Learn How to Become a Registered Nurse: Your Path to a Rewarding Career

Key Takeaways

• Becoming a registered nurse requires completing an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam - there is no shortcut around these two requirements.

• The fastest pathway takes about 2 years (ADN), while a BSN takes 4 years - career changers with a prior bachelor's degree can finish an accelerated BSN in 12-18 months.

• Total costs range from $6,000 at a community college to $80,000+ at a private university, but scholarships, employer-sponsored tuition, and military programs can reduce that to near zero.

• The national average RN salary is $93,600 per year (2023 BLS data), with strong job growth projected at 6% through 2032.

• Every state requires RN licensure through its Board of Nursing, and the Nurse Licensure Compact now allows multi-state practice in 41 member states.

Introduction

You can become a registered nurse in as few as two years by earning an ADN and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. That said, the path you choose - and how much you pay for it - depends on where you are right now in life.

A 19-year-old fresh out of high school faces a different decision than a 35-year-old accountant considering a career change. Both can reach the same RN license. The route, the cost, and the calendar look different.

This guide breaks down every education pathway, the real costs (including fees most guides ignore), realistic timelines, NCLEX preparation, state licensure, salary expectations, and what happens after you earn those two letters behind your name. Whether you're starting from scratch or building on existing credentials, the roadmap starts here.

What Does a Registered Nurse Actually Do?

A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who assesses patients, administers treatments, coordinates care, and advocates for patient well-being across clinical settings. The role goes far beyond taking vitals and following physician orders.

RN Scope of Practice and Daily Responsibilities

RNs hold legal authority to perform patient assessments, develop nursing care plans, administer medications (including IV therapy), interpret diagnostic results, and educate patients about disease management. In most states, RNs also perform triage, manage wound care, and supervise LPNs and CNAs.

A typical 12-hour hospital shift might include admitting three new patients, hanging antibiotics, coordinating with a respiratory therapist about a ventilator wean, catching a medication error before it reaches a patient, and holding a family member's hand during bad news. The scope is broad, the stakes are high, and the variety is one reason nurses rarely describe their jobs as boring.

Where Do Registered Nurses Work?

Hospitals employ the largest share of RNs - roughly 61% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics - but the profession stretches well beyond bedside care.

• Hospitals: Medical-surgical floors, ICU, ER, operating rooms, labor and delivery

• Outpatient clinics: Primary care, specialty practices, urgent care centers

• Home health and hospice: One-on-one patient care in private residences

• Long-term care: Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers

• Public health and community health: Schools, government agencies, nonprofits

• Telehealth and remote nursing: Triage call centers, virtual care platforms

• Corporate and occupational health: Employer wellness programs, workplace injury management

The setting shapes your daily experience. An ER nurse and a school nurse both hold RN licenses but live in different professional worlds.

RN vs. LPN vs. NP - What Sets Them Apart?

The RN license is the foundation. LPNs can bridge up to RN status, and RNs can advance to nurse practitioner, CRNA, or clinical nurse specialist roles.

4 Education Pathways to Become a Registered Nurse

There are four main pathways to RN licensure: ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, and LPN-to-RN bridge programs. Each leads to the same NCLEX-RN exam and the same license - the difference lies in duration, cost, and long-term career positioning.

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) - The 2-Year Fast Track

The ADN is a two-year program offered primarily at community colleges. It covers fundamental nursing theory, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and includes supervised clinical rotations.

Pros: Lower cost ($6,000-$20,000 at public institutions), faster entry to the workforce, widely available in rural and underserved areas.

Cons: Many hospitals - especially Magnet-designated facilities - now prefer or require a BSN. ADN-prepared nurses often need to complete an RN-to-BSN program within a few years of hire.

The ADN makes strong financial sense for students who want to start earning quickly and complete a BSN online while working. It's the most popular pathway by enrollment numbers - AACN data shows community college programs still graduate the majority of new RNs each year.

