| Allied Health World Home | Registered Nurse | |
Become a Registered Nurse in Idaho - ID
By an allied health world contributing writerPublished: February 12th, 2010
Registered Nursing Careers in Idaho
Registered nurses are in demand across the country, particularly in rural areas. Idaho’s crucial shortage of nurses has prompted the state Legislature to commission studies that identify multiple concerns and propose strategies, which include competitive pay and improved mentorship. This is perhaps one of the best times in history to become a registered nurse (RN) in Idaho. Qualified candidates are now in a position to negotiate salaries and benefits packages favorably, and salaries are on the rise while hospitals, clinics and universities are under pressure to recruit and retain qualified candidates into Idaho RN programs. RNs perform multiple functions that make them indispensable in various healthcare settings, particularly at hospitals and doctors’ offices. They assist physicians with treatments, offer moral support to patients, observe patients, and administer medication. In addition to individual work with patients, registered nurses assist the families of the ill and educate the public about health issues.
Career Path to RN in Idaho
There are multiple academic options for students to enter the nursing field in Idaho. The three most common include:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).
- Hospital Diploma Program.
Many nursing associations, hospitals and physicians’ offices prefer the BSN option above the alternatives. Associate degrees are typically offered by two-year community colleges, while diploma programs are usually three-year programs offered through hospitals. After graduating from an ADN or diploma program, students are qualified for entry-level nursing positions. ADNs must continue their educations by earning a bachelor’s degree before becoming qualified to become a registered nurse.