According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs hold over 2.6 million jobs. Although this number indicates the high employability of these healthcare workers, it also means there is much greater competition for better paying and less stressful workplaces. The typical RN also only holds an associate’s degree, which keeps them from earning the better paying BSN salary. When compared to those who do not have a BSN. RN to BSN nurses could find that after graduating they can find employment in a physician’s office. These jobs usually feature shorter workdays than the 12-hour nursing shifts typically found in hospitals and feature a less stressful environment.

The healthcare industry has become an increasingly complicated field. As healthcare has become more refined and focused on prevention and wellness the duties of nurses have also become more multidimensional and to keep up nurses need a mix of clinical, academic, and leadership skills. Thorough an accelerated BSN program, nurses learn to thrive in all types of situations from making critical decisions when dealing with chaotic scenes in an emergency room, to supervising support professionals, and getting patients access to the appropriate medical treatment. These skills increase job satisfaction and keep nurses motivated and challenged in their careers.

Ultimately, online RN to BSN programs give nurses the development and resources for thinking critically, completing research, tackling problems analytically, being leaders, and improving all aspects of patient care. All skills that various health care organizations are increasingly demanding to cut back on patient costs and improve the quality of care. In fact, the value of traditional and online RN to BSN programs has become so valuable that many employers are now looking for a BSN degree even in entry-level nurses. As a result, they are offering a more competitive BSN salary for nurses with this degree. Some of these employers will only hire nurses who already have their BSN or require applicants earn their BSN within a certain length of time after being employed. Therefore, nurses who have taken the initiative to sign up for RN to BSN online programs can take their pick of inpatient and outpatient opportunities working in hospitals, for the federal government, and in various other settings. For highly motivated nurses, an online RN to BSN degree could mean switching gears and working in administration or as a nurse educator.

Registered Nurse Education Requirements 

Nurses wondering about the usefulness of a BSN degree should think about their future 5, 10, and even 20 years down the line. As just an RN, will they be able to maintain employment even as new workers with more advanced and coveted skills and training enter the healthcare field? Although returning to school may seem like a hassle that requires a lot of sacrifice, online RN to BSN programs offer nurses flexibility and convenience. These programs are suited to the lifestyles of working nurses and can be enrolled in part-time, allowing nurses to get their degree at their own pace. Often, an accelerated BSN program can be completed in less than 2 years. Many nurses also state that they choose to go back to school because of employee incentives. Some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement and scholarships to lower any financial burden. Hospitals may even give nursing students a more flexible schedule to accommodate their RN to BSN online classes.

What’s All The Fuss? Working Towards A Baccalaureate Or Graduate Degree In Nursing

Having a four-year degree also gives nurses the option to further advance their education and career by entering graduate nursing programs in advanced practice nursing specialties such as a Certified Nurse Midwife or Certified Nurse Anesthetist. Of course, increases in education mean better pay. At the lower end of the scale, less than $50,000 may be earned by an RN. BSN graduates, however, with greater experience could be making over $70,000 a year. The BSN salary can be even higher for nurses in some geographic areas and specialties.

Why Go Back For A Baccalaureate Degree?

Travel nurses take on short-term assignments in the cities of their choice throughout the United States. These assignments can last anywhere from eight to 26 weeks. The employment agencies that help travel nurses land these jobs do more than just connect them with work; they also often provide free housing, relocation costs, sign-on and renewal bonuses, medical benefits, a 401k plan, and more. Many agencies will also assist in licensure reimbursement. If you enjoy traveling, new experiences, and an overall sense of professional autonomy, becoming a travel nurse may be the career path that’s right for you.

Traveling Nurse Job Responsibilities

Outside of the difference in work environments, the responsibilities of a travel nurse do not greatly differ from that of a non-traveling nurse. They are responsible for administering medicine to patients, documenting medical information, receiving and discharging patients, and coordinating patient care with other hospital departments such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and more.

