Training to Become an RN in South Dakota
To become a registered nurse (RN) takes commitment, dedication and effort. For anyone who wants to invest those three qualities in the healthcare profession, a career in nursing is the ideal destination. Becoming an RN is also challenging and loaded with personal rewards for the right person.
RNs typically find employment in a variety of areas including healthcare facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals, assisted care facilities, rehabilitative care centers, occupational healthcare centers, educational and government facilities and public and private clinics. RNs will also find employment with hospice and visiting nurse organizations, private duty and home care, temporary staffing agencies and traveling nurse organizations.
The duties an RN assumes are challenging and vary, usually depending on the facility where employed. Typical duties include preparing patient care and treatment plans, dispensing medication including injections and monitoring reaction, performing emergency procedures, monitoring vital signs, performing diagnostic testing and preparing patients for release to home or other healthcare facility.
To obtain an RN license in South Dakota requires the candidate to be a resident of South Dakota, complete a South Dakota Board of Nursing (SDBON) approved nursing program and pass the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Because South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, RN candidates must claim South Dakota as their home state. Student’s who studied in South Dakota but are residents of other states, cannot take the NCLEX-RN in South Dakota.
RN candidates must earn at least an Associate’s degree in nursing to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. An approved program will include class work and clinical training. It is important to keep in mind RNs who wish to pursue advanced nurse practice will be required to complete a Masters degree in the area of nursing specialty. When planning the nursing career path and choosing a nursing program the ultimate nursing goal should be considered.
Once the educational requirements have been met, it is time to take the NCLEX-RN. The graduate must submit an application to the SDBON and the application includes a criminal background check and fingerprint card and certificate of completion from the nursing school attended. The graduate must also register with Pearson VUE, the exam administrator. The Board will review the application and when deemed complete the applicant will be issued an authorization to test (ATT).The applicant is then free to schedule the exam with Pearson VUE.
The graduate may also apply for a temporary permit in order to begin employment while in the exam process. The temporary permit will be issued as soon as the Board receives the completed criminal background check cards and fee, the application to test, documentation of completed education and the temporary permit application. The temporary permit will be valid for 90 days or until the applicant has been notified of the NCLEX-RN results. Under the terms of the temporary license the graduate nurse must work under the direction of an RN and that designated RN must be in the same proximity as the graduate nurse at all times.
All RN licenses expire on 31 December of each even numbered year and RNs are required to renew their license at that time. RNs are not required to complete continuing education hours as a requirement for license renewal, but must provide verification of employment for a minimum of 140 hours in any 12 month period during the previous six years or a total accumulation of 480 hours during the previous six years.
The average RN salary in South Dakota is $55,000 annually. Entry level RNs will find annual starting salaries to be $38,000. RNs in a supervisory or administrative position will find the average salaries to top out at $92,000 annually. In addition to salary, RN compensation will include health benefits, short and long term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, dental care, retirement contributions and sometimes a signing bonus. RNs with higher level degrees such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree will command a higher salary than an RN with an Associate’s degree.
Schools With RN Programs in South Dakota
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