How to Become a RN Private Duty?

You can become a registered nurse by earning a BScN or BN Degree.

• College Diploma in Practical Nursing: A college diploma program takes approximately two years to complete. This is the fastest way to enter nursing, but you will need to get a BScN or BN Degree to become a registered nurse.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or Bachelor of Nursing (BN): In addition to advanced nursing classes, BScN/BN students must complete a required number of clinical hours. Requirements vary from program to program, but many BScN/BN programs require three clinical hours for every one hour of class time. A BScN/BN program usually takes four years to complete. Students with a diploma who have been certified as practical nurses may complete a BScN/BN program in two or three years.
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABScN): An ABScN Degree program allows those with a Bachelor's Degree to earn an accelerated nursing degree in between 21 to 42 months. ABScN students do not need to have a degree in a medical field, just a degree from an accredited institution.

To become licensed as a nurse in most provinces/territories, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse exam (NCLEX-RN). In Québec, you must pass the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) exam, which is also an option in New Brunswick. Test questions cover nursing fundamentals, behavioural interventions, pharmacological therapies, and more.

Those who do not pass the exam can retake it after 45 days. Most provinces/territories require RNs to either pass a jurisprudence exam or study online jurisprudence learning modules. RNs are also required to take out liability insurance. Registered nurses must renew their licences annually. You need to have worked a minimum of 1125 hours over the preceding five years.

Although not necessary to work as a registered nurse, becoming certified in a specialty can help you advance in your career. Registered nurse certification options include:

• Pediatric: Specialized care for children.
• Neonatal: Care for newborn infants, often in intensive care units.
• Gerontology: Provide medical care for elderly patients, often in nursing or rehabilitation centres.
• Ambulatory Care: Perform tests and educate patients at urgent care and outpatient centres.
• Oncology: Care for patients with cancer, usually in hospitals or cancer treatment centres.
• Critical Care: Work with critically ill patients in emergency departments or intensive care units.

A Master's Degree is often required to work in high-level medical specialties, including the following positions:

• Nurse executive jobs
• Care coordinator jobs
• Clinical nurse leader jobs
• Nurse practitioner jobs
• Nurse educator jobs