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) - The 4-Year Standard

A BSN is a four-year university degree that includes all ADN-level clinical training plus coursework in leadership, community health, nursing research, and evidence-based practice.

Pros: Broader career opportunities, higher starting salary at many institutions, meets Magnet hospital requirements, stronger foundation for graduate education.

Cons: Higher cost ($40,000-$80,000+ at private universities, $20,000-$40,000 at public universities), longer time to first paycheck.

Since the American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommended the BSN as the minimum entry-level standard, many hospital systems have followed. If you have four years and the financial resources, the BSN gives you the widest career runway from day one.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) - For Career Changers With a Non-Nursing Degree

The ABSN is designed for adults who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These intensive programs compress a full BSN curriculum into 12-18 months of year-round study.

Pros: Fastest bachelor's-level pathway, builds on your existing degree, many programs available in hybrid format.

Cons: Extremely demanding pace (no breaks, full-time commitment required), limited availability, high tuition ($30,000-$70,000), prerequisite science courses may add 6-12 months before admission.

Career changers - teachers, business professionals, military veterans - gravitate toward ABSN programs. The workload is intense. Expect 40+ hours per week between lectures, labs, clinicals, and study time. But for someone who has already proven they can earn a degree, the ABSN removes three years from the traditional BSN timeline.

LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs - Building on Existing Credentials

Licensed practical nurses can upgrade to RN status through bridge programs that grant credit for prior LPN coursework and experience. These programs typically run 12-18 months and award either an ADN or BSN upon completion.

Pros: Shorter than starting from scratch, leverages existing clinical experience, many programs offer flexible scheduling for working LPNs.

Cons: Not available at every school, some programs are competitive with limited seats, LPNs must meet prerequisite GPA requirements.

For LPNs already working in healthcare, this is the most efficient path to a higher scope of practice and a significant salary increase.

Pathway Comparison Table

How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?

Most people need 2-4 years to become a registered nurse, depending on the education pathway and prerequisite requirements. The clock starts ticking the moment you enroll in your first prerequisite course - not when you start the nursing program itself.

Timeline by Education Path

• ADN pathway: 2 years of nursing coursework + 1-2 semesters of prerequisites = 2.5-3 years total

• BSN pathway: 4 years (prerequisites built into the curriculum) = 4 years total

• ABSN pathway: 6-12 months of prerequisite sciences + 12-18 months of nursing = 18-30 months total

• LPN-to-RN bridge: 12-18 months (prerequisites often already completed) = 12-18 months total

What About Prerequisites? Add 1-2 Semesters for Most Programs

Nearly every nursing program requires completion of anatomy and physiology (I and II), microbiology, statistics, English composition, and developmental psychology before admission. Some programs add nutrition, chemistry, or sociology.

These prerequisites catch many prospective students off guard. A "2-year ADN" is accurate for the nursing curriculum alone, but most applicants spend an extra semester or two completing required sciences first. Factor this into your planning.

If you're still in high school, dual enrollment courses can eliminate some of these prerequisites before graduation.

From NCLEX to First Job - How Long After Graduation?

After completing your nursing program, expect this timeline:

1. Apply for Authorization to Test (ATT): 2-6 weeks (varies by state board processing speed)

2. Schedule and take the NCLEX-RN: 1-4 weeks after receiving ATT

3. Receive results: 48 hours (unofficial quick results) to 6 weeks (official license)

4. Job search and hiring: 2-8 weeks for most new grads in high-demand areas

From graduation day to first paycheck, budget 2-4 months. Some hospitals offer new graduate residency programs that begin on set dates, which can affect timing.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an RN?

Total costs to become a registered nurse range from under $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on your chosen pathway, institution type, and state of residence. Tuition is the largest expense, but it's not the only one.

Tuition Breakdown by Pathway

These figures reflect total program tuition, not per-year costs. In-state residents at public institutions pay significantly less than out-of-state or international students.

