Registered Nurse

How to Become a Nurse in Illinois

To become a nurse in Illinois, you need to follow these steps:

1. Select a nursing education programme: In Illinois, you can become a registered nurse (RN) by finishing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree programme in nursing.
2. Finish your nursing education: After deciding on a programme, you must finish all of the necessary coursework, clinical rotations, and hands-on training.
3. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam: After completing your nursing education programme, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your licence to work as an RN in Illinois.
4. Apply for your RN licence: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will accept your application for your RN licence once you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam.
5. Complete continuing education requirements: You must finish continuing education requirements every two years in order to keep your RN licence in Illinois.
6. Take into account extending your nursing career: Once you have obtained your RN, you may decide to do so by pursuing more education or certification, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or certification in a speciality field like cancer or paediatrics.

What’s the Demand for Nurses in Illinois?

In Illinois, there is a strong demand for nurses as of September 2021, and the state is dealing with a shortage of competent nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. The need for nurses, particularly in critical care and emergency settings, has only grown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registered nurses (RNs) rank among the top five most sought-after professions in the state, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. With a predicted 8.8% rise in employment from 2019 to 2029, the demand for RNs is anticipated to continue increasing throughout the ensuing ten years. In addition, demand for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licenced practical nurses (LPNs) is anticipated to rise in the upcoming years.

The ageing of the population, more accessibility to healthcare facilities, and the continued requirement for healthcare professionals during the pandemic are all factors that contribute to the increasing demand for nurses in Illinois. To fulfil the rising demand for healthcare services, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics around the state are constantly looking for skilled nurses.

Overall, Illinois is predicted to have a high demand for nurses, making nursing a desirable career option for people interested in the healthcare industry.

How Much Do Nurses Make in Illinois?

The mean hourly pay for registered nurses (RNs) in Illinois was $36.64 as of May 2021, and the mean annual pay was $76,220, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics. However, the pay can differ depending on things like experience, education, and where you are located in the state. With an average hourly compensation of $39.76 and an average yearly salary of $82,710, RNs in the Chicago metropolitan area typically make more money than those in other regions of the state.

Step 1: Graduate from a Nursing Program

The first step in becoming a registered nurse is to complete a nursing programme. Typically, this entails finishing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programme or an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) programme at a recognised university.

While the ADN programme can be finished in two to three years, the BSN programme normally takes four years to complete. Both programmes feature hands-on learning through clinical rotations in healthcare settings, laboratory work, and classroom instruction.

To become a licenced registered nurse after completing the nursing programme, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). A standardised test called the NCLEX-RN evaluates your nursing knowledge, talents, and skills. To get a nursing licence and work as a registered nurse, you must pass the exam.

What is an ADN?

The French term “Acide Désoxyribonucléique” (ADN) is identical to DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) in the English language. The genetic code employed in the growth and operation of every known living thing is found in the same molecule, known as DNA or ADN. It is made up of nucleotides, the units that make up the DNA molecule, and has a double helix structure. The nitrogenous bases it contains are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). The genetic code that is carried from one generation to the next is determined by the arrangement of these bases along the DNA strand.

What is a BSN?

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN. Students who complete the four-year undergraduate programme will have the information and abilities needed to become registered nurses (RNs). Coursework on biology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing practise are frequently included in BSN programmes, in addition to practical experiences in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Students who have completed BSN programmes are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and earn their nursing licences. Nursing professionals with a BSN are in high demand and have a wide range of job options in healthcare, including positions in clinics, hospitals, schools, public health organisations, and other settings.

How To Choose a Nursing Program?

Choosing a nursing program is an important decision, as it can impact your future career as a nurse. Here are some steps to help you choose a nursing program that is right for you:

1. Identify your future objectives: Prior to selecting a nursing programme, it’s crucial to think about your long-term professional objectives. Which nursing speciality do you prefer—registered nursing (RN) or licenced practical nursing (LPN)? Do you wish to pursue a nursing speciality in a certain field, such as cancer or paediatrics? You can select a nursing programme that is customised to your interests and career aspirations by being aware of your career goals.
2. Take into account the accreditation of the programme: It’s crucial to pick a nursing programme that has received accreditation from a reputable agency, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The program’s accreditation guarantees that it adheres to a set of quality criteria and that the degree you receive will be respected by both employers and other organisations.
3. Examine the curriculum of the programme: Check to see if the nursing program’s courses support your professional objectives. Your area of interest may be covered by the program’s courses. Exists a clinical component that will allow you to get practical experience? Exist prospects for advanced study or specialisation?
4. Think about the venue and structure of the programme: Consider your preferred location for nursing school as well as your preferred learning style. Do you intend to enrol in classes full- or part-time? Do you prefer to enrol in an online programme or a regular one that is taught in a classroom? Think about the school’s location and the accessibility of nearby clinical sites.
5. Examine the program’s results by looking at its graduation rates, job placement rates, and pass rates for licencing examinations. You may determine the program’s quality and its capacity to train students for rewarding careers in nursing from these results.
6. Think about the program’s expense: When selecting a programme, it’s crucial to take the cost of tuition and other expenses into account because nursing programmes can be expensive. Look into financial aid programmes that can help defray the cost of your education, such as loans, grants, and scholarships.

