What Is an Entry Level RN and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An entry-level RN cares for patients in a variety of settings, mostly clinical. Your responsibilities may include assessment of patient conditions, creation and execution of patient-specific care plans, consultation with physicians and specialists, and communicating with patients and their families regarding treatment options and medication. With certification as an RN, entry-level nurses develop patient care skills while carrying out regular duties such as placing IVs, administering treatments and medications, documenting patient information, and other clinical tasks. As an entry-level RN, you can work in a variety of settings under the guidance of a doctor while gaining experience to help advance your career.

To get a job as an entry-level RN, applicants must possess a registered nurse license. Before becoming licensed, job seekers must have one of three educational qualifications: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from a nursing program. Each state has its own licensing requirements, and you must have a nursing license and medical training for the area in which you wish to work. Entry-level health care positions for RNs exist in hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctors’ offices, and clinics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for even entry-level registered nurses is expected to increase in the coming decade.