Registered Nurse Career Outlook
Registered nurses represent one of the top 10 in-demand careers in the United States. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were over 3 million nurses, making it one of the largest healthcare job niches.
Jobs are expected to grow 12 percentfaster than averagethrough 2028, with 370,000 new nursing jobs expected to be created between 2018 and 2028.
Physicians offices and home health agencies will offer the greatest demand. Employment is expected to grow more slowly in hospitals, which are discharging patients earlier and performing more procedures on an outpatient basis.
RNs who hold bachelors or masters degrees will enjoy the best prospects and highest salaries. Advanced practice specialties like clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, midwives and nurse anesthetists will experience extremely high demand.
Nurses will be needed to care for the aging Baby Boomer population who increasingly suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis, dementia, diabetes and obesity. Long term care facilities that provide rehabilitation for patients, as well as hospice care and residential care facilities will also need nurses to care for their aging and chronically ill patients.
What Is The Career Potential For A Nurse Practitioner
The career potential for a nurse practitioner is quite strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the nurse practitioner profession is expected to grow as much as 52% over the next 10 years. The median salary is $111,680 per year.
As part of your educational journey, you must choose a population that you wish to focus on, such as pediatrics, adult-gerontology, women, neonatal, psychiatric/mental health or family practice . If you decide to become an FNP, for example, you may work to assess patients, diagnose and treat illness, and providepatient education about medication and treatment plans to patients of all ages.
Eight Continuing Education For Registered Nurses
Education never stops when you’re a nurse. You have to maintain your license by completing continuing education units.
Generally, in order for an individual to renew their RN license, they will need to fill out an application, complete a specific number of CEU hours, and pay a nominal fee.
Each state has specific requirements and it is important to check with the board of nursing prior to applying for license renewal.
If the RN license is part of a compact nursing license, the CEU requirement will be for the state of permanent residence. Some states require CEUs related to child abuse, narcotics, and/or pain management.
A detailed look at Continuing Nurse Education hours can be found here.
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Registered Nurse To Bachelors Of Science In Nursing
This program also allows RNs to improve patient outcomes and community health. It also allows you to enhance your résumé and increase job security.
You can pursue online RN to BSN programs designed for working registered nurses who have an ADN or nursing diploma. Such RN to BSN degree programs can more easily fit into the RNs schedule.
Become A Healthcare Volunteer
Volunteering is another networking opportunity. Youll not only get experience working with patients, youll also meet other healthcare professionals.
If you plan to choose a nursing specialty, look for volunteer opportunities in that area. While you wont be paid for your time, treat the experience as you would a job. Making a good impression could mean a career connection in the future.
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Which Nursing Path Will You Choose
Now that you know the various steps youll need to take to become an RN, its time to decide how youll get there. Whether youre hoping to get into your scrubs faster by earning an ADN or youre ready to put in the extra time now to ensure some career advancement later with a BSN, time is of the essence.
With that in mind, youll want to jump right into the research phase of your journey toward nursing school. Once you pinpoint the specific nursing degree you want to pursue, youre that much closer to finding the right college. Gain the insight you need about earning your nursing degree and dig into the host of ways Rasmussen University can help you achieve your goal by checking out our article 10 Facts You Didnt Know About the Rasmussen University Nursing Program.
1Completion time is dependent on the number of transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.EDITORS NOTE: This article was originally published in April 2015. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2021.NCLEX-RN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
Approved And Accredited Nursing Programs
State approval is different than national accreditation and, in the case of nursing, far more fundamental. States only approve the programs located within their own borders, but they generally recognize other states approval process. Some state boards have issued warnings of unapproved schools operating within their borders. If a student enrolls in one of these, she will not be eligible. If she attends a program that has the approval of the board in the state where it is located, shell generally be fine. Some states note that the program must be substantially equivalent. Some have rules about which online schools are acceptable, or state that programs must include concurrent clinical practice.
Many, but not all, registered nursing programs have program level accreditation through the CCNE and/or NLNAC. National accreditation can be important for a nurse who is considering higher education down the road. However, a nurse can expect to be eligible for licensure with only state approval.
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How To Become An Rn In California
Have you always known that you wanted to become a registered nurse ? Or, perhaps you decided to become a nurse after pursuing another career? The question of how to become an RN in California can be complex, as there are many paths and degree options available to you. Its important to understand the various educational and career options open to you so that you can choose a nursing education program that will help you achieve your goals.
