How to Become an RN in Nevada: 5 Steps

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Written by Marie Hasty, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
How to Become an RN in Nevada: 5 Steps

Ready to learn how to become an RN in Nevada? Nurses in the Silver State are in demand — some estimates say the state needs more than 3,000 nurses to meet demand. And nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% job growth for RNs in the next several years. If you’re looking for a role with endless learning opportunities plus stability and growth, follow our steps below on how to become a registered nurse in Nevada.

What Does an RN in Nevada Do?

Nurses in Nevada can work in a variety of settings, and the responsibilities of the role depend on the specialty. For example, a nurse working in urgent care helps assess, treat, and educate patients with minor injuries and illnesses. In contrast, a nurse working in long-term care helps to assist patients with activities of daily living, manage and administer medication, and attend to psychosocial needs.

One of the benefits of learning how to become an RN in Nevada is this role variation — there are many different nursing specialties and career paths you could take as a registered nurse.

RNs work under a scope of practice, which can include the following responsibilities:

  • Conducting patient assessments (vitals, history, physical exams)
  • Administering medications and monitoring for side effects
  • Coordinating care plans with physicians and other team members
  • Providing patient and family education on treatments, procedures, or discharge instructions
  • Performing procedures such as catheterizations, wound care, or IV insertions
  • Documenting patient status and nursing interventions in medical records
  • Responding to emergencies and performing life-saving interventions
  • Advocating for patients’ needs and ensuring ethical, culturally competent care

Nurses are more than just the skills and knowledge they bring. Check out five underrated traits of great nurses:

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Nevada?

Completing the education and licensure requirements typically takes at least two to four years. While the educational pathways are generally the same nationally, there are some key differences in how to become an RN in Nevada, mainly in the application and licensure process.

There are two types of prelicensure nursing degrees:

  • An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year degree typically offered in community colleges and technical schools. Your timeline may be longer if you need to complete additional prerequisite courses.
  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree offered at universities and colleges. The BSN also requires prerequisites and includes additional coursework on research, leadership, and professionalism. While it’s a longer degree, it’s preferred by many hospitals and required by most graduate programs. If you have a previous bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for a direct-entry or accelerated BSN.

Whether you choose to pursue an ADN or BSN, be sure that the schools you apply to are approved by the Nevada Board of Nursing. Board approval means that a nursing school is meeting educational standards, and attending an approved school means you’ll be able to take the NCLEX after you graduate.

Nevada is home to some great nursing schools. View the well-regarded ADN programs below:

  • Great Basin College
  • Western Nevada College
  • College of Southern Nevada
  • Las Vegas College
  • Truckee Meadows Community College

You’ll also find a range of great BSN programs in Nevada:

  • Nevada State University
  • Arizona College of Nursing
  • Las Vegas College
  • University of Nevada – Reno

How to Become an RN in Nevada: 5 Steps

Step 1: Complete Nursing School

The first step in becoming an RN is completing a prelicensure nursing program. Whether you go for an ADN or a BSN, prepare for a rigorous academic and clinical experience. You’ll take courses like:

You’ll also complete hands-on clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare facilities. This is where you’ll practice essential nursing skills like inserting IVs, administering medications, documenting patient care, and performing full physical assessments.

Nursing school isn’t easy. Between long clinical shifts, weekly exams, and skills check-offs, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Check out our tips for being a great nursing student, and don’t hesitate to lean on your instructors, peers, and school support services.

Need to work while in school? Once you’ve passed your nursing fundamentals class, you can take the exam to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Nevada. This can be a great way to earn income and gain hands-on patient care experience. Check out CNA jobs in Nevada.

Another great option is a nurse externship program. These roles are designed specifically for student nurses, often offered during the summer or after your first year of nursing school. They let you work alongside RNs in a real clinical environment, and can give you an edge when it’s time to apply for jobs. Learn more about student nurse jobs in Nevada.

Step 2: Apply for a Licensure by Exam

Once you’ve graduated from nursing school (and breathed a sigh of relief), your work isn’t quite done yet. Now it’s time to apply for an RN licensure by exam. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

You can expect your application to be processed about a week after you submit all your materials, and then you’ll receive an email to schedule your exam. You’ll need to take the test within 90 days of receiving this email, so don’t wait to set your date and time.

Nevada issues interim permits to new nurses who apply for a permanent RN license. This permit is valid for three months, allowing you to accept a job and begin working as a new grad nurse before you take the NCLEX. Find jobs for new grad RNs.

Step 3: Pass the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs

Next, you must pass the NCLEX-RN, a national exam that tests whether you’re ready for entry-level nursing practice. The test is adaptive, meaning you’ll answer between 85 and 150 questions.

The exam covers four major areas of nursing practice:

  • Safe and effective care management
  • Health promotion and maintenance
  • Psychosocial integrity
  • Physiological integrity

To prepare, ask if your nursing program offers NCLEX review courses or resources. It’s also a good idea to take multiple full-length practice exams to identify areas to review. Many students use NCLEX prep courses, flashcards, or online question banks for targeted daily study. Give yourself enough time to prepare gradually. Avoid cramming, and get good sleep the night before test day.

Nevada participates in the Pearson VUE Quick Results service, so you can view unofficial results 48 hours after your test. Official results are issued by the BON and typically arrive in about a week. Once your passing score is processed, you’ll officially be a licensed registered nurse in Nevada.

If you don’t pass the NCLEX on your first try, don’t panic. Nevada allows up to four attempts, but remember that your BON application will expire after a year. You may need to reapply and submit fees again for subsequent attempts.

Step 4: Start Your RN Career

There are a variety of job opportunities for RNs in Nevada, in everything from large urban hospitals to rural community clinics. Also, the state is currently under pending legislation to become a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If this goes into effect, you can apply for a license to work in nearby states like Arizona, Utah, and Idaho.

Many new nurses begin their careers in acute care settings, such as telemetry, intensive care units, or oncology. These high-paced environments are excellent places to build critical thinking skills, confidence, and experience early in your career.

Prefer to start somewhere outside the hospital? Rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, ambulatory care, and outpatient clinics across the state may also hire new grads. These roles can offer a more predictable schedule and the chance to focus on long-term patient relationships.

Explore openings at some of the top healthcare facilities across Nevada:

Step 5: Keep RN Your License Up to Date

Once you’ve completed the steps for how to become an RN in Nevada, it’s up to you to maintain your credentials. Nevada RN renewals are due every two years on your birthday. You’ll need to complete continuing education, submit a fee, and apply. Learn more in our three-step guide on Nevada nursing license renewals.

Nevada RN Salary Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Nevada earn an average salary of $102,280 per year — well above the national average. Your exact salary will depend on your location, specialty, and experience.

RNs working in larger cities typically earn more than those in rural areas. Check out job opportunities in some of Nevada’s largest cities by population:

Let the Opportunities Come to You

Completing the process of how to become an RN in Nevada can open the door to roles in many settings. Our nursing job notifications ensure you never miss an opening you may be interested in. Learn more today.

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