Nurses love what they do, and even in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, they want to continue working in their field. When nurse staffing firm Incredible Health surveyed more than 3,000 nurses in 2023, an impressive 80% of them responded that they wanted to remain working in nursing until they retired.
Registered nursing is a good option for anyone who seeks rewarding work in healthcare. That said, it’s likely that aspiring registered nurses (RNs) have some basic questions. For example, how long does it take to become a registered nurse, and what’s it like to work in the profession?
Whether individuals are considering entering nursing by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), they need to understand the basics of entering the field. Also valuable is for them to know how to advance in their careers by completing a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program or by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Defining the Role: What Registered Nurses Do
The responsibilities of an RN encompass three broad areas: treating, monitoring, and educating patients. In providing healthcare, RNs follow what’s called the nursing process, which includes the following steps:
- Assessing patients
- Diagnosing patients
- Planning for patient care
- Implementing patient care plans
- Evaluating the implementation of care
RNs perform an extensive array of job duties. For example, they can be responsible for:
- Administering medications and other components of a care plan
- Assisting doctors in performing medical procedures
- Carrying out and analyzing the results of medical tests
- Developing care plans or coordinating with other healthcare professionals to develop care plans
- Educating patients about how to improve their health
- Explaining how care plans can address patients’ health conditions
- Performing patient examinations
Registered nurses can work in almost any healthcare setting, from hospitals to private medical practices to schools.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN?
Individuals have a few options for becoming a registered nurse. How long it takes to become an RN will depend on which option an individual pursues. The majority of RNs enter the profession by earning an ADN or a BSN degree, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Individuals can also earn what’s referred to as a nursing diploma by completing a nursing education program that a hospital offers, but this is less common.
Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing
Completing an ADN program typically takes about two years. Students who enroll on a part-time basis would need more time to complete an associate degree.
Through an ADN completion program, a full-time student can complete an ADN in as little as 18 months, after meeting prerequisite requirements.
ADN programs offer courses in topics such as:
- Foundational nursing skills
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Concepts in medical surgical nursing
After earning an associate degree, an aspiring RN needs to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and obtain a state license as an RN.
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Completing a BSN degree program typically takes about four years. Of course, part-time students would take a longer amount of time to become a registered nurse by earning a bachelor’s degree.
A full-time student could earn a BSN degree in as little as 21 months through a BSN completion program, after meeting prerequisite requirements.
The courses in BSN degree programs encompass topics covered in associate degree programs, as well as topics such as:
- Nursing in fields such as mental health, pediatric, or obstetrical nursing
- Research in nursing
- Nurse management
- Nurse leadership
To begin working as a registered nurse, an individual who completes a BSN degree needs to pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain a state license.
Specialized Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Programs for Registered Nurses
Individuals who are already RNs but don’t have a bachelor’s degree may want to earn a BSN to advance in their careers or eventually pursue graduate work. These individuals can take advantage of RN to BSN degree programs that are designed specifically for them. By taking two to three courses every quarter, a registered nurse can earn a BSN in as little as 15 months.
Consider Graduate Education
Graduate education isn’t required to become an RN, but it can position an RN well for career progression. Completing an MSN degree program typically takes about two years. Through select programs, an RN who holds a BSN can earn an MSN degree in as little as 15 to 18 months. The advanced knowledge that nurses acquire through graduate programs prepares them for roles in areas such as nurse leadership or nurse education.
The Benefits of Becoming a Registered Nurse
By investing the time to become a registered nurse, an individual can enjoy a range of important benefits, such as the following:
- Attractive employment prospects. An ongoing nursing shortage translates into a bright employment outlook for registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. healthcare system will have 193,100 openings for RNs each year through 2032.
- Opportunity to specialize. Nurses can choose from many specializations that align with their interests. The Washington Center for Nursing (WCN) has identified more than 100 nursing specialties, including positions such as critical care nurse, pediatric nurse, or emergency nurse.
- Potential for career growth. By earning advanced certifications or advanced education, RNs can progress to positions such as nurse practitioner, director of nursing, or nurse administrator.
- Rewarding work. Helping patients with health challenges can be very fulfilling, and RNs get to make meaningful differences in their patients’ lives.
Registered Nurses Perform Important Work That Strengthens Our Healthcare System
Taking the time to become a registered nurse can be a good career move for anyone with a desire to enter the nursing profession. The expertise that RNs have enables them to make contributions to healthcare and improve patient well-being.
Individuals who are interested in pursuing nursing careers can explore Denver College of Nursing’s ADN, BSN, online RN to BSN, and online MSN programs to learn how earning a degree can help them achieve their career goals. These programs can help students develop the expertise they need to enter or grow in a fulfilling profession. Chart a course for your nursing career today.
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