RN Nursing Programs in Delaware - DE

How to Become an RN in Delaware

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Delaware takes at least two years. The fastest way to licensure is through an Associate Degree, Nursing, or AND, which can be found throughout the state. Prerequisites and applications can easily take six months to a year, making an ADN, realistically, a two-to-three year route to becoming an RN. The longer option, which is more of a standard four year college degree, is a Bachelor of Science, Nursing, or BSN. Around half of Delaware RNs choose to take a BSN as it provides more advanced and diverse training, including a Bachelor of Science degree that can go beyond health care, and may lead to greater job selection, more interesting work, and, ultimately, higher wages.

In order to get into either educational path to an RN, around 30 credit hours of study focused on general arts and sciences topics like psychology, chemistry, math, physiology, and so forth are required. After prerequisites are complete, it is time to apply to your college (or colleges) of nursing of choice. The initial two years of course work are quite similar between a BSN and ADN, being mostly concerned with diagnosing and treating patients, as well as a few electives. Although a BSN takes longer, the final two years offer the opportunity for specialization through more electives and advanced nursing theory and research courses that prepare students for more analytical jobs if they wish to take that path. In both programs, there is also the opportunity to gain on the job experience through a school-sponsored practicum, which can also expose them to numerous settings, contacts and more.

The final step to licensure as an RN is the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), taken by both BSN and ADN candidates. The exam carries a $200 fee from national exam administrators Pearson Vue and a $97 for application and licensing fee from the Delaware Board of Nursing. Pass rates are above 85 percent and it is the last step in becoming an RN.

RN Jobs in Delaware: Salary, Hours and Duties

Registered Nurses in Delaware make, on average, more than $68,000 per year (according to BLS.gov) when working full time. Although this usually means 40 hours of work per work, it can sometimes be long shifts, night shifts, weekends and other odd hours—patients need around the clock care after all. The usual work is fast-paced and multifaceted, as RNs manage multiple patients and create and adjust plans of care based on their observations, doctor’s suggestions, and the observations of those working under them. Whether working in a hospital—as do more than 60 percent of Delaware RNs—or in retirement homes, physician’s offices, private clinics, public health departments or elsewhere, becoming a Registered Nurse in Delaware can be a great career for a motivated individual.

Hospitals in Delaware with Active RN (Registered Nursing) Programs

Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children -  Wilmington
            Bayhealth Medical Center - Dover
            Kent General Hospital - Dover
            Milford Memorial Hospital - Milford
            Beebe Medical Center  - Lewes
            Christiana Care Health System - Wilmington
            Christiana Hospital - Newark
            Wilmington Hospital - Wilmington
            Christiana Hospital - Newark
            Focus Healthcare - New Castle
            Kent General Hospital - Dover
            Milford Memorial Hospital - Milford
            Nanticoke Health Services - Seaford
            Nemours
            Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children - Wilmington
            Nemours Children's Clinic - Wilmington
            Rockford Center - Newark
            Saint Francis Hospital - Wilmington
            Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center - Wilmington
            Wilmington Hospital - Wilmington
            Wilmington VA Medical Center - Wilmington