Traveling Nurse Educational Requirements

Just as nurses in non-traveling career paths need an education to further their career, traveling nurses must complete who have their RN should complete a rn to bsn program at a accredited nursing school. Many agencies also require that RNs have worked a certain amount of time and gained experience before they are able to accept a travel assignment.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses enjoy their career path as it allows them to visit different parts of the country on a regular basis and gain different kinds of work experience in a constantly changing set of environments. The fact that agencies pay for housing, relocation, utilities, vacation, and bonuses is also a unique perk that is not found in other registered nursing jobs.

One disadvantage of becoming a traveling nurse is that you will be dealing with different employers through both the agency and the selected assignment facility. These intertwined relationships may sometimes conflict with one another, and create contractual snafus, on a case-by-case basis.

Traveling Nurse Salary Ranges

Travel nurses enjoy a fairly lucrative salary that, according to PayScale.com, typically ranges anywhere from $30 to $40 an hour. They also receive a good amount of benefits, including having their relocation costs covered by their employer.

While being a travel nurse may not necessarily be a perfect career fit for everyone in the field of nursing, it is an excellent path to move towards for registered nurses who love to travel and experience new environments and challenges.

Get Started with your Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an rn to bsn degree. Learn more about other career opportunities for registered nurses, and find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Traveling Nurse Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN Careers
Become aware of the many career options that are available to professional registered nurses in the health care industry.

BSN Schools
Before you make a decision in choosing the right registered nursing school, find out more about the important factors to consider and get on track to launching your career.

BSN Programs
As you ready yourself for an education that will lead you to becoming a registered nurse, learn more about the different RN programs that are available for students.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
The demand for registered nurses in the health care industry is at an all-time high. Find out why, and how a degree can help you land your dream job.

RN Salaries
Get the scoop on the salary trends affecting registered nurses today and find out how earning a degree can help you to increase your salary.

NCLEX
All registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination before starting their careers.

Nursing Exam Eligibility

You’ll need to apply for nursing license from your state board of nursing in order to take the NCLEX exam. Once the board determines that you have met its criteria to take the test, you will then need to register to take the exam.

Nursing Exam Content

The NCLEX examination covers the following categories:

• Safe, Effective Care Environment: management of care, safety and infection control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance: growth and development through patient life span, prevention and early detection of disease
• Psychosocial Integrity: coping and adaptation, psychosocial adaptation
• Physiological Integrity: basic care and comfort, pharmacological and parental therapies, reduction of risk potential, physiological adaptation

Exam Registration

You’ll receive an NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin in the mail after you’ve applied for a license with your state board of nursing. At that point, you’ll be able to register to take the exam with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s testing service. You can register by phone, or by filling out a mail-in registration form.

You’ll receive an Authorization to Take the Test (ATT) once your state board of nursing verifies your eligibility to take the NCLEX. You’ll also receive a list of testing centers and instructions for how to schedule your appointment.

NCLEX Test Details

The NCLEX is a multiple-choice exam that utilizes an interactive system called Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). RN candidates must answer at least 75 questions. You’ll have 5 hours to complete the exam; this time window includes time set aside for the introductory computer tutorial as well as two 10-minute breaks.

Your score will be generated at first by the computer on which you are taking it, and then later by the National Council’s testing service. If you are clearly above the passing standard, you’ll pass. If you’re below the standard, you’ll fail. If your results are too close for the system to determine, you’ll be given additional questions until the system can offer its final analysis. RN candidates can take a maximum of 265 questions.

What if I Fail the NCLEX?

If you don’t pass the NCLEX, don’t worry; you’ll have another opportunity to take the exam again. First, you’ll receive a diagnostic profile that outlines both where your areas of knowledge were satisfactory and where they were not. You can retake the exam as many times as you need to, but you will need to wait at least 91 days before retaking the test. Some individual states may impose a stricter limit.

