What is a Registered Nursing?

Registered Nursing (RN) is a vital healthcare profession that involves providing comprehensive care to patients. Registered nurses are responsible for assessing patients' conditions, developing and implementing treatment plans, administering medications, and monitoring patients' progress. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.

Training requirements

To become a Registered Nurse, individuals must complete a nursing education program approved by the state's Board of Nursing. This typically involves earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The training program covers a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory, as well as hands-on clinical experiences.

What's the fastest someone can become a Registered Nurse in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, the fastest path to becoming a Registered Nurse is through an accelerated nursing program. These programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and are looking to transition into the nursing profession. Accelerated nursing programs in Des Moines can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months, allowing students to earn their BSN degree and become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nursing classes in Des Moines

Des Moines offers several options for individuals interested in pursuing Registered Nursing classes. Here are some examples:

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

• Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Length: 2 years
• Tuition: Approximately $5,000 per year for in-state students
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses, and a competitive application process
• Overview: DMACC's ADN program prepares students to become Registered Nurses. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and clinical experiences in various healthcare settings.

Grand View University

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Length: 4 years
• Tuition: Approximately $35,000 per year
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses, and a competitive application process
• Overview: Grand View University's BSN program provides a comprehensive education in nursing theory, research, and practice. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings.

Iowa Methodist School of Nursing

• Program: Diploma in Nursing
• Length: 3 years
• Tuition: Approximately $25,000 per year
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses, and a competitive application process
• Overview: The Iowa Methodist School of Nursing offers a diploma program that prepares students to become Registered Nurses. The program includes both classroom instruction and extensive clinical experiences.

Exploring a career in Registered Nursing outside Des Moines

If this article has sparked your interest in becoming a Registered Nurse, but you're not in the same state, don't let that hold you back. You have the chance to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse in places like Austin, Cleveland, Memphis, Oxnard, Virginia Beach. And if none of these locations fit, Dreambound makes it easy for anyone, anywhere, to find and compare Registered Nurse classes just by searching with their zip code. With a bit of determination and the right tools at your disposal, stepping into a successful healthcare career is completely doable, no matter your current location.

Online and free options in Des Moines

While in-person Registered Nursing classes are the most common option in Des Moines, there are also some online and free opportunities available:

Online Registered Nursing programs

Several accredited nursing programs offer online or hybrid (combination of online and in-person) options, allowing students to complete their education remotely while still gaining the necessary clinical experience.

Free Nursing workshops and seminars

Local healthcare organizations and educational institutions in Des Moines sometimes offer free workshops, seminars, and information sessions on various nursing-related topics, providing an opportunity for aspiring nurses to learn and explore the field.

Certification process

To become a Registered Nurse in Des Moines, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) after completing their nursing education program. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide safe and effective nursing care. Once an individual passes the NCLEX-RN, they can apply for their Registered Nurse license from the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Job environment in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a robust job market for Registered Nurses, with numerous healthcare facilities and organizations actively seeking skilled nursing professionals. Some of the potential employers for Registered Nurses in Des Moines include:

• UnityPoint Health-Des Moines
• MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
• VA Central Iowa Health Care System
• Broadlawns Medical Center
• Primary Health Care, Inc.
• Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa

These organizations provide a wide range of opportunities for Registered Nurses, from acute care settings to outpatient clinics and community-based programs.

Final Thoughts

Des Moines, with its growing healthcare industry and aging population, presents an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in becoming Registered Nurses. The city offers a variety of Registered Nursing classes, both in-person and online, catering to the diverse needs of aspiring nurses. By taking advantage of these educational resources and the city's robust job market, individuals can embark on a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse and contribute to the well-being of the Des Moines community.

Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:

• CNA Training in Des Moines
• EMT Training in Des Moines
• Phlebotomy Training in Des Moines
• Medication Aide Training in Des Moines