Become a Registered General Nurse in 5 Simple Steps

To become a Registered Nurse, you’ll need to complete five key steps.

Start by meeting educational prerequisites with a strong GPA and science grades.

Then choose between a 2-year ADN or 4-year BSN program, with BSN offering higher earning potential.

Complete your selected nursing program, including clinical rotations.

Study for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Finally, obtain your state RN license through your local board.

The journey continues with specialized certifications and ongoing education.

Summary

• Complete high school with strong grades in science and obtain necessary prerequisites including biology, chemistry, and anatomy courses.
• Choose and enroll in an accredited nursing program (Diploma, ADN, or BSN) based on career goals and time commitment.
• Successfully complete all nursing coursework and required clinical rotations while maintaining the minimum GPA requirements.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN examination through comprehensive preparation and practice testing.
• Apply for state RN licensure by submitting required documentation, fees, and passing background checks.

Meeting Educational Prerequisites for Nursing School

Before you can begin your journey to become a registered nurse, you’ll need to meet specific educational requirements.

Start by focusing on your high school coursework, maintaining at least a 2.75-3.0 GPA and earning C grades or better in biology and chemistry.

For nursing school admission, you’ll need:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• College credits in prerequisite courses like anatomy, biology, and psychology
• Minimum C grades in all prerequisites
• Competitive standardized test scores (TEAS, HESI, or NLN-PAX)

Additional requirements often include:

• Official transcripts
• Personal essays
• Letters of recommendation
• CPR certification
• Application fees

Selecting Your Nursing Education Path

When choosing your nursing education path, you’ll need to carefully consider several program options that align with your career goals and circumstances.

Common nursing program types include diploma, ADN, and BSN programs.

For ideal career advancement opportunities, a BSN offers significant advantages.

While ADN programs provide essential clinical skills, BSN graduates qualify for research, consulting, and administrative positions.

You can also pursue advanced degrees like MSN or DNP later, opening doors to specialized roles such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

Completing Your Nursing Program Requirements

Successfully entering a nursing program requires meeting several critical prerequisites and academic standards.

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED, plus completion of foundational courses like anatomy, biology, and psychology with at least a C grade.

During your program, you’ll need to:

• Maintain the required GPA (typically 2.0-3.0 for ADN, 3.0 for BSN)
• Complete all required nursing courses
• Fulfill clinical experience requirements
• Verify your program has proper accreditation

Your chosen program’s length varies based on the degree type and enrollment status.

ADN programs usually take 2-4 years, while BSN programs may require 1-2 years if pursuing an accelerated track.

Preparing for and Taking the NCLEX-RN Exam

The path to becoming a registered nurse culminates with passing the NCLEX-RN examination.

This computerized adaptive test evaluates your nursing knowledge through multiple-choice and alternate format questions.

To prepare effectively, utilize various study resources:

• Review books and online courses
• Practice exam questions
• Study groups for peer support

Master these test strategies for success:

• Pace yourself through the 5-hour exam
• Answer every question, even if guessing
• Use critical thinking for patient scenarios
• Take scheduled breaks to stay focused

Remember to maintain healthy habits while studying and practice under simulated exam conditions before your test date.

Obtaining Your State RN License and Credentials

After passing your NCLEX-RN exam, you’ll need to obtain proper licensing through your state’s board of nursing.

State regulations vary, but the basic license application process includes submitting official transcripts, completing background checks, and providing fingerprints.

You’ll submit your application online through your state board’s website.

Requirements typically include:

• Official nursing program transcripts
• Background check documentation
• Fingerprint records
• Required fees
• Proof of NCLEX-RN passage

Once licensed, you’ll need to renew every two years.

Most states offer online renewal systems.

Remember to complete any continuing education requirements and submit renewal fees on time to maintain your active status.

FAQs

How Physically Demanding Is the Daily Work of a Registered Nurse?

As a registered nurse, you’ll face significant physical demands daily.

The job requires extensive patient lifting – often moving weights over 35 pounds – and strong daily stamina for 12-hour shifts.

You’ll spend up to 11 hours standing and walking, covering roughly 4 miles per shift.

The work involves frequent bending, reaching overhead, and pushing equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.

These demands can strain your muscles and joints substantially.

What Are the Typical Shift Schedules and Work-Life Balance for Nurses?

As a nurse, you’ll encounter various shift variations, typically including:

• Three 12-hour shifts per week
• Four 10-hour shifts
• Traditional 8-hour schedules
• Rotating day/night shifts

Work flexibility often depends on your facility’s policies.

You can expect:

• Options for compressed workweeks
• Self-scheduling opportunities
• Weekend rotations
• Holiday coverage requirements

While challenging, many nurses appreciate longer shifts that provide more consecutive days off for work-life balance.

Can I Become a Nurse if I’m Afraid of Blood?

Don’t let your fear of blood be a brick wall in your nursing journey.

You can absolutely become a nurse by choosing nursing specialties that limit blood exposure.

Many roles like case management, informatics, and legal consulting involve minimal contact with blood.

You’ll still need to complete some clinical training during nursing school, but exposure therapy and desensitization techniques can help you manage your fear over time.

How Do Nurses Cope With Emotional Stress and Patient Death?

Nurses develop emotional resilience through several proven coping strategies to handle stress and patient death:

• Build a support network of colleagues and mentors you can talk to.
• Practice self-care through regular breaks, exercise, and healthy eating.
• Use stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
• Seek professional counseling when needed.
• Join support groups specifically for healthcare workers.

Remember, it’s normal to feel affected by patient deaths.

You’ll become more resilient as you develop these healthy coping mechanisms.

What Salary Can Entry-Level Registered Nurses Expect in Different States?

As an entry-level registered nurse, you’ll find significant salary variations across states.

You can expect to earn approximately 10-15% less than the state averages initially.

In California, you might start around $113,000, while in Mississippi, your starting salary could be closer to $57,000.

The highest entry-level salaries are typically found in:

• California
• Hawaii
• Oregon

These differences reflect local cost of living and market demands.

Final Thoughts

You’re now equipped with a clear roadmap to become a registered nurse through education, training, and licensure.

Whether you’ll train at a community college or university, complete clinical rotations, or prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam, each step builds on the last.

By following these requirements systematically, you’ll transform from a nursing student into a licensed registered nurse ready to provide professional patient care.