Get Started with your RN to BSN Program

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – BSN Programs
• Online RN to BSN Degree
• How to Become a Registered Nurse
• Guide to Nursing Schools

RN Resources & Related Reading

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN to BSN Careers
Find out about the variety of career opportunities in today’s health care industry for registered nurses.

BSN Nursing Schools
Learn more about the available nursing schools that can best suit your needs and career goals as you work to become a registered nurse.

Registered Nurse Programs
Discover the many registered nursing degree programs that can help move you towards your career goals today.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
There’s a greater demand than ever for professional registered nurses in today’s health care industry – find out more.

RN to BSN Salaries
Track the latest salary trends for registered nurses in today’s health care industry, and find out how you can increase your earnings.

Getting your nursing license is an essential step in launching your career  as a registered nurse (RN) once you’ve chosen the nursing school and the right rn to bsn that best suits your needs and goals.

Nursing License Requirements

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing states that the minimum requirements for both registered nurse (RN) and many nurse practitioner programs:

You must graduate, or provide verification of completion and eligibility for graduation, from a state-approved nursing program. Most Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs typically take four years to complete, with the last two years generally focused on the science and principals of nursing practice. These programs are not only available through colleges and universities across the country, but also through BSN programs for registered nurses (RN) who want to enhance their credentials with a RN to BSN Program. In these cases, students will complete the bulk of their course work online, while fulfilling clinical requirements in local facilities.

You must pass the NCLEX examination. This standardized exam is used to help each state board of nursing to determine whether or not a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. The exam covers a list of categories that relate to client needs:

• Safe, Effective Care Environment
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity.

You must self-report any and all criminal convictions, chemical dependencies, and functional ability deficits.

State Boards of Nursing

State Boards of Nursing are responsible for evaluating nursing license applications, giving the licensure exams, and making sure that nurses who have received their licenses operate under the ethical and legal guidelines that the State Board has agreed upon with the federal government.

If you’re taking the time to investigate what you need to do in order to get your nursing license, you have taken the right step in building your career opportunities in this exciting branch of the health care field. To learn more about getting your nursing license and to obtain a state by state listing visit here Complete List of State Boards of Nursing .

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an RN to BSN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Career Resources for RNs

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN Careers
Learn more about the different career options that exist for professional registered nurses.

Accredited Nursing Schools
As you research registered nurse schools, find out what you need to consider before making your final decision.

Registered Nursing Programs
Find the registered nurse program that is able to move you towards your career goals.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Find out why registered nurses are in such high demand within the health care industry.

RN to BSN Salaries
Learn more about salary trends for registered nurses and find out how you can increase your earnings.

Getting onboard for financial aid isn’t difficult. All you need to do is complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is usually a prerequisite for financial aid eligibility. What follows is a list of the many financial aid resources that are out there today.

RN to BSN Scholarships

Nursing scholarships recognize academic achievement, athletic ability, or artistic accomplishments, and while they may be very competitive, you won’t have to pay them back and they are also a great way to help pay for some of the costs of your education.

Depending on your specialized area of study, you may be able to get a scholarship from one of several different kinds of professional associations, such as religious organizations, private and public schools, small businesses, large corporations, community groups, and philanthropic foundations.

For more information, visit these nursing scholarship resources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) financial aid resources:
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/financialaid.htm#aacnresources

Scholarship searching resource:
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/signup.jsp?sourceid=254868

RN to BSN Nursing Grants

The major benefit to using nursing grants as a form of financial aid for your RN to BSN Degree is that you won’t have to pay back any of the money put towards your nursing education. There are over a thousand federal grant programs in the U.S., worth more than $400 billion total. While it does take some work to become eligible and apply for this aid, doing so can help you to save hundreds to thousands in nursing school expenses.

For more information, visit these financial aid resources:

• FAFSA application and information - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Federal grant information –  http://www.fsa4counselors.ed.gov/cicf/grants.html
• Federal student aid on the web - http://studentaid.ed.gov

RN to BSN Loans for Nursing

College loans can be a good investment to make in your future for your RN to BSN Program. They carry a lower interest because the federal government regulates the maximum interest that lenders can charge on federally guaranteed student loans, making the loans easier to pay back. Loan repayment doesn’t begin until six months after graduation.