Hidden Costs Most Guides Skip

Beyond tuition, new nursing students face expenses that add $3,000-$7,000 to the total bill:

• Textbooks and digital resources: $500 - $1,500

• Scrubs, shoes, and clinical equipment (stethoscope, penlight, bandage scissors): $300 - $600

• Background check and drug screening: $100 - $200

• CPR/BLS certification: $60 - $80

• Liability/malpractice insurance (student policy): $30 - $50/year

• NCLEX-RN exam registration fee: $200

• State licensure application fee: $75 - $300 (varies by state)

• ATT processing and fingerprinting: $50 - $150

Add these up before committing to a program. The "affordable" ADN at a community college still carries $2,000-$4,000 in ancillary costs beyond tuition.

How to Become a Registered Nurse for Free (or Close to It)

Paying full price is not your only option. Several legitimate programs can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs:

• Hospital-sponsored tuition programs: Major health systems (HCA Healthcare, Ascension, Kaiser Permanente) offer tuition reimbursement or upfront payment in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment, typically 2-3 years.

• HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Covers tuition, fees, and a monthly living stipend. In return, graduates work at a Critical Shortage Facility for at least two years. This is a federal program with competitive application.

• Military nursing pathways: The Army, Navy, and Air Force Nurse Corps offer full tuition scholarships through ROTC programs. The GI Bill covers nursing education for veterans and eligible dependents.

• State-specific scholarships: Many states fund nursing scholarships tied to working in underserved areas post-graduation. California, Texas, and New York all maintain active programs.

• Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program: Not a scholarship, but pays up to 60% of outstanding nursing education loans for RNs who work two years at eligible facilities in shortage areas.

The trade-off is time and location. Most "free" pathways require a service commitment in a specific region or facility type. For many nurses, that trade-off makes strong financial sense.

 

How to Pass the NCLEX-RN on Your First Attempt

The NCLEX-RN is a computerized adaptive test (CAT) that determines whether you meet the minimum competency standard to practice safely as an entry-level registered nurse. It is the single barrier between completing your education and holding a license.

What Is the NCLEX-RN and How Does It Work?

The NCLEX-RN uses CAT technology, meaning the test adapts to your ability level in real time. Answer a question correctly, and the next one gets harder. Answer incorrectly, and it gets easier. The algorithm continually estimates your competency until it reaches a 95% confidence decision.

Key facts:

• Question count: Minimum 85 questions, maximum 150 questions (changed from 145 in April 2023)

• Time limit: 5 hours

• Question types: Multiple choice, select-all-that-apply (SATA), drag-and-drop, hot spot, case studies

• Passing standard: Determined by a logit score, not a percentage. The passing standard is reviewed every three years by the NCSBN.

• Cost: $200 registration fee

5 Study Strategies That Work

The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 87.6% in 2023 (NCSBN data). That means roughly 1 in 8 first-time test-takers fail. Here is what separates those who pass from those who don't:

1. Use an adaptive question bank, not just textbooks. Tools like UWorld, Archer Review, and the official NCSBN Learning Extension mirror the CAT format and build test-taking stamina. Aim for 75-100 practice questions daily in the final 4-6 weeks.

2. Study by client needs categories, not by subject. The NCLEX-RN blueprint is organized into four Client Needs categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. Prioritize Physiological Integrity - it accounts for the largest portion of test questions.

3. Master pharmacology and delegation. These two topics appear consistently across test forms. Know the major drug classes, priority side effects, and nursing interventions. For delegation, memorize what tasks RNs can delegate to LPNs and UAPs - and what they cannot.

4. Take full-length practice exams under test conditions. Simulate the real experience: no phone, timed, seated for 3+ hours. Your brain needs to build endurance, not just knowledge.

5. Schedule your test within 45-60 days of graduation. Research consistently shows that pass rates drop the longer candidates wait after finishing their program. The content is freshest right after school. Don't delay.

What Happens If You Fail? Retake Rules and Recovery Plan

Failing is not the end. The NCSBN allows candidates to retake the NCLEX-RN 45 days after a failed attempt, with no limit on the total number of attempts (though some state boards impose caps).

