Jay Eitner is committed to furthering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer, Math) education in New Jