5 answers
Aaliyah
Student
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Updated
1141 views
Hello! My name is Aaliyah, I am a certified medical assistant and I’m currently studying to be certified in Phlebotomy and sterile processing I got a lot going on lol. My question is what are the steps for me to take to become a registered nurse? I’m only interested in getting an associates degree.
I know I want to be a nurse but I wasn’t sure at first what type of nurse, I just want to be a regular nurse.
5 answers
Kim Huffington
Nursing
1
Answer
Cañon City, Colorado
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Sounds like you are on the right track as you already have some health care experience. An associates degree is a great start so find a program that is in your area and feels like a good fit .
By “regular nurse” I assume you mean working in a hospital or Facility with patients. The beauty of nursing is that once you get your license you can try lots of different areas until you find the area you want to focus on. Good luck!
By “regular nurse” I assume you mean working in a hospital or Facility with patients. The beauty of nursing is that once you get your license you can try lots of different areas until you find the area you want to focus on. Good luck!
Thank you!
Aaliyah
Alishba Kashif
Nursing Student
4
Answers
Buford, Georgia
Updated
Alishba’s Answer
To become a registered nurse (RN) with an associate's degree, you’ll first need to enroll in an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Complete the required coursework, including subjects like anatomy, nursing fundamentals, and pharmacology, as well as clinical training. After earning your ADN, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your RN license. Make sure to meet any additional state-specific licensing requirements. Once licensed, you can begin working as a registered nurse.
Thank you!
Aaliyah
Martin Schoen
APRN
287
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Simply secure admission into a recognized nursing program that fulfills the Board's criteria. This will provide you with all the necessary foundational knowledge. After graduation, like all Registered Nurses (RNs), you'll truly learn the nursing profession. During your clinical studies, you might develop an interest in a particular area, but you don't need to make any firm decisions until you start working. Even then, you can always change your path. Many start their careers on a medical/surgical floor for experience, then move to an area they find more enjoyable after a few months. Changing areas is frequently done, so don't sweat it!
Thank You!!
Aaliyah
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
47
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Aaliyah
If you are already working as a CNA, you likely have a good sense of what it takes to become an RN. For the ADN path, consider enrolling in a community college that offers ADN. Maintaining a solid GPA is important, as nursing schools carefully assess your overall GPA and your GPA in science classes before admitting you to nursing classes. I suggest compiling a list of local colleges offering ADN programs and arranging online consultations with their counselors. They can provide you with essential resources to kickstart your journey toward becoming an RN.
I wish you good luck!
If you are already working as a CNA, you likely have a good sense of what it takes to become an RN. For the ADN path, consider enrolling in a community college that offers ADN. Maintaining a solid GPA is important, as nursing schools carefully assess your overall GPA and your GPA in science classes before admitting you to nursing classes. I suggest compiling a list of local colleges offering ADN programs and arranging online consultations with their counselors. They can provide you with essential resources to kickstart your journey toward becoming an RN.
I wish you good luck!
Thank you!
Aaliyah
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Aaliyah!
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a Registered Nurse with an Associate’s Degree:
1. Explore Nursing Programs:
Start by looking into accredited nursing programs that provide an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). It's important to choose a program that is accredited, meaning it meets specific educational standards. Specifically, look for programs endorsed by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2. Understand Admission Requirements:
Every nursing program will have its unique admission requirements, which might include:
- A high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
- A certain GPA requirement.
- Entrance exams like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) might also be required.
3. Finish Prerequisite Courses:
If you haven’t finished the necessary prerequisite courses yet, sign up for these classes at a community college or university. These courses usually include subjects like human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology.
4. Submit Applications to Nursing Programs:
After meeting all prerequisites and admission requirements, send your application to your preferred nursing programs. Be mindful of deadlines and make sure all required documents are submitted.
5. Join an ADN Program:
Once accepted into a program, sign up and start your studies. An ADN program typically lasts about two years and includes both classroom learning and clinical practice.
6. Undertake Clinical Rotations:
During your ADN program, you'll take part in clinical rotations. This will give you the chance to gain practical experience in various healthcare settings under the guidance of licensed nurses.
7. Graduate from the Program:
Make sure to complete all coursework and clinical requirements to graduate with your Associate Degree in Nursing.
8. Get Ready for the NCLEX-RN Exam:
After graduation, you need to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam evaluates your knowledge and skills needed for safe nursing practice.
9. Apply for State Licensure:
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, apply for licensure in your state through your state’s Board of Nursing. This process might involve providing proof of education, passing exam results, and possibly undergoing a background check.
10. Look for Employment as a Registered Nurse:
With your RN license, start looking for nursing jobs in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Networking through internships or clinical placements can help you find job opportunities.
11. Think About Further Education (Optional):
While it's not necessary right after becoming an RN with an ADN, many nurses decide to pursue further education such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) later on to improve their career opportunities.
By diligently following these steps and making the most of your current certifications as a medical assistant and ongoing studies in phlebotomy and sterile processing, you can successfully transition into a registered nurse role with an associate’s degree.
Chances of this answer being correct: 95%
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
The AACN offers comprehensive information about nursing education pathways, including details about ADN programs and accreditation standards that are vital for aspiring nurses.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN supervises the NCLEX-RN examination process and provides resources related to licensure requirements across different states, which are important for new graduates looking for employment as RNs.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS gives detailed statistics on job outlooks, salary expectations, and educational requirements for registered nurses, helping prospective students understand their career path better.
GOD BLESS!
JC.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a Registered Nurse with an Associate’s Degree:
1. Explore Nursing Programs:
Start by looking into accredited nursing programs that provide an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). It's important to choose a program that is accredited, meaning it meets specific educational standards. Specifically, look for programs endorsed by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2. Understand Admission Requirements:
Every nursing program will have its unique admission requirements, which might include:
- A high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
- A certain GPA requirement.
- Entrance exams like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) might also be required.
3. Finish Prerequisite Courses:
If you haven’t finished the necessary prerequisite courses yet, sign up for these classes at a community college or university. These courses usually include subjects like human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology.
4. Submit Applications to Nursing Programs:
After meeting all prerequisites and admission requirements, send your application to your preferred nursing programs. Be mindful of deadlines and make sure all required documents are submitted.
5. Join an ADN Program:
Once accepted into a program, sign up and start your studies. An ADN program typically lasts about two years and includes both classroom learning and clinical practice.
6. Undertake Clinical Rotations:
During your ADN program, you'll take part in clinical rotations. This will give you the chance to gain practical experience in various healthcare settings under the guidance of licensed nurses.
7. Graduate from the Program:
Make sure to complete all coursework and clinical requirements to graduate with your Associate Degree in Nursing.
8. Get Ready for the NCLEX-RN Exam:
After graduation, you need to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam evaluates your knowledge and skills needed for safe nursing practice.
9. Apply for State Licensure:
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, apply for licensure in your state through your state’s Board of Nursing. This process might involve providing proof of education, passing exam results, and possibly undergoing a background check.
10. Look for Employment as a Registered Nurse:
With your RN license, start looking for nursing jobs in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Networking through internships or clinical placements can help you find job opportunities.
11. Think About Further Education (Optional):
While it's not necessary right after becoming an RN with an ADN, many nurses decide to pursue further education such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) later on to improve their career opportunities.
By diligently following these steps and making the most of your current certifications as a medical assistant and ongoing studies in phlebotomy and sterile processing, you can successfully transition into a registered nurse role with an associate’s degree.
Chances of this answer being correct: 95%
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
The AACN offers comprehensive information about nursing education pathways, including details about ADN programs and accreditation standards that are vital for aspiring nurses.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN supervises the NCLEX-RN examination process and provides resources related to licensure requirements across different states, which are important for new graduates looking for employment as RNs.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS gives detailed statistics on job outlooks, salary expectations, and educational requirements for registered nurses, helping prospective students understand their career path better.
GOD BLESS!
JC.
Thank you!
Aaliyah
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