Stafford Loan

The Stafford Loan is the most common federal student loan available. The Stafford Loan includes the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL)Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. As a student receiving a Stafford Loan, your funds will be directly dispersed to you. The amounts of this loan are distributed based on need.

Private Loan

Private loans offer higher limits and no payments until graduation, but your interest starts to accrue immediately after the loan is distributed. Private student loans can be made out to either students or parents.

PLUS Loan

PLUS Loans are distributed through FFEL and Direct Loan programs, but are geared toward parents. If you want to apply for a PLUS Loan, you need to be a dependent student enrolled at least half time in your undergraduate education, and your parent has to apply for the loan.

Grad PLUS Loan

If you are either a graduate or professional degree student, you may be eligible for a Grad PLUS Loan. This loan operates under the same terms and conditions as a regular PLUS Loan.
For more information, visit these financial aid resources:

•    FAFSA application and information - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
•    Student loan information and opportunities - http://www.govloans.gov
•    Stafford Loan information - http://wwwstaffordloans.com

RN to BSN Nursing School Loan Forgiveness Programs

Loan forgiveness programs also exist, and they’re a great way for you to pay back your nursing college loans while you work. These programs are a great form of financial aid, as they allow you valuable nursing experience in a hospital setting while you get paid for your work and get reimbursed for your nursing school education.

For more information, visit these loan forgiveness resources:
•    Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) loan repayment program:
http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm
•    Financial aid student guide to loan forgiveness:
http://www.finaid.org/loans/forgiveness.phtml
•    Federal student loan forgiveness:
http://www.staffordloan.com/repayment/federal-student-loan-forgiveness.php

Learn more about nursing school financial aid and get resources nursing scholarships and grants so your focus can be on learning, and not on paying for your education.

Get Started with your Online Nursing Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online nursing degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

• BSN Programs
• BSN Nursing Schools
• RN to MSN

RN to BSN Nursing Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN to BSN Careers
Learn how going to nursing school can lead you to a wide variety of career opportunities in the world of nursing.

Accredited Nursing Schools
Learn more about the various nursing school options that exist for students looking to further their education and becoming professional nurses.

NCLEX Examination
Read about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and learn the part that this test plays in launching your nursing career.

Nursing Shortage
Read about the health care industry’s high demand for nurses and learn why now is a better time than ever to enter this career field.

RN to BSN Salaries
Take a look at the salary trends affecting the nurses in the health care industry today, and learn how getting your education can lead to a higher pay.

But registered nurses aren’t just limited to working in hospitals. As a registered nurse, you can expect to find work in offices, nursing care facilities, home health care services, public health agencies, and all other professional environments that provide several career opportunities  for registered nurses.

Depending on the type of job, the schedule of a registered nurse can also vary. While long-term care facilities like chronic care hospitals or nursing homes typically require RNs to work long hours (as well as nights and weekends), other environments like physicians’ offices offer a more ‘normal’ eight-hour schedule during regular, daytime business hours.

Registered Nursing Job Responsibilities

Here are just some of the tasks that a career in nursing requires:

• Treat patients for illnesses, injuries, and chronic medical conditions
• Observe and record patient symptoms
• Develop nursing care treatment plans
• Perform routine laboratory work
• Instruct patients on self-care tasks
• Determine patient progress based on treatment plans
• Help physicians in examinations and during surgeries
• Administer medications and injections
• Provide support to patients and their families in coping with a specific illness or medical condition

Ideal Traits and Qualities for Registered Nurses

Compassion

Registered nurses need to offer a caring and sympathetic nature to work each day. While the job can be taxing and comes with its own set of unique challenges, a caring, professional demeanor can make a world of a difference to patients.