Each retake costs another $200 registration fee plus any state-specific reapplication fees. Candidates who fail should analyze their NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which identifies weak content areas, and rebuild their study plan around those gaps.

State Licensure and the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Every state requires RN licensure through its Board of Nursing before you can practice. Passing the NCLEX-RN is necessary but not sufficient - you must also complete a separate application with your state board.

How to Apply for Your RN License After Passing NCLEX

The general process follows these steps:

1. Submit a licensure application to your state Board of Nursing (often done before or simultaneously with NCLEX registration)

2. Complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting

3. Pay the state licensure fee ($75-$300 depending on the state)

4. Provide official transcripts from your nursing program

5. Receive your RN license number once NCLEX results and all documents are verified

Processing times vary. Some states issue licenses within days of passing the NCLEX. Others take 4-6 weeks.

Compact vs. Non-Compact States - What It Means for Your Career Mobility

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows RNs to hold one multi-state license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. As of 2025, 41 states plus Guam and the US Virgin Islands have enacted NLC legislation.

If you declare a compact state as your primary state of residence, your single RN license is valid across all compact states. This is a significant advantage for travel nurses, telehealth nurses, and nurses living near state borders.

Non-compact states (California, New York, Illinois, and others) require separate licensure applications. If you plan to practice in one of these states, budget additional time and fees for their specific application process.

Background Check, Fingerprinting, and Other Licensure Requirements

All state boards require FBI and state-level criminal background checks. Some states also require:

• Proof of legal US residency or valid work authorization

• Continuing education credits for license renewal (varies by state, typically 20-30 contact hours per renewal cycle)

• Disclosure of any prior criminal convictions, disciplinary actions, or substance abuse history

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from licensure, but certain felony convictions (particularly those involving violence, fraud, or controlled substances) may result in denial. Each state board reviews these on a case-by-case basis.

RN Salary and Job Outlook in 2025

The median annual salary for registered nurses in the US is $93,600 (May 2023 BLS data), with significant variation by geography, clinical setting, experience level, and education.

Average RN Salary by State, Setting, and Experience Level

Top-paying states for RNs (2023 BLS annual mean wage):

• California: $133,340

• Hawaii: $113,220

• Oregon: $106,610

• Washington: $105,440

• New York: $101,730

Salary by setting:

• Government hospitals: $100,240

• Outpatient care centers: $96,390

• General medical/surgical hospitals: $93,940

• Home health services: $82,050

• Nursing care facilities: $78,750

Entry-level RNs (0-2 years experience) typically earn 10-15% below the median. RNs with 5+ years of experience, specialty certifications, or charge nurse responsibilities often earn 10-25% above median.

BLS Job Outlook - Why Nursing Demand Keeps Growing

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for registered nurses from 2022 to 2032 - faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 177,400 RN job openings per year over the decade, driven by:

• Aging baby boomer population requiring more healthcare services

• Retiring nurses leaving the workforce (the average RN age is 52)

• Expansion of telehealth, outpatient, and community-based care

• Increased emphasis on preventive care and chronic disease management

The nursing shortage is not theoretical. It's already here. The AACN reports that nursing schools turned away over 91,000 qualified applicants in 2022 due to faculty shortages, clinical site limitations, and budget constraints.

ADN vs. BSN - Does the Degree Really Affect Your Paycheck?

At hire, the salary difference between ADN and BSN nurses is modest - typically $2,000-$5,000 per year in the same facility. However, BSN-prepared nurses gain access to:

• Magnet-designated hospitals (which often pay higher base rates)

• Leadership and management positions (charge nurse, nurse manager)

• Graduate education (MSN, NP, CRNA) without needing a bridge degree

• Specialty certifications that carry salary premiums

Over a 30-year career, the BSN's cumulative earnings advantage and promotion opportunities significantly outweigh the initial education cost difference.

