Wondering how to become a registered nurse and make a difference in your community? A Registered Nurse (RN) uses science and direct patient care to ensure the patient’s care plan is helping rather than hindering them from improving.
In terms of schooling, RNs can choose between the ADN, BSN, and accelerated or ABSN programs before taking the NCLEX and receiving their nursing license.
After you become a registered nurse, you’re eligible to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings and industries. Pursuing a career as an RN requires specific education, licensure, and clinical training, making it a structured yet rewarding path to follow.
Understanding the role of a registered nurse
Before committing to a profession such as nursing, it’s important to understand the critical role of nurses. RNs do much more than simply administer medications or wound care.
An RN assesses and monitors patients’ health conditions closely, interpreting subtle changes in patient conditions and sometimes making quick decisions, performing medical procedures under established protocols.
RNs educate patients on disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and treatment plans. Educating and communicating with patients and their families is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of nursing.
RNs need the emotional intelligence required to care for patients who, at times, may be scared, resistant, erratic, physically unstable, or overwhelmed. This requires a lot of patience and a deep commitment to compassion. This is required of an RN, all while maintaining the boundaries between patient and healthcare professional.
Strong communication, critical thinking, and empathy are essential skills for success in the profession. Understanding these responsibilities helps prospective students choose the right educational and career path.
Day-in-the-Life of an RN
A typical RN works 12-hour shifts, often three days per week. During each shift, an RN may be responsible for 4-6 patients in medical-surgical units, though ratios vary by specialty.
RNs collaborate closely with Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Respiratory Therapists for basic patient care. They may at times communicate with physicians, physical therapists, and social workers to ensure comprehensive care.
A significant portion of each shift involves charting patient assessments, medication administration, care interventions, and patient responses in electronic health records, which is crucial for legal protection and continuity of care.
Build a healthier community one patient at a time!
Educational pathways to becoming an RN
The first step is earning the necessary degree, with two primary options: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Associate Degree in Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes about two to three years to complete, or roughly six semesters spent at school, offering a faster route into the workforce.
Several ADN prerequisites should be considered before entering the nursing program. Your GPA in the prerequisite subjects heavily counts toward the consideration of your nursing school application.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) is usually a four-year program at a college or university, providing more comprehensive training in leadership, research, and community health.
Often, you study on a pre-nursing track, which is similar but more expanded from the pre-reqs for the ADN. You’ll also have a capstone with the BSN, similar to other bachelor’s degrees.
Future-proof RN careers
The cost-benefit of RN programs is that while the lowest 10% make a salary of $66,030, this number increases steadily, sometimes as soon as one year.
Most health agencies require on-the-job training to build qualifications and skills that expand your responsibilities, even without earning an additional degree. Top RN earners made $135,320 in May 2024. With more experience and layering of more degrees, authoritative nursing roles reach a salary of $132,050.
Outcomes for the RN programs
Both ADN and BSN programs combine classroom instruction, laboratory simulations, and hands-on clinical experiences to develop practical nursing skills.
Choosing between ADN and BSN affects your career opportunities right off the bat, and even 2-3 years into your entry-level role. However, it doesn’t affect you long-term if you choose to receive more qualifications.
In year two, BSN-prepared nurses often qualify for leadership roles, specialized positions, and higher-level responsibilities. Whereas, ADN-degree nurses can sometimes feel stuck working bedside roles at a lower wage. Potentially, ADN-degree nurses can take part-time classes to work toward their BSN, all while working full-time.
An Accelerated BSN program (ABSN) offers a faster pathway for those who already hold a non-nursing degree, allowing them to enter the nursing profession and access BSN-level career opportunities in a shorter timeframe.
Licensure requirements: Passing the NCLEX-RN
Graduates from ADN or BSN programs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure. The NCLEX-RN tests knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective nursing practice.
Additional requirements vary by state; in Connecticut, candidates must complete background checks, submit proof of completed clinical hours, and meet state-specific registration requirements.
Proper preparation for the NCLEX-RN is critical for passing on the first attempt and beginning a nursing career promptly. This means creating a structured study plan that covers all nursing content areas, including pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, psychiatric nursing, and nursing management.
Additional steps and opportunities for advancement
Once licensed, RNs can begin practicing in various healthcare settings or continue their education to advance their careers. Many RNs pursue RN-to-BSN programs to expand knowledge, qualify for management positions, or meet hospital requirements for higher education.
Graduate programs, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), enable specialization in areas like nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader roles. Continuing education and professional development help RNs stay current with best practices and evolving healthcare standards.
Find your path into nursing at University of Bridgeport
UB’s School of Nursing emphasizes the core values of caring, excellence, integrity, and innovation while preparing students for leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.
Both ADN and BSN programs offer effective routes into the nursing profession, each with unique advantages and career implications. UB equips students with the skills, knowledge, and soft skills necessary for a secure and fulfilling career as a registered nurse.