How to Become an RN in Mississippi: 5 Steps

Looking for a breakdown of how to become an RN in Mississippi? The Magnolia State offers plenty of perks for healthcare professionals, including growing employment opportunities and a lower cost of living compared to many other states.

Additionally, if you appreciate a slower pace of life, the state’s small-town charm and close-knit communities are sure to win you over. And when it’s time to unwind, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty — from the serene Gulf Coast beaches to the tranquil, scenic parks.

Ready to begin your journey toward becoming an RN in Mississippi? This guide will lead you through every step, from enrolling in a nursing program to securing your first job.

How to Become an RN in Mississippi: Interesting Facts

• Growing need for RNs: The need for RNs in Mississippi is expected to grow by 14% over the next few years, outpacing the national average.
• Quality healthcare facilities: Mississippi is home to several respected healthcare facilities, including Mississippi Baptist Medical Center and Anderson Regional Medical Center.
• Affordable cost of living: Mississippi’s cost of living is 21.3% lower than the national average, so if you’re a saver, you’ll likely be able to stretch your paycheck further.
• Community impact: Working as an RN in Mississippi gives you the chance to serve underserved communities, including those in rural areas, where 54.4% of the state’s population resides.
• Quality of life: Mississippi offers endless outdoor experiences, from exploring De Soto National Forest to relaxing along the Mississippi River, making it easy to plan an exciting getaway.

What Does an RN in Mississippi Do?

When researching how to become an RN in Mississippi, it’s essential to grasp the diverse responsibilities of the role. From home health visits to assisting surgeons in operating rooms, your duties will vary based on your specialty. Here are a few nursing specialties to consider:

• Pediatric RN: Provide care for infants, children, and adolescents in hospitals, clinics, and pediatric offices by monitoring growth, administering vaccines, and treating childhood illnesses.
• Geriatric RN: Work with elderly patients, managing chronic and age-related conditions such as dementia, arthritis, and osteoporosis in settings like nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• Neurology RN: Treat patients with neurological conditions such as strokes, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, assisting with symptom management and rehabilitation.
• Gastroenterology RN: Specialize in digestive system disorders, helping patients with conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and liver disease.
• Pre-op RN: Prepare patients for surgery by conducting preoperative assessments, verifying medical histories, administering medications, and ensuring they understand the procedure.

Regardless of your specialty as an RN, certain core responsibilities will be part of your daily routine. Here are a few key examples:

• Performing assessments: You’ll conduct head-to-toe assessments, collect medical histories, and perform diagnostic tests to evaluate a patient’s health status.
• Creating care plans: You’ll develop personalized care plans based on the patient’s treatment goals and personal needs.
• Advocating for patients: You’ll serve as an advocate for your patient’s dignity as they navigate the healthcare system.
• Providing health education: You’ll provide guidance on medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and preventative care to promote better health outcomes.
• Keeping comprehensive records: You’ll document all patient interactions and update patient charts to ensure that medical information is accurate and current.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Mississippi?

The path to becoming an RN in Mississippi typically takes around two to four years, depending on the type of program you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the timeframes:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This 2-year program is a popular choice for students who are looking for a quick and affordable route to enter the workforce.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This 4-year program provides comprehensive training in all essential nursing skills and is preferred by many employers, especially in hospitals and specialized care settings.

If you already have a degree or medical background, you can fast-track your RN career. For those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. Alternatively, if you have a medical background as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or paramedic, bridge programs are an excellent way to transition into nursing.

How to Become an RN in Mississippi: 5 Steps

To step into the RN role, you’ll need the right education, clinical training, and licensure. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to begin your nursing career in Mississippi:

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

The first step to becoming an RN in Mississippi is completing an accredited ADN or a BSN nursing program. Your school time will include taking essential nursing classes like anatomy and health assessment, as well as gaining hands-on experience through clinical rotations.

Be sure to choose an accredited program recognized by the Mississippi Board of Registration in Nursing (MSBN) to ensure you can qualify for licensure upon completion. Here are some well-regarded programs to help get you started:

Not sure how to pay for nursing school? There are plenty of ways to finance your RN journey in Mississippi. Look into nursing scholarships and grants, work-study programs, or student nurse jobs in MS with flexible hours. You can also explore federal and private student loans to cover expenses, or look into tuition-assistance programs offered by employers.

Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? After you graduate, the next big step on your journey of how to become an RN in Mississippi is taking the NCLEX-RN exam. This comprehensive test evaluates your ability to safely and effectively practice nursing, and it’s your ticket to officially becoming a licensed RN.

Follow these steps to register for the exam:

• Submit an application for an initial RN license through the Licensee Gateway.
• Upload all the required documents, including your Social Security number and an official transcript from your nursing school (the transcript must be sent directly from the school to the MSBN).
• Pay the application fee of $100.
• Register for a criminal background check, which includesfingerprints, through an approved vendor.
• Register for the NCLEX exam through Pearson VUE, the official testing service. The exam registration fee is $200.

The exam takes up to five hours, with 75 to 145 questions in formats like multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, and drag-and-drop. If you don’t pass, you can retake it up to eight times a year in Mississippi, with a 45-day waiting period between attempts.

Step 3: Wait for Your Mississippi RN License

After passing the NCLEX-RN, your final hurdle before officially becoming a registered nurse is waiting for the MSBN to process your application. The board will review your exam results, background check, and application to ensure you meet all requirements.

If everything is in order, your license can be issued within 10 business days. You can check your application status through Nurse Gateway and verify your license through the MSBN License Verification portal once it’s active.

Mississippi participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, which means you can apply for a multistate license. With this license, you’ll have the flexibility to work in more than 40 states, including in travel nursing and telehealth roles.

Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt

Now that you’ve tackled the licensure process, it’s time to explore the latest RN jobs in Mississippi. Whether you’re interested in fast-paced hospital settings, outpatient clinics, or research institutions, Mississippi has plenty of options. Check out these Mississippi hospitals to get started:

• Delta Health System
• Merit Health Wesley
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
• Mississippi Baptist Medical Center (part of Baptist Memorial Health Care)
• North Mississippi Health Services
• University of Mississippi Medical Center

If bedside care isn’t for you, consider alternative nursing careers such as home health, healthcare coding, or education. Additionally, you can work in research facilities like Research Mississippi and in public health positions with the State of Mississippi.

Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date

Now that you know how to become an RN in Mississippi, don’t forget that you’ll need to renew your nursing license in Mississippi every two years. To keep it active, you are required to complete 20 board-approved continuing education hours, submit your renewal application, and pay the $100 fee.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Mississippi?

Now that you know how to become a registered nurse in Mississippi, let’s talk about salary. The average annual earnings for RNs in the state is $75,510, though this number can vary depending on factors like education, years of experience, and workplace setting.

Bigger cities often come with bigger paychecks, so keep Mississippi’s five most populous cities on your radar as you explore job opportunities:

• Jackson
• Gulfport
• Southaven
• Hattiesburg
• Biloxi

Helpful Resources for Mississippi Nurses

Have more questions about how to become an RN in Mississippi and build a successful career? Here are some resources to help clear things up:

• Mississippi Association of Student Nurses
• Mississippi Nurse Practice Act
• Mississippi Nurses Association
• Mississippi Nurses Foundation
• Mississippi Organization for Associate Degree Nursing

Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?

You’ve learned about the journey of how to become an RN in Mississippi— now let’s find a job where you can thrive. Stay ahead of new nursing job openings with IntelyCare’s customized alerts, tailored to your specialty and location.