How to Become an RN in Minnesota
The field of nursing is one of the strongest careers in terms of growth. Through the year 2020 nursing positions in Minnesota will grow by 18 to 20%. Health care options are continuing to expand as medical technology, medications and equipment continue to improve. Nursing is very challenging, but rewarding for those who have the passion to care for people.
The Minnesota Board of Nursing (MBON) requires students who wish to become an RN to complete an approved nursing program and earn a minimum of an Associate’s degree. Approved nursing programs will include class work and clinical training. The programs will also prepare the student to take the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a national nursing exam, taken by all nursing graduates across the country to test the competency of the graduate before they take on the nursing world.
The average salary for RNs in Minnesota is $60,000. The average salary for an entry level RN is about $47,000. Salaries in major metropolitan cities such as Bloomington will be slightly higher than the state average. Salary increases will commensurate with experience, level of responsibility, years of experience and education. Nurses salaries for those in positions of responsibility could top out at $110,000, depending on the facility where employed.
Minnesota is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, but does have border state recognition. That means if a nurse resides in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin or Iowa and holds a valid RN license in one of the bordering states, they are eligible to practice in Minnesota without a Minnesota RN license, but must meet the border state requirements.
When the educational requirements have been met, the nursing graduate must apply to the MBON to take the test. The application includes a confirmation of nursing program completion and that portion of the application can be completed online. The graduate must also register with the exam administrator, Pearson VUE to take the test. The candidate can monitor the progress of their application online. Once the MBON approves the application, the applicant will receive an authorization to test (ATT) and then schedule a date and time to take the exam within 90 days of receiving the ATT. When the applicant passes the exam, they will be issued an RN license in about 10 days following the exam. If the applicant does not pass the test, they will be sent a diagnostic report of their score and an application to take the exam again.
There are many employment opportunity choices for an RN and include hospitals, nursing homes and assisted care facilities, occupational healthcare centers, clinics, doctor’s office, travel organizations, seasonal facilities and blood donation centers. For any nurse who would rather not work in the clinical sector, although some clinical experience is usually required, may sign on with an insurance company for the purpose of evaluating medical claims.
Nursing duties vary depending on the facility where employed, but typical RN duties include dispensing medication including injections, developing patient care plans, monitoring patient progress, keeping pertinent patient records and performing emergency tasks.
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