To become a staff nurse, candidates must typically meet the following core requirements:
- Complete an approved nursing education program such as an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a professional nursing school.[2][3][5]
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain RN licensure in the appropriate state.[2][5][7]
- Hold a current, active RN license issued by the state board of nursing for the state where you wish to practice.[5][7]
- Meet any additional requirements set by individual healthcare employers or specific nursing units, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or, for certain specialty areas, advanced certifications (e.g., Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Pediatric Advanced Life Support).[5]
- An ADN is usually completed in two years, while a BSN takes about four years.[2][3] BSN graduates may have more career advancement opportunities and are preferred by some employers.
- Admission into nursing programs generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some schools specifying a minimum GPA or requiring standardized test scores.[2][4]
- Nursing curriculum includes topics in clinical skills, pharmacology, patient care, leadership, and public health, plus mandatory clinical hours.[2][3]
Licensure Process
- After graduating, candidates must apply to their state board of nursing, pay any required fees, and register for the NCLEX-RN, which tests readiness for safe, entry-level practice.[5][6][7]
- Once the NCLEX-RN is passed and background checks or other state-specific requirements are met, the RN license is granted.[6][7]
- Most staff nurse positions are considered entry-level and available to new nursing graduates with RN licenses.[5]
- Certain federal or specialized positions may require specific years of professional nursing experience or higher degrees for advanced grade levels.[1]
Other General Requirements
- U.S. states may require a minimum age (commonly at least 18) and demonstration of good moral character.[7]
- Internationally-educated nurses may have additional requirements, such as credential evaluations and language testing, depending on the state.
References
- [1] Nurse Series 0610 – U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- [2] How To Become A Registered Nurse – NurseJournal
- [3] Registered Nurse (RN) Degree & Education – AllNursingSchools
- [4] The Levels of Nursing Practice in the Nursing Profession – ANA
- [5] What Is a Staff Nurse? – University of Phoenix
- [6] Board of Nursing Licensure Requirements – NCSBN
- [7] NYS Nursing: RN License Requirements – NYSED
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