Step 2: Apply for RN Licensure by Examination in Illinois

To apply for RN licensure by examination in Illinois, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility: Before submitting an application for RN licencing in Illinois by examination, you must confirm that you are eligible. These include passing the NCLEX-RN exam as well as finishing a nursing education programme that has been approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
2. Register with Pearson VUE: Pearson VUE, the NCLEX’s testing service provider, requires registration in order to administer the NCLEX-RN exam. On the Pearson VUE website, you can register electronically.
3. Submit an application to IDFPR: In order to become a licenced nurse via examination, you must submit an application to IDFPR. The application can be sent in via mail or online. There is a $50 application fee.
4. Submit transcripts: You must send IDFPR a copy of your formal nursing education programme transcripts. Transcripts must be delivered to IDFPR directly from your school.
5. Submit background check data: You must submit your fingerprints and go through a background investigation. You can do this by working with Accurate Biometrics, who is presently an IDFPR-approved vendor.
6. Await approval: IDFPR will analyse your application and decide whether you qualify for RN licensure by examination after receiving your application, transcripts, and background check data.
7. Register for and take the NCLEX-RN exam: After receiving IDFPR approval, you can register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam. There is a $200 exam fee.
8. Obtain your RN licence: IDFPR will award your RN licence if you pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The IDFPR website allows you to check the status of your licence online.

Step 3: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NLCEX-RN)

To become a registered nurse (RN) in the United States, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is a crucial step. Here are the general steps to follow to pass the NCLEX-RN:

1. Submit an application to your state board of nursing: Once you have finished your nursing programme, you must submit an application to your state board of nursing for licencing. You must check with your state board to find out what is required because each state has its own licencing criteria.
2. Sign up for the NCLEX-RN: After your state board has determined that you are qualified, you must sign up for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, the organisation that handles the exam’s administration. A price must be paid, and a testing centre location and date must be chosen.
3. Prepare for the NCLEX-RN: Passing the NCLEX-RN requires thorough preparation. You can utilise a variety of study tools, including online resources, practise tests, and review books. For more preparation, you can think about enrolling in a review course.
4. Take the NCLEX-RN: You must bring two forms of identification, one of which must have a photo, to the exam. The test is computerised and adaptive, so the questions’ level of difficulty will change in reaction to your answers. A minimum of 75 and a maximum of 265 questions must be responded to. You will have up to 6 hours to finish the timed exam.
5. Get your results: Two to four weeks after finishing the exam, you will get your results. In the event that you succeed, you will be given your RN licence and be able to start working as a registered nurse. After a waiting period set by your state board, you can retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time.

How Do I Prepare for the NCLEX-RN?

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is an important exam that you must pass in order to become a licensed nurse in the United States. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam:

1. Be familiar with the exam format: The NCLEX-RN is a computer-adaptive test, meaning that the complexity of the questions changes depending on how well you do. The exam, which consists of multiple-choice and questions in an alternative style, can take up to 6 hours to finish.
2. Create a study schedule: Make a study plan that works for you and gives you enough time to go over all the required readings. Focus on your areas of improvement by identifying your areas of strength and weakness.
3. Make use of study resources: There are a variety of NCLEX-RN study resources accessible, including review books, online courses, and practise exams. Make use of these resources to brush up on your knowledge and be ready for the test.
4. Practise, practise, practise: If you want to pass the NCLEX-RN, you need to practise. Try to replicate the exam environment as precisely as you can while taking as many practise exams as you can.
5. Concentrate on important subjects: Make sure you fully comprehend the important subjects presented on the exam, such as pharmacology, patient care, and nursing techniques.

Step 4: Find RN Employment in Illinois

There are several staffing agencies that provide RN employment services in Illinois.

How to Earn a Nursing Degree Online in Illinois

Earning a nursing degree online in Illinois can be a convenient and flexible way to pursue your education and career goals. Here are the steps you can follow to earn a nursing degree online in Illinois:

1. Research nursing programmes: Look into Illinois’s online nursing programmes to get started. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are two organisations that accredit programmes.
2. Meet the entrance requirements: Before applying, make sure to carefully understand the admission requirements for each programme. This could include a required GPA, prerequisite classes, and test results (such the SAT, ACT, or GRE).
3. Submit a programme application: Complete and submit the application once you’ve found a nursing programme that fits your requirements and qualifications. Include all necessary documents, such as transcripts, exam results, and recommendation letters.
4. Finish your coursework: After being admitted to the programme, you’ll start attending online nursing courses. It’s likely that you’ll need to complete clinical hours in a hospital nearby.
5. Pass the NCLEX: In order to become a licenced nurse in Illinois, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after earning your nursing degree. Make sure to review the licencing standards set forth by the Illinois Board of Nursing.