Good Health

Since the job of a registered nurse often involves long hours, it’s important that RNs maintain a good sense of physical fitness and health.

Go With The Flow

Emergencies are a frequent factor in the life of a registered nurse. Scenarios involving severe pain, mental capacity, and even death can be stressful – but if you’re able to maintain a cool head in those kinds of situations, you can rest assured that the job will become much smoother and easier.

High Attention to Detail

As an RN, you’ll need to be detail-oriented, as the ability to analyze patient care tasks in an effective and efficient manner is of the utmost importance in this profession. From interpreting physicians’ orders to treating patients, the utmost care and attention must be given to the everyday tasks of a registered nurse.

Should You Become a Registered Nurse?

While other careers may find themselves feeling the effects of a recession and a struggling job market, job opportunities for registered nurses continue to increase. If you think you have the skills that it takes to provide quality patient care, an RN degree may be right for you.

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN to BSN. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the right rn to bsn degree that’s right for you today!

Registered Nurse RN Career Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN to BSN Careers
Find out more about the different job options that exist for professional registered nurses.

BSN Nursing Schools
Learn which factors are important to consider when selecting the registered nursing school that fits your career goals.

RN to BSN Programs
Find the registered nurse program that will put you on track to starting your job as a registered nurse.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Learn about the high demand for registered nurses in the health care industry.

RN to BSN Salaries
Find out about the salary trends for registered nurse jobs and learn how a degree can increase your earnings.

Salary Determining Factors

There are a number of factors that play a part in determining the salary of a registered nurse (RN). Some of these include:

• Level of nursing degree and nursing education
• Years of experience in a chosen field
• Location and cost of living
• Job responsibilities
• Type of nursing specialty

Registered Nurse Salaries

In order to begin work as a registered nurse, students need to first complete a degree program from a accredited nursing school or complete a nursing diploma program. Upon completion of the program, they will then be eligible to take the NCLEX exam. Students who pass this test then earn their nursing license

Average Registered Nurse Salary/Hourly Pay Rate by State

This data from a June 2009 survey on PayScale.com reveals the median hourly rates for RNs in the following states:

• California: $33.73
• New York: $27.91
• Texas: $26.14
• Illinois: $25.84

RN Specialties

There are several specialty jobs within the field of nursing that come with their own salary sets. These typically pay by the hour, and vary based on factors such as location and specific duties.

Travel Nurse

Travel Nurses earn $30 to $40 an hour, plus benefits including relocation costs (PayScale.com)

Legal Nurse Consultant

$125 to $150 per hour (The Medical-Legal Consulting Institute)

Forensic Nurse

$26 to $100 per hour, or a flat fee of $150 to $400 per case (TheForensicNurse.com)

Registered Nursing Salary Trends

Large cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are the top spots for the number of available nursing jobs. These locations also boast higher salaries and come with better benefits.

As the largest single profession in the health care industry today, being a registered nurse has a very promising potential for career  advancement. Despite the saturation of quality RNs in the job market, the demand for these skilled individuals has not decreased.

However, in keeping that saturation in mind, it is important for registered nurses to differentiate themselves from their contemporaries in order to stand out to potential employers. By furthering their education through RN to BSN programs through both traditional brick-and-mortar schools and online RN to BSN Degrees nurses have been able to create upward mobility in their careers and increase their salaries. No matter what type of degree or experience you have, there are steps that anyone can take to further their education and, consequently, their career in this field of healthcare.

Get Started with your RN to BSN Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an BSN program. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

Registered Nurse  Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN to BSN Careers
Investigate the many different career paths that are available to registered nurses and find the one that’s best for you.

BSN Nursing Schools
Find the registered nursing school that best fits your ambitions, goals, and projected career path in this branch of the health care industry.

Registered Nurse Programs
Take the time to learn about the different registered nurse programs that are out there and find the one that’s best for you.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
See why there is a greater demand now than ever for registered nurses in the health care industry.