National University offers several degree programs and certificates, as well as graduate programs in nursing. Since many nursing students already have busy personal and professional lives, the nursing education programs at National University are designed to offer flexible options and the kind of high-quality training and education that will help you reach your nursing career goals on a schedule that meets your needs. Lori Mattingly Boyd, Nursing Program Coordinator for the RN to BSN program at National University, says, National University offers asynchronous learning formats, a student-centered teaching method that uses various electronic resources and capabilities to make learning as flexible as possible. This works well with people who are already working full-time and who may also have family responsibilities.
Lpn To Rn Bridge Programs Usually Lasts Between Three And Five Semesters
How to become an rn fast. If you want to become a registered nurse in a short span of time period you should look for a two years associate degree. To enroll at an lpn to rn bridge program students are expected to meet a few conditions including to complete prerequisite. In fact, there’s concern about the state’s ability to maintain an adequate workforce over the long haul.
Once you pass this exam, you will have earned a registered nursing license. How to become an rn. 3) whats the most efficient and fast way of becoming a rn?
This exam is in multiple choice format and is comprised of between 75 to over 200 questions. How to become an rn: Each state sets its own rules for licensing registered nurses, but there is more commonality than difference.
Of 2008 and hopefully transfering to a nursing school in fall of 2008. North central texas college also offers an lvn to rn transition program. This has been fueled in part by predictions by the health resources and services administration.
Then, determine if nursing is a natural fit for you, because nurses must have both. Can be completed in as few as 12 months 1. Once the rn degree is finished he or she can work, as a nurse, while earning their nursing degree online or in the evenings.
Or is it better to go and find a school for a 2 year degree in lpn or rn then becoming an rn ? If your goal is to become an rn as fast as possible why did you choose to go to a school that requires prerequisites? Becoming an rn texas needs nurses.
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Prepare Your Nursing Resume
Your resume is the first thing your future employer is going to see, so make a good first impression!
Some top tips are to make sure your resume shows your personality and your brand, research the organization you’re applying to, and optimize your resume for the resume-robots. For more detailed tips on perfecting your resume, check out our Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes.
Pursue Additional Training Progress Your Nursing Career
For some this may not be necessary, but for others with specific career goals in mind, this may be a great option. In the field of nursing, much like other professional industries, further schooling often results in senior-level employment opportunities, higher salaries, and greater responsibility. Fortunately, there are many options for advanced degrees in nursing. Be sure to take a look at GMercyUs own Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
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Job Outlook For Nurses
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , as of 2019 there are 3,096,700 registered nurses in the United States. Yet theres still room for more.
Registered nurses can begin their careers with an ADN or BSN. While both degrees qualify you for RN licensure and a wide range of positions in hospitals and other healthcare settings, a BSN provides a broader education and can position you for roles in nursing management.
The BLS predicts that the RN workforce will grow by 221,900 jobs by 2029. Since the BLS includes nurses who have ADNs, BSNs, and MSNs in their reports on RNs, the expected opportunities extend across many roles. Opportunities will also expand as more than 1 million nurses reach retirement age over the next 10 to 15 years, according to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.
221,900 RN JobsWill BeAdded to the Workforce
Factor in the number of nurses who will retire and leave the field during this time and the projected workforce in 2028 will be
3,318,700
Heres a look at some factors that could impact the nursing job market in the foreseeable future.
S To Become A Registered Nurse
After youve decided that you would like to pursue a career in nursing, the steps to becoming a registered nurse are fairly straightforward. First, you must earn the appropriate degree. Then, you must pass the NCLEX Exam. And finally, you must obtain a license in the state that you wish to practice in.
Below, we explore each of these steps in more detail.
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How To Become A Registered Nurse
1. Apply for a Bachelor of Nursing
To become a registered nurse, youll need to successfully complete your Bachelor of Nursing. Start your journey into nursing with our Bachelor of Nursing.
2. Get your vaccinations and a Working with Children and Police Check
Once your application is accepted and before you enrol in classes youll need to apply for your Working With Children Check and National Police Check. These checks will need to be current throughout your entire course.
Youll also need to show evidence of a completed adult vaccination program before you can begin clinical placements.
3. Study a Bachelor of Nursing
Now that youve applied and enrolled you need to actually study how to be a nurse! At Swinburne, our Bachelor of Nursing degree combines practical clinical experience and theory to give you the vital skills you need to work in operating theatres, emergency departments, aged care facilities and more. Youll learn from experienced staff, use state-of-the-art technology and actually complete 800 hours in placements across various clinical settings, so you can get a real taste of what its like to be a nurse.
4. Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Once you complete your course, you need to apply to the AHPRA to practice as a registered nurse. Youll need to renew this registration annually.
Then, youll be a registered nurse and a career of bringing comfort, care and quality of life to people will begin.
Good News For Career Changers
In the closing days of 2008 things are not looking to great on the economic and employment radars for many industries. That does not appear to be as true with respect to the medical and health care career fields. Shortages of employees are common due to people retiring and not enough people having the proper training to enter the field. That can be good news for those looking to change careers or will be entering the workforce for the first time in the near future.
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Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program
Time: As little as 20 months
Already have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing related field? Then this could be the pathway for you. An ABSN program allows you to earn your BSN quickly. Because of the condensed time period, this is a demanding, fast-paced program that requires a lot time and effort. With an ABSN program, students can also choose to pursue a dual credit option to work toward their masters of science in nursing degree.
What Is The Fastest Way To Become A Nurse
One of the quickest ways to become a nurse is to join a nursing program and obtain your associate degree, considering it takes much less time than pursuing a bachelor of science. But more and more employers are looking for nurses with BSNs. The amount of time it takes to finish nursing school and earn your degree can also be impacted by the kind of certification you want. For example, earning your APRN is going to take longer than earning your LPN.
This is why online nursing education is a great option. By choosing to enroll in an online nursing degree program, you can earn your bachelor’s degree at your own pace. This allows you to accelerate your nursing education to suit your capabilities and schedule your schoolwork around your other commitments.
Working While Earning Your Nursing Degree
If you really have your heart set on becoming a nurse but you can’t go to school full time or you have budget constraints, there are options available to help you reach your goals. While it may be challenging to work and go to school at the same time, it is possiblemany WGU students have pursued their bachelor’s degrees while working full-time jobs. Online degree programs offer flexibility, allowing you to work as in an accelerated manner, or slow as you want or need.
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Other Degree To Rn Pathway Options
These programs are for students who have completed a degree in a non-nursing discipline. Specific courses, such as in anatomy, physiology, microbiology or statistics, may be required of applicants, as well as a specific admission grade point average . Check program details below for more information.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A certified registered nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse who administers anesthesia for surgery and/or other medical procedures.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average income of a nurse anesthetist to be $169,450 per year, with some CRNAs earning over $252,000.
There are currently 42,620 registered CRNAs in the United States, with a projected rise of 31% from 2016-2026.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner
On average, it can take about two years of graduate education to obtain the minimum educational requirements to become a nurse practitioner, said Carte. The two years is based on being a full-time student and starting from a BSN.
The time to complete the degree can vary based on the person and depends on how many classes you take each term. Many learners work full or part-time while in school or have families or other commitments that may not work for a traditional, on-ground nurse practitioner master’s program. An online program is an excellent option for those who wish to obtain a master’s degree but need more flexibility.
Its important to note that education is only one part of becoming a nurse practitioner. After completing your educational program including the required clinical hours, you must then pass a nationally recognized NP exam in order to apply for your Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license. One cannot practice as an NP without successfully passing a nationally recognized certification exam, Carte said.
The exam gauges your knowledge of patient assessment, diagnosis, clinical management, evaluation, and APRN professional role dimensions. For family nurse practitioner students, there are two choices of national certification exams: ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner board certification exam or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Aprn
The educational path of an aspiring APRN can take a similar amount of time to becoming an RN. To start, youll need to earn a bachelors degree and become a registered nurse. Some online nursing degrees offer a prelicensure program that helps you obtain your BSN and be qualified and prepared to get your nursing licensure simultaneously.
After youve become a registered nurse and earned your BSN, you can pursue an MSN nurse practitioner degree, which allows you to gain the critical credential and training you’ll need to pursue this career. MSN programs for nurse practitioners often include courses and clinical work in specializations such as psychiatric-mental health nursing, family nursing, adult-gerontology nursing, neonatal nursing, pediatrics, and womens health.
As your final step, youll need to gain work experience. If youre leaning toward an NP specialty like a family nurse practitioner, find ways to work in that area so you will have experience as you continue down your career path. Primary care focus allows you to cater to more general medical needs, while an acute care nurse practitioner would focus on more emergency situations.
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