7 Steps to Become a Registered Nurse (Complete Checklist)

Becoming a registered nurse follows a predictable sequence regardless of your chosen education pathway. Here is the step-by-step checklist from first decision to first shift.

Step 1: Evaluate your readiness. Assess your academic standing (especially in sciences), financial situation, and personal commitment. Nursing programs demand consistent time and energy. Talk to working nurses. Shadow for a shift if possible.

Step 2: Choose your education pathway. ADN, BSN, ABSN, or LPN-to-RN bridge - each fits a different life situation. Refer to the pathway comparison table above and weigh cost, duration, and career goals.

Step 3: Complete prerequisites and apply to accredited programs. Prioritize programs accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Accreditation matters for licensure eligibility and employer recognition.

Step 4: Complete your nursing program and clinical rotations. Clinical hours expose you to real patients, real emergencies, and real teamwork. Most programs require 400-800 clinical hours. Treat clinicals as extended job interviews - your clinical sites may become your future employers.

Step 5: Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN. Apply for your Authorization to Test through your state board, register with Pearson VUE, and schedule your exam within 45-60 days of graduation.

Step 6: Apply for state licensure. Complete your state board application, background check, and fingerprinting. Choose a compact state for multi-state practice flexibility if possible.

Step 7: Land your first RN job and launch your career. New graduate residency programs (typically 6-12 months) offer structured mentorship and clinical training. These programs are competitive but provide the strongest foundation for long-term success. Apply broadly - your first nursing job won't be your last.

When you receive your nursing pin at your pinning ceremony, that moment marks more than completing a program. It connects you to a professional tradition that stretches back over a century.

Is Nursing School Hard? What Nobody Tells You Before You Start

Yes, nursing school is hard - but not always in the ways you expect. The academic rigor is real, but the emotional demands are what catch most students off guard.

Academic Rigor - What to Expect From Coursework and Clinicals

Nursing school is not memorization-heavy in the way many pre-nursing students imagine. The difficulty lies in clinical reasoning - applying knowledge to unpredictable patient scenarios. You'll study pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, then walk into a clinical rotation where a real patient presents symptoms that don't match the textbook.

Exams test application, not recall. Expect NCLEX-style questions from day one. Most nursing programs require a minimum 75-80% grade on each exam to continue in the program - no curve, no extra credit.

The Emotional Side - Compassion Fatigue, Imposter Syndrome, and Resilience

Your first clinical rotation may include watching a patient die, comforting a parent whose child just received a devastating diagnosis, or feeling completely lost while a preceptor expects you to perform a skill you've only practiced on a mannequin.

Imposter syndrome is nearly universal among nursing students. The feeling of "I'm not smart enough for this" or "everyone else seems to know what they're doing" is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you're pushing into uncomfortable growth.

Build a support system before you need it. Connect with classmates, seek faculty mentorship, and use campus counseling services without shame.

4 Signs You're Built for Nursing (Beyond Grades)

Grades matter, but they don't predict who thrives at the bedside. These traits do:

1. You stay calm under pressure - not fearless, but functional when things get chaotic

2. You communicate directly and compassionately - with patients, families, and colleagues who are stressed

3. You can tolerate ambiguity - not every patient fits a diagnosis, and not every shift follows a plan

4. You recover after hard days - resilience isn't about not being affected, it's about coming back the next shift ready to care again

What Comes After Your RN License? Specialties and Career Growth

An RN license is a starting point, not a ceiling. The nursing profession offers more career pathways than almost any other healthcare field.

High-Demand Nursing Specialties

After gaining 1-2 years of bedside experience, RNs can pursue specialty certifications in:

• Critical care (CCRN): ICU and step-down units

• Emergency nursing (CEN): Emergency departments and trauma centers

• Operating room nursing (CNOR): Surgical suites and ambulatory surgery centers

• Labor and delivery (RNC-OB): Maternity care and neonatal units

• Oncology nursing (OCN): Cancer treatment centers

• Pediatric nursing (CPN): Children's hospitals and pediatric clinics

• Cardiac nursing (PCCN): Cardiac care units and catheterization labs

Specialty certifications typically require 1,000-2,000 hours of clinical experience in the specialty area plus passing a certification exam. These credentials often carry salary premiums of $3,000-$10,000 per year.

