Essential Qualifications to Become a Nurse: Education, Licensure, Skills, and Ongoing Development

Formal Requirements

• Education: BSN (4 yr) or ADN (2-3 yr) from accredited program.
• Licensure: Pass NCLEX-RN (RN) or NCLEX-PN (LPN) for state license.
• Experience: Clinical rotations in school; post-grad practice in hospitals, clinics, LTC.

Personal Attributes

• Compassion, empathy
• Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving
• Teamwork, physical stamina, flexibility
• Stress resilience, lifelong learning mindset

Ongoing Obligations

• Continuing Education (CEUs): Mandatory for license renewal.
• Professional Development: Conferences, certifications, advanced degrees, leadership.