Get educated on the nursing field and learn what requirements are necessary to become a nurse.
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Basic Requirements
All nurses must complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a nursing license before they can practice. Depending on the type of nurse, additional certifications or education may be required. For example, registered nurses (RNs) must complete an accredited RN program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
In order to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or an registered nurse (RN), you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You’ll also need to complete an accredited nursing program, which typically takes one to two years for an LPN program and two to four years for an RN program.
Must have completed an accredited nursing program
All states require licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to complete an accredited nursing program and pass a national licensing exam. Some states have additional requirements, such as passing a state-specific licensing exam.
LPNs must complete an accredited practical nursing program, which typically takes about one year to complete. RNs must complete an accredited nursing program, which typically takes two to four years to complete. Some RN programs offer an accelerated option that can be completed in as little as 15 months.
Both LPNs and RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain a license.
Further Education
After completing an accredited nursing program, many nurses choose to further their education by obtaining a higher degree. A higher degree can lead to career advancement and opportunities, as well as higher salaries. There are many different types of nursing degrees available, and each has its own set of requirements.
Some states require nurses to have a bachelor’s degree
Most states require nurses to have at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN), although some states are now moving towards requiring a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) as the minimum entry-level degree.
There are several reasons for this shift. First, research has shown that patients have better outcomes when their nurses have a BSN or higher. Second, the Affordable Care Act includes provisions that encourage hospitals to employ a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses, with the ultimate goal of having 80% of the nursing workforce holding a BSN or higher by 2020.
And finally, as the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly complex, nurses with a BSN or higher will be better prepared to meet the challenges of 21st century healthcare.
Some employers may require nurses to have a master’s degree
While a bachelor’s degree in nursing is the minimum requirement to become a registered nurse, some employers may require nurses to have a master’s degree. In addition, nurses who want to pursue careers in nursing education or research may need to obtain a doctoral degree.
Continuing Education
Nursing continuing education is important for nurses to maintain their licenses and to keep up with the latest changes in the field. There are many different ways to get continuing education, such as taking classes, attending seminars, and reading nursing journals.
Nurses must complete a certain amount of continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their license
The number of CEUs required varies from state to state, but is usually between 10 and 30 units every two years. License renewal dates are also set at the state level, so nurses must be aware of the deadlines in their state.
There are a variety of ways to earn CEUs, including attending conferences, taking classes, and even completing some online courses. Some employers will also pay for employees to attend conferences or take classes that relate to their job.
It is important for nurses to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in their field, and CEUs provide an opportunity to do just that. Nurses can learn about new treatments, medications, and technologies that can help them provide better care for their patients.
Nurses can take continuing education courses online, through their employer, or at a local college or university
Nurses can enhance their career and job prospects by completing continuing education courses. These courses can be taken online, through their employer, or at a local college or university.
While some employers may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for taking continuing education courses, nurses can also take advantage of free or low-cost courses offered by many non-profit organizations and professional associations. Additionally, many states offer nurses contact hours toward relicensure for completing certain continuing education courses.
Some examples of continuing education courses that nurses can take include:
-Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
-Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
-Basic life support (BLS)
-Stroke certification
-Pharmacology
-Infection control
-Nutrition
Certification
Nurses who wish to enter the field must have at the very least completed an accredited nursing program and received a diploma, certificate, or degree. Some employers may require additional certification such as Basic Life Support (BLS).
Nurses can become certified in their specialty area
Nurses can become certified in their specialty area. Certification demonstrates to employers, patients, and the community that a nurse has met specific standards of practice and has the knowledge to provide quality care. Nurses can become certified through national certifying organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Certification is not required, but may give nurses an advantage when applying for jobs
Nurses are not required to be certified in order to practice, but certification may give nurses an advantage when applying for jobs. Certification indicates that a nurse has met certain standards and has specialized knowledge in a particular area of nursing. There are many different types of certifications available, and nurses can choose to specialize in a certain area of nursing or earn multiple certifications.