NCLEX Exam
Take the time to learn more about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and find out how this exam can guide your career as a registered nurse.

How can I become a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Before you can become a registered nurse, you’ll have to meet the set of requirements set by your state’s Board of Nursing. In order to earn a professional nursing license, you must first complete a nursing education program that is approved by the board. You’ll also need to pass the NCLEX examination, a comprehensive nursing test administered by each state. Once you’ve passed that exam, you’ll get your professional nursing license  Several states also require that you continue your nursing education even after you have earned your license in order to keep the license current.

Which RN programs qualify me for the NCLEX examination?

In order to take your NCLEX exam, you have to have one of these three nursing degrees:

A hospital diploma program
An associate’s degree in nursing program
A BSN program

What are the nursing school prerequisites?

While every nursing school has its own set of guidelines when admitting students, this list should provide you with a basic outline of what you can expect:

SAT or ACT exam (this minimum varies from school to school)
GPA range from 2.0 to 3.25 (this average also depends upon the school)
3 years of math, including geometry and algebra II
3 years of science, including biology and chemistry
4 years of English
2 years of a foreign language

How long will my degree program take to complete?

Nursing Diploma: 3 years
Nursing Associate’s Degree: 2 years
Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
RN to BSN Program: 2-3 years

How much does it cost to become a registered nurse?

The cost of getting an education in the field of nursing can vary depending on the school, type of degree program, geographic location, and more. Community colleges may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per year, whereas a private 4-year college can cost more than $20,000 per year.

What is nursing school accreditation and how important is it that my school be accredited?

Accredited Nursing schools are evaluated by a thorough group of standards that are determined by accreditation organizations to be essential in providing students with a quality education. This rating is very important, as a nursing school’s accreditation is a marker for the quality of the institute’s education. Most states also require that your degree be from an accredited school in order to take the NCLEX exam.

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN to BSN Degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

RN to BSN Careers
Explore the wide scope of registered nursing career paths that exist within this branch of the health care industry.

RN to BSN Nursing Schools
As you prepare to begin an education that will put you on track to becoming a registered nurse, find out which nursing school is best for you.

Registered Nurse Programs
There are a variety of registered nurse programs available to students today – find out which one is the best for you.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Find out about the high demand for registered nurses and see why now is a great time to start a career in this field.

RN to BSN Salaries
Learn about the trends that have affected – and will continue to affect – registered nurses’ salaries in the health care industry.

NCLEX
Get the information that you need to know about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

The nurturing and professional aesthetic that registered nurses bring to health care helps bring people back to a healthy state after operations and sickness. As the industry already has a great shortage of nurses for this rewarding and recession-proof career choice, now truly is the best time to join this booming profession.

The first and most important step in launching your career as a registered nurse is to choose the RN nursing school that’s best for you. Earning your RN to BSN Online typically takes between two and four years, and even less in the case of an accelerated BSN degree , or a RN to BSN Degree.

If you’re considering a registered nursing career  read on to learn what life as an RN entails, the skills necessary to succeed in a registered nursing job, and the different choices you have when picking a registered nursing school .

Careers as a Registered Nurse

Find out more about the different types of RN to BSN Programs you can choose from, what you can expect from a RN career in this exciting field, and find the answers you’re looking for in the RN frequently asked questions

RN Schools and Training Programs

Does the school you’re interested in assist in work placement after you complete the program? Will your program document your course hours? These are all important questions to consider as you choose which RN Nursing School is right for you. Learn what online RN to BSN degree programs are out there, and see what requirements you’ll need to meet in order to get your nursing license . You can also learn what to expect from the different kinds of RN to BSN Programs

Career Paths for RNs

Learn more about the different kinds of registered nurse (RN) career options that exist in the industry, and what you can expect from each setting, whether you’re working in a hospital, in home health services, in physicians’ offices, or as a travel nurse.