RN to BSN, MSN, or DNP - Continuing Your Education

ADN-prepared nurses can complete an RN-to-BSN program entirely online while working full-time. Most programs run 12-18 months and cost $10,000-$25,000.

From BSN, the path continues to:

• MSN (Master of Science in Nursing): 2-3 years, opens doors to nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse administrator roles

• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): 3-4 years post-BSN, the highest clinical nursing degree

Nurse Practitioner, CRNA, and Other Advanced Practice Roles

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) represent the highest clinical tier in nursing:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnoses conditions, prescribes medication, manages patient panels independently in many states. Median salary: $126,260 (2023 BLS).

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administers anesthesia for surgical procedures. Median salary: $212,650 (2023 BLS) - among the highest-paid nursing roles in the country.

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Expert clinician in a specialty area, focused on improving patient outcomes and nursing practice.

• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Provides prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Median salary: $129,650 (2023 BLS).

Every one of these roles starts with the same foundation: an RN license. The career you build from there depends on your interests, your willingness to keep learning, and the nursing pin collection that grows with each milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to become a registered nurse?

The fastest route is an ADN program at a community college, which takes about 2 years. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program can be completed in 12-18 months. Both pathways lead to the same NCLEX-RN exam and RN license.

Can I become an RN without a bachelor's degree?

Yes. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN and become a licensed registered nurse. Many working RNs hold an ADN, though some employers prefer or require a BSN for certain positions and promotions.

How much does nursing school cost?

Costs range from $6,000-$15,000 at community colleges (ADN) to $50,000-$100,000+ at private universities (BSN). Add $3,000-$7,000 for textbooks, clinical supplies, exams, and licensure fees. Scholarships, employer tuition programs, and military pathways can offset or eliminate these costs.

Is the NCLEX-RN exam hard?

The NCLEX-RN has an 87.6% first-time pass rate (2023 NCSBN data), meaning most prepared candidates pass. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing and focuses on clinical judgment rather than memorization. Consistent practice with an adaptive question bank is the strongest predictor of success.

Can I become a registered nurse online?

You cannot complete an entire RN program online because clinical rotations require in-person patient care. However, many BSN and ABSN programs offer hybrid formats where didactic coursework is delivered online and clinicals are completed at local healthcare facilities. RN-to-BSN completion programs are commonly available fully online.

Do I need a BSN to work in a hospital?

Not at every hospital, but the trend is moving in that direction. Magnet-designated hospitals typically require or strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses. Many hospitals that hire ADN nurses include a contractual requirement to complete a BSN within 3-5 years of hire.

How to become a registered nurse after high school?

Start by completing prerequisite science courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) at a community college, then apply to an ADN or BSN program. If your high school offers dual enrollment or AP biology and chemistry, those credits can shorten your prerequisite timeline. Expect 2-4 years from high school graduation to RN licensure.

What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?

RN is a professional license; BSN is an academic degree. All BSN graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed RNs, and all ADN graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN hold the same license. The BSN reflects a higher level of education but does not create a separate licensure category.

Conclusion

Becoming a registered nurse is not a single path - it's a decision tree shaped by your timeline, your budget, your existing credentials, and your long-term career ambitions. The common thread across every pathway is the same: complete an accredited program, pass the NCLEX-RN, earn your state license, and step into a profession that needs you.

Start by researching accredited programs in your state. Talk to admissions advisors. Talk to working nurses. Take the first prerequisite course.

And when you reach the finish line - when someone places that nursing pin on your chest - you'll carry a symbol of everything it took to get there. Browse nursing graduation gifts to celebrate the nurses in your life who earned it.

References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses - 2024 - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm

2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - 2023 NCLEX Examination Statistics - 2024 - [https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/exam-statistics-and-