RN Programs in Connecticut

Programs to Become an RN in Connecticut

The economy has had an impact on just about every career over the last decade. The field of nursing has held fast and the demand for nurses, especially for registered nurses (RN). Nurses that hold a degree beyond an Associate’s degree and nursing registration will find job offers in all sectors of nursing. Employment in the nursing field is predicted to remain strong at least through the year 2018.

Entrance to nursing school is highly competitive and the best way to gain the competitive edge begins with taking the right classes while in high school. Math and science classes are key while in high school and working or volunteering in a health care facility will add to the foundation.

Nurses are required to be licensed in the state of Connecticut and the requirement to take the state mandated licensing exam, National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), is to complete an accredited nursing program approved by the state of Connecticut Board of Nursing. The Connecticut Board of Nursing (CBON) regulates the licensing of all nurses. Connecticut is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

About a month prior to graduation, nursing candidates are encouraged to apply to the CBON to take the NCLEX-RN. The application is submitted to the CBON with the required information and fee. The CBON reviews the application and when approved, the applicant is issued an authorization to test (ATT). With an ATT in hand, the graduate registers with Pearson VUE, the exam administrators, and make an appointment to take the exam. The graduate has 60 days to take the exam or the ATT becomes invalid and the process must begin again.

If the graduate passes the exam, they are issued their RN license number and added to the online registered nurse data base. Perspective employers may check a nursing license by accessing the data base. If the graduate does not pass the exam, they will have the opportunity to take the exam again after a 45 day wait.

The average salary for an RN is $76,000. An entry level RN will make about $50,000 per year and the nursing salary will top out at $130,000. There are a lot of variables when determining salary and include level of education and responsibility, years of experience, the type of facility where employed and geographic location. RNs will find employment in hospitals, nursing homes and other care related facilities, public and private clinics, hospice and visiting nurse organizations, correctional and educational facilities and insurance company claims evaluators.

RNs are involved with direct patient care and fill supervisory positions. RNs fill the role of director of nursing (DON) and supervise the nursing staff, including certified nursing assistants (CNAs). RNs also establish and implement care plans, conduct medical testing, assist doctors with tests and procedures, track patient behavior and progress, dispense medication according to plan, prepare patients for discharge to home or other health care facilities, dress wounds, render emergency care and work with the entire medical team to provide the best care.

RN Training Schools in Connecticut

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