How to Become a Registered Nurse in Illinois

Nurses are responsible for coordinating with doctors and provide patient care. They assess patients’ conditions and educate their families about various health conditions. These professionals also provide emotional support. Reading this article will help you figure out how to become a nurse in Illinois.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nurses play an essential role in any healthcare system. They are responsible for the recovery, safety, and treatment of all kinds of injured or ill patients. They work on the maintenance of the health of fit patients and are part of the team that treats various life-threatening emergencies. Nurses have a tough schedule and they may face stress due to the workload.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals will be witnessing job growth. They are expected to experience an increase of 12% in job opportunities from 2018-2028. In the coming years, nurses will be educating the public about various chronic illnesses. They will also be required to provide patient care at various other locations like outpatient care centers, patients’ homes, etc.

Are you a resident of Illinois who wants to pursue a nursing career? If that is the case, follow this simple and easy guide to achieve your goal.

1. 1. Choose a Path

Students have to choose a nursing path so their education requirements could be determined. They can choose to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN).

2. 2. Obtain Education

Students are required to obtain education according to their chosen path. LPNs usually complete a program that lasts for 12 months. RNs have to obtain a college degree. Some of them choose to complete an associate’s program, while others may get a bachelor’s degree. During this program, they gain practical and theoretical knowledge. They also study various topics during the program.

3. 3. Obtain Licensure

Aspiring nurses who want to practice in Illinois have to fulfill a few requirements. They have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Those who wish to become LPNs have to pass the NCLEX-PN, while aspiring RNs have to pass the NCLEX-RN. Candidates have to submit their transcripts and go through a background check as well.

4. 4. Advancement in Career

Professional nurses who want to advance their careers need to gain extra experience and education. Some of them get enrolled in LPN-to-RN programs while others may get admitted to a master’s program.

Candidates have to decide their career path as the first step to becoming a nurse. Once they decide if they want to become an LPN or RN, they can start obtaining education. After completing all the requirements, they can obtain licensure.

Following are the requirements to become a nurse in Illinois:

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses who were employed in Illinois were getting an annual mean salary of $73,510 in 2019.

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