RN Nursing Programs in Nebraska - NE

How to Become an RN in Nebraska

There are two options for Registered Nurse education in Nebraska: an Associate Degree, Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree, Nursing (BSN). An ADN is a two year degree, and a BSN takes four years. The advantage of a BSN lies in those extra two years, which provide sufficient time for in-depth studies of advanced nursing theory, practice and concepts, as well as various electives that can steer a nurses career towards specific topics like child development, health care in the third world, or pharmaceutical research, to name just a few possible paths among many.

Both ADNs and BSNs require applicants to take 10 prerequisite courses in general studies before applying—courses such as introductory psychology, biology, anatomy and physiology. Entry is very competitive, and high grades, as well as volunteer experience, are the best ways to ensure you get accepted. Once enrolled in either program, students take core courses in nursing care, which are rounded out by electives and studies of social and emotional processes that are a big part of nursing. But this isn’t to say they are exactly the same; an ADN places more emphasis on preparing students for practice over the two years of study, while a BSN spends the first two years both on practical training and preparing students for advanced studies.

Regardless which RN education program one takes, aspiring Nebraska Registered Nurses finish their studies by taking the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. To do so, they first apply to the Nebraska Board of Nursing with proof of completion of RN training and pay a $123 application fee. Then, prospective RNs pay $200 to national examiners Pearson Vue and, once passed—as is the case for almost 90 percent of graduating students—they enter the work force as licensed Registered Nurses.

RN Salary, Hours and Duties in Nebraska

More than sixty percent of RNs in Nebraska work in hospitals, where they manage patient care strategies and help lesser-qualified nursing assistants and LPNs in patient care. In addition, they assist doctors with creating and altering plans of care for each patient under their care. Those who work outside of the hospital in such settings as a physician’s office, retirement home, or other health care institution might not see as many patients as RNs in a hospital, but their duties are largely the same: the diagnosis and treatment of health problems in conjunction with a health care team. Those working in hospitals and other 24-hour institutions may have to work nights, split shifts, holidays, and weekends—patient needs must be met around the clock. But rest assured that their salary reflects the hard work and dedication required to be a nurse, as Registered Nurses in Nebraska earn, on average, upwards of $60,000 per year (according to BLS.gov) plus benefits in cities like Omaha, and a little less in rural areas.