SENIOR PROJECT : CNA CERTIFICATION 1

Abstract

A registered nurse (RN) is one of the most wanted positions in the United States today. Their

skills in caring for people are necessary, and somebody who can care for others well is coveted in

the medical field. To become a registered nurse, one must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after

degree completion. An associate’s degree will earn an RN licensure after the test, while a one

year program earns an LPN license. Higher education is a bachelor’s of science in nursing

degree, which is a BSN. With this degree, RN’s are more marketable because they are better

qualified. Depending on the location, specialty, and facility, RN salaries differ remarkably. States

such as California and Hawaii pay over $100,000 a year. On the other hand, South Dakota and

Mississippi pay under $60,000 per year. An example of a higher paying occupation for registered

nurses is a neonatal intensive care unit nurse. These nurses make almost $100,000 per year on

average. A financially moderate example is a psychiatric nurse, who makes $65,000 a year on

average. Different salaries also depend on the institution. A nurse working at an outpatient center

will make more money than working under a physician in an office. Lastly, a BSN degree will

increase the averages significantly when compared to an LPN. Where one works and who one

works for has a significant impact on the working environment and corresponding pay.

Keywords: degree, dollars, nurse, pay, RN, BSN