe side and go for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
If you have just graduated from college, you have to spend four years in an accredited institute to earn a bachelor’s in nursing. On the other hand, if you have an associate degree in nursing, you can complete your bachelor’s in 12 to 14 months. Also, suppose you have a bachelor’s degree in any non-nursing discipline. In that case, you can complete your bachelor’s in nursing in 16 to 24 months.
Graduate from NCLEX Exam
After getting a nursing degree, you must qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, abbreviated as NCLEX or NCLEX-RN. The NCLEX ensures that all licenses should be given to the right candidates. They have the required knowledge and ability to meet all job challenges.
Most candidates fail in their first attempt at the NCLEX exam because there is no given curriculum from the examination board. However, every candidate can reapply and sit in the next exams after 45 days. Many nursing colleges help candidates pass the NCLEX exam with special notes and classes. You can choose any reputed institute for preparation.
Get the State License
After passing the NCLEX exam, you have to apply for the license, which the state’s health board will issue. Every state has different requirements to issue licenses. However, you have to complete the paperwork, take the oath, and provide the required affidavits. Next, you’ll be issued a license, and you’ll become a licensed nurse.
Get Advanced Training
It is an optional step for those who want to compete in this economy. However, it is not a requirement anywhere in the United States. After getting the license, most nurses choose a field of specialization that can include pediatrics, oncology, neonatal, gerontology, and more. Also, many nurses opt for a Master’s in Nursing after getting a license that guarantees a 6-figure salary after graduation. Moreover, many job roles that open after a Master’s in Nursing include administration, management, recruitment, and many more.
Many ambitious nurses do not stop after getting a Master’s degree. They opt for a doctorate in nursing, making them unique and highly skilled professionals for high-end jobs. So, choose the training that suits your goals and opt for it.
Apply for Jobs
After getting a license and training, you should apply for online and print jobs. You’ll get calls for the interviews, and most probably, you’ll get hired. Also, you can walk in many healthcare facilities and ask for internships and job opportunities. So, choose our strategy and act on it.
Conclusion
Working as a registered nurse is a lucrative and satisfying career. You have to earn a degree, pass the NCLEX exam, get a license, and get advanced training. Next, you’ll have a job that’ll be stable and pay your bills. So, make up your mind and go for it. Remember, there are not enough registered nurses in the United States, and healthcare facilities are looking for talent overseas. That’s why if you choose to be a registered nurse, you’ll always be employed.
