How to Become a Registered Nurse in Nevada

As per the statistics provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2,982,280 registered nurses in the US in 2019, with 22,940 of those being employed in Nevada. The number of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses was 697,510 in 2019. Out of those, 2,920 were working in the state of Nevada.

Becoming a nurse in the US is not easy but if you want to help treat sick or injured people get well, then this is the profession for you.

Go through the following guide to get an idea of what you need to do to become a nurse in Nevada.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The career outlook is positive for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in the US. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses will enjoy 12% job growth between 2018 and 2028 while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will experience an 11% growth. Both figures are considerably higher than the average growth for all other occupations.

1. 1. Meet Educational Requirements

The first step is to meet the educational requirements which are different for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). If you want to become an LPN, then you do not need a degree. A typical Postsecondary nondegree award will suffice to enter the field. Getting an associate’s degree will enhance your employment prospects.

On the other hand, if you want to become an RN, then you need a bachelor’s degree to start your career. Getting continuing education will improve your job growth prospects.

2. 2. Clear NCLEX

Licensed Practical Nurses have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Registered Nurses will have to complete the National Council Licensure Examination too but the exam is different. RNs are required to clear NCLEX-RN.

3. 3. Clear Background Checks

To become a nurse in Nevada, you have to clear certain background checks and submit your fingerprints to the relevant authorities. This applies to both Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. You also have to submit an application fee.

4. 4. Apply for Jobs

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Once you clear the steps mentioned above, you will get your license and the required certifications to become eligible to work as a nurse. Once that is done, you can start applying for jobs straight away.

The duration to become a nurse depends on the path you choose. Normally, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse can take you anywhere between 1 and 2 years, whereas it will take you around 5 years to meet all the requirements to work as a Registered Nurse.

You will have to complete the following steps to become a nurse in Nevada:

1. Complete educational requirements
2. Take and pass the NCLEX
3. Clear Background checks
4. Apply for jobs

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earned $58,470 in annual mean income in Nevada in 2019. Registered Nurses in Nevada made $88,380 in annual mean salary in 2019. Both figures were substantially higher than their respective national annual mean salaries.