How to Become an RN in NY: 5 Steps
Are you considering a career as a registered nurse in the Empire State? The process for becoming a nurse is similar in New York as to other states, with some key distinctions. Whether you’re investigating career options or you’re ready to start your journey, here’s how to become an RN in NY.
New York offers opportunities for nurses in bustling cities and beautiful countryside settings. And with a strong demand for healthcare professionals, this state is a great place to start and grow your nursing career. As one of the most densely populated states in the nation, New York is projected to need nearly 40,000 nurses within the next several years. Let’s dig into what it’s like to be a nurse in NY and the process for getting started.
What Does an RN in New York Do?
In New York, registered nurses are responsible for assessing, planning care, administering medications, and promoting the best patient outcomes. They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, nursing assistants, and more.
RNs in New York may have opportunities to work in world-renowned medical centers like NewYork-Presbyterian or participate in public health initiatives in diverse urban areas. If you’re passionate about helping others and thrive in dynamic environments, nursing could be the perfect fit for you.
Depending on the clinical area, RNs in NY use the following skills:
- Assessment: Conducting thorough evaluations of patients’ physical and mental health to identify needs and develop care plans.
- Medication administration: Administering medications, including injections and intravenous fluid therapies, while monitoring for side effects and effectiveness.
- Wound care: Providing care for various types of wounds, including cleaning, dressing, and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Patient education: Teaching patients and their families about managing health conditions, medications, and lifestyle changes.
- Critical thinking: Applying clinical judgment to make informed decisions.
- Documentation: Accurately recording patient information, treatments, and progress in electronic medical records (EMRs).
How Long Does it Take to Become an RN in NY?
Depending on the route you choose, following the steps for how to become an RN in NY could take between two and four years. This is because there’s more than one way to become a nurse. You could take the faster path by pursuing a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or the longer route of a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
While both degrees prepare you to practice as an RN at the entry level, the BSN is becoming the preferred degree among healthcare facilities, so you may have more career options with a bachelor’s than an associate degree. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Curious about your nursing school options in New York? Here are some of the top two-year programs in the state:
- Cayuga Community College
- Jefferson Community College
- Clinton Community College
- SUNY Erie – City
- St. Peter’s Hospital College of Nursing
If you’re interested in a bachelor’s degree, see the list below for some of the best BSN programs in New York:
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- St. John Fisher University
- Pace University Leinhard
- Hofstra University
As you’re evaluating programs, be sure that the New York Board of Nursing accredits the school you choose. This ensures that you’ll qualify for licensure after graduating.
How to Become an RN in NY: 5 Steps
Ready to become a nurse in the Empire State? Below, you’ll find the steps detailing how to become a registered nurse in NY.
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
The first requirement to be an RN is to complete a prelicensure nursing program. Nursing is one of the most challenging majors, partially because you’ll be taking didactic courses along with clinical rotations. Learn more about how to be a great nursing student in our video below.
[for KT: embed great nursing student YTS https://youtube.com/shorts/0hwedrHePyQ]
Typical nursing school classes include the following:
- Mental health nursing
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Pediatrics
- Women’s health
Some students pursue student nurse jobs and externships during school, which can offer an opportunity to develop nursing skills within specialty areas. Interested in earning money while going to school? Many students choose to work as CNAs because you’ll gain healthcare experience and the schedule is often flexible. To do so, you’ll need to complete a training program and pass an exam. Learn more about open CNA jobs near you.
Step 2: Apply for and Take the NCLEX
The next crucial step in how to become an RN in NY is passing the licensure test. Typically, during your final semester of nursing school, you’ll apply to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Here’s what you’ll need to complete your NCLEX application in New York:
- Complete Child Abuse and Infection Control Training
- Complete Online Form 1
- A $143 licensure fee, payable by credit card
Once you’re approved to take the exam, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes login instructions for PearsonVUE. On test day, arrive early with a form of ID. You’ll have a maximum of five hours. The NCLEX is an adaptive exam, so you’ll have between 75 and 145 questions depending on how you answer. Once you take it, you should receive your unofficial results in two business days, and your official results will be sent to the New York Nursing Board.
If you don’t pass, you can retake the NCLEX as many times as you need to, but you’ll need to wait 45 days between exam dates, and you’ll also have to pay the exam fees again. Some facilities will hire new graduate nurses before they take the exam, contingent upon passing and earning RN licensure. If you choose to do this, you’ll need to complete an application for a limited permit and submit a $35 fee.
Step 3: Receive Your New York Nursing License
Once you qualify for licensure by passing the NCLEX you’ll be issued a registration certificate and license parchment. New York is not a compact state, so you’ll need another license if you plan to pursue travel nursing or work in other parts of the nation. If you’re waiting to receive your official paperwork, take some time to read up on New York’s Nurse Practice Act.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Ready to find RN jobs in New York? Most nurses, especially new graduates, work in acute care hospitals. Getting experience in inpatient units, such as med-surg, cardiac, or pediatrics, could help you build a baseline clinical skillset.
You might start your career on a general unit, and later decide you want to work in the medical ICU (MICU), oncology, labor and delivery, or another specialty. One of the benefits of a nursing license is the versatility — your first job is just the beginning.
Thinking about starting in a residency program? New graduate residencies are structured to help you transition into life as a practicing nurse. During one of these programs, you’ll work with preceptors in patient care and do additional facility-specific training. See new grad nursing jobs in New York for more information.
Not sure where you want to settle down? Check out New York RN roles in the largest cities by population:
If you’re seeking more information on prominent employers in New York, check out RN jobs with these acute care centers and healthcare providers:
- City of New York
- Albany Med Health System
- Rochester Regional Health
- Catholic Health System
- Columbia University
- New York State
New York’s RNs bring home some of the highest incomes in the nation. On average, New York RNs earn $106,620 per year. What you make as a nurse will depend on your location, specialty, additional credentials, and experience.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
To continue practicing in the state, you’ll need to renew your New York nursing license every three years. You’ll also need to go through infection control training again and pay a renewal fee of $73.
Find RN Jobs in New York Without Searching
Now that you know how to become an RN in NY, you might be looking for your next nursing role. If you’re tired of scrolling job boards, our personalized nursing job notifications mean the opportunities come to you. Learn more today.