How to Become a Registered Nurse: A Complete Guide for 2025
What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?
A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who coordinates and delivers patient care in multiple settings. RNs are responsible for a wide range of duties, including advocating for patient care, collaborating with specialists, creating care plans, educating patients about their conditions, offering emotional support, and providing bedside care. They also have the option of pursuing non-clinical roles such as travel nursing or private duty care.
To succeed as an RN, key qualities include:
- Empathy: Understanding and connecting with patients
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in patient care and treatments
- Patient Advocacy: Representing the interests and well-being of patients
- Strong Communication Skills: Communicating effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams
These traits help RNs monitor patient conditions, advocate for their needs, and communicate health information clearly.
Registered Nurse Responsibilities
Registered nurses are responsible for delivering care in a variety of environments, with responsibilities that can vary by specialty and department. A typical day for an RN may include:
- Administering Medications
- Assisting in Procedures
- Creating and Updating Care Plans
- Monitoring Vital Signs
- Providing Wound Care
- Educating Patients on Health Conditions
- Providing Emotional Support to Patients and Families
- Performing Administrative Tasks
- Assisting in Surgeries
RNs may also supervise other healthcare professionals, manage patient care plans, or work in specific roles such as operating room duties, pediatrics, or public health. Working in a clinical setting such as a hospital or clinic provides the essential experience to pursue a variety of specialties.
RN Specializations
Registered nurses can specialize in a range of fields, allowing them to tailor their careers to their interests. Common specialties include:
- Neonatal Care: Caring for newborns, especially premature or critically ill infants
- Cosmetic Procedures: Assisting in cosmetic surgery or dermatology
- Critical Care: Providing care in high-acuity areas like intensive care units (ICU)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Working with patients who have a variety of medical conditions requiring surgery
- Case Management: Coordinating patient care and resources across multiple providers
- Pediatrics: Caring for children and adolescents
- Public Health: Promoting health in community settings
Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse
To become a registered nurse, follow these three key steps:
Step 1: Complete the Required Education
You can pursue either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN typically takes two years, while a BSN takes about four years to complete. If you already have a degree in another field, you may consider an Accelerated BSN program.
Step 2: Gain Practical Experience
After completing your nursing education, it is important to gain experience in a healthcare setting. Consider roles that align with your interests. For example, if you want to specialize in surgery, seek positions in surgical recovery units or operating rooms.
Step 3: Obtain Certifications
Registered nurses are required to hold Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Depending on your area of specialty, you may pursue additional certifications. For example, you could become certified in Pediatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, or other advanced fields. Certifications demonstrate expertise and are often required for specific roles.
Additional RN Requirements
Registered nurses are required to maintain an active license, which must be renewed regularly (every 1-4 years, depending on the state). Continuing education credits are often needed to fulfill renewal requirements. You can find out more about specific renewal requirements for your state at National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
For RNs with advanced degrees, there are ample career advancement opportunities, such as pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or other specialized certifications. These advanced roles often come with higher salaries and greater responsibilities.
Salary and Career Outlook
The salary for RNs can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialty. As of 2025, the average annual salary for RNs in the U.S. is approximately $82,750, but this can be higher in certain states and specialties. For example, nurses working in critical care, dermatology, or the operating room often earn more.
Job prospects for registered nurses are strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an increase in RN employment from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million by 2031. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare services due to an aging population and expanded healthcare access.
Despite the challenges of burnout, many RNs report high levels of job satisfaction, with opportunities to advance their careers and specialize in areas that align with their interests.
Nursing offers a fulfilling career that allows you to make a direct impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities. By following the necessary steps to become a registered nurse, gaining experience, and pursuing further education, you can build a rewarding and dynamic career in this essential field.
For more information on nursing career opportunities and job listings, visit GoodWork.