RN Jobs

As a registered nurse, you’ll have a variety of career options to choose from when you enter the workplace. Discover the different kinds of registered nurse (RN) jobs that are out there, learn more about registered nurse (RN) salaries, and find out more about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and how it plays an important part in getting your nursing license .

Frequently Asked Questions

This list of registered nursing frequently asked questions will assist you in learning what you need to do to become a registered nurse before you choose a nursing school. Learn about your state’s licensing requirements, the different nursing degree options, and what kinds of registered nurse (RN) careers exist in the industry.

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of 213,500 RNs in 2010. Consequently, there are a variety of registered nursing career opportunities that exist in this ever-expanding field. Learn more about the different kinds of registered nursing (RN) jobs in the health care industry.

Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and RN to BSN degree program that’s right for you today!

Registered Nurse RN Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN Careers
Learn about the various career options that are available to professional registered nurses in the health care industry.

BSN Schools
Learn about your options when choosing a school that will help you gain the education needed to become a registered nurse.

Registered Nurse Programs
Explore the different registered nurse programs that exist for students and learn which one best suits your career goals.

The Demand for Registered Nurses
Find out more about the health care industry’s demand for registered nurses as you prepare to enter this line of work.

RN Salaries
Become aware of the salary trends for registered nurses and discover how earning your degree can help you increase your earnings.

NCLEX Exam
Prepare yourself for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and learn how it plays into your professional development as a registered nurse.

Nursing schools

Nursing Schools are evaluated by a thorough group of standards that are determined by accreditation organizations to be essential in providing students with a quality education. This rating is very important, as a school’s accreditation is a marker for the quality of the institute’s education. Most states also require that your degree be from an accredited school in order to take the NCLEX exam.

By attending an accredited nursing school, students can ensure that they will become more competitive in the job market, as employers tend to prefer to hire accredited practitioners. This is because these employees are trained under nationally established standards for nursing education.

Accreditation Bodies

So who makes the actual decision about whether a nursing school is accredited or not? There are two national organizations that accredit nursing education programs – the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  These organizations accredit nursing education programs that offer master’s  and bachelor’s degrees.

Different Levels of Accreditation

The same standards and criteria are usually applied by nursing school accreditation organizations when accrediting nursing programs. There are, however, certain periods of time that are granted for nursing school accreditation per individual schools and programs. It’s important to make sure that you understand the length of time for which a school is accredited when deciding upon the nursing school that’s right for you.

“Approved” Status

What does it mean when a school is “approved” by the State Board of Nursing? What this essentially means is that while a school may get the green light by its State Board to train nursing students to be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), this does not necessarily mean that the school is also accredited by a national accrediting organization.

Non-Accredited Schools

If you’re considering a school that is approved by their state board of nursing but not accredited by a national nursing accreditation body, it’s important to exercise caution when making your decision about whether or not to attend. Such a designation may not necessarily mean you won’t receive a quality education or be able to sit for and pass the NCLEX examination, but it does usually mean that you won’t be able to attend an accredited nursing school if you chose to further your education (such as RN to BSN or Master’s degree programs).

Get Started with your Nursing Degree

Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN to BSN Program. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!

RN to BSN Degree
Advance your career by obtaining your bachelor of science in nursing, read our guide to learn more.

Online RN to BSN Degree
Many working professionals are finding it easier to get their bsn online due to their busy schedule.

BSN Program
The bachelor of science in nursing is one of the most important and critical nursing degree programs.

Nursing Resources

There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.

RN Careers
Find out how getting an education from an accredited nursing school can open up a variety of nursing career opportunities.

BSN Nursing Schools
Research your accredited nursing school options and pick the one that will put you on course to beginning your career.

Nursing Programs
Find an accredited nursing program that caters to your interests, skills, and career goals and puts you on course to landing your dream nursing job.

The Demand for Nurses
Find out why nurses with an education from an accredited nursing school are in such high demand within the health care industry.

RN Salaries
Study the salary trends that are affecting nurses working in the industry today, and learn how earning your degree from an accredited nursing school can help you to increase your earnings.