How to Become a Registered Nurse

Nurses are one of the core members of a healthcare team. They provide day-to-day care to patients and give the physicians and other medical professionals the support they need to ensure proper treatment for their patients. 

While the motive behind becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) might be different for everyone, the path is mostly the same. In this blog, you’ll find the steps you need to follow to become an RN, their job responsibilities, job outlook, and the benefits of choosing this career. 

Registered nurses are more than just healthcare workers. They are trusted guides, educators, and advocates for patients. They work closely with doctors, other nurses, and medical teams to provide hands-on care. The day to day responsibilities of RNs can change depending on where they work, but here’s what most RNs do:

• Monitor patients’ health and vital signs
• Give medications and treatments
• Help with procedures
• Talk with patients and families
• Keep detailed health records
• Educate patients about their care
• Support recovery and long-term health

RNs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, home health settings, and even community outreach programs. Some specialize in fields like pediatrics, mental health, emergency care, or surgery. Nursing isn’t just one job—it’s a field full of options.

Becoming a nurse in the USA takes anywhere from 2-4 years. Here are the steps you need to follow if you choose to become an RN.

1. Complete Your High School Education or GED

This is how your journey begins. Before you can apply to nursing school, you’ll need to complete high school or earn your GED. During your studies, you should focus on subjects like biology, chemistry, and math. These will help you later with nursing courses.

2. Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

Next, choose a nursing education path. To get your nursing certification, this step is crucial. You have three main options in the U.S.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Usually takes 2 years and is offered at community colleges. This path is shorter and costs less, so it’s popular with people starting quickly. It’s a great option if you want to enter the workforce sooner and begin earning. Many nurses later return to school for advanced degrees.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

It takes about 4 years. It includes more training and opens the door to higher-paying roles, leadership, and future specializations. Many hospitals now prefer or require BSN-trained nurses. A BSN also gives you more options for growth and long-term advancement.

• Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

For people who already have a non-nursing degree. These programs let you earn a BSN faster—usually in 12 to 18 months. This is a strong choice if you’re changing careers and want to enter nursing quickly. Just be ready for an intense and fast-paced program. 

Make sure the program is verified by boards such as ACEN and CCNE.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Once you graduate, you need to pass examination for RN i.e. (NCLEX-RN). This exam is needed to check if an RN is ready to practice safely and effectively.

This exam covers key areas, including:

• Patient care
• Health promotion
• Safety and infection control
• Medication management

Each state board of nursing handles the process. You’ll apply for licensure, register for the exam, and then schedule a testing date. 

4. Apply for State Licensure

After passing the NCLEX-RN, apply for your RN license in the state where you want to work or practice nursing.  Nursing License also varies as per different states due to different laws and regulations. For example, some states ask for background checks or extra forms. Once the state gives the green light, you’ll be licensed and ready to step into your role as an RN.

5. Consider Getting Certifications

You don’t need extra certifications to work as an RN, but they can help you specialize further. 

Here is the list of some of the popular certifications

• BLS or Basic Life Support – Needed by most employers
• ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support – Necessary for critical care and ER nurses
• CEN or Certified Emergency Nurse – Required for nurses working in emergency departments
• CPN or Certified Pediatric Nurse – For pediatric specialists

These certifications come from groups like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).

6. Begin Hands-on Practice as a Registered Nurse

Now that you’re licensed, it’s time to start working. Look for jobs at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or outpatient centers. Entry-level RN roles let you build experience, confidence, and new skills. A lot of employers provide training programs to help new grads get started.

7. Continue Learning and Education

Nursing never stands still. Medicine changes. Technology grows. The patient needs a shift.

Many states require RNs to complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to renew their licenses. Even if it’s not required, ongoing education helps you stay sharp and move forward.

You might also need to get

• Secure a degree MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
• Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Be a teacher in nursing schools
• Move into healthcare leadership

Now that you know the steps you need to follow to become an RN, here are some benefits of the role if you choose this career path:

Also Read: Transform Your Job Applications with a Free Resume Builder

Nursing, without a doubt is a career with heart, purpose, and many rewards. Here’s what makes it worth it:

You get a stable job: Healthcare keeps growing. As long as people need care, nurses will always be needed. It’s one of the most secure careers in the U.S.

You enjoy competitive Pay: Even entry-level RNs earn strong salaries. And with experience or certifications, your income grows fast.

Better career flexibility: Work in hospitals, schools, homes, travel, or even cruise ships. Nursing gives you choices.

You get more roodoubt,grow: Start as an RN and move up to nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or manager. The path is wide open.

You do meaningful work: You make a real difference. Every shift. Every patient. Every day.

As per the statistics 2024, registered nurses in the USA earn an average of about $85,000 per year. Your exact pay depends on where you work, your experience, and your nursing specialty. For example, nurses in California often earn over $120,000, while those in big cities like London and New York earn between $75,000 and $93,000 a year. Hospitals in large cities tend to pay more, especially for roles that require special training or certifications.

The future for nurses looks strong. Research further reports that RN jobs to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, which means nearly 200,000 new nursing jobs will open during that time. Nursing will be an evergreen and in demand job in various health setups such as clinics and hospitals. So, if you want a well-paying and stable job, nursing is one of the best paths to take.

Choosing to become a registered nurse as a career is about choosing to care, to lead, and to grow in a field that truly makes a difference. Whether you’re fresh out of school or ready to switch careers, nursing gives you a path that’s stable, flexible, and full of purpose.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, a career where your work matters and helps others—nursing is it. And when you’re ready to take the leap, Intuitive Health Services is here to help. We are a medical staffing agency that connects qualified nurses with high-paying, flexible jobs across the country. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to guide you.

So if you want to start your journey today and be a registered nurse, you need to connect with one of the trusted healthcare agencies i.e., Intuitive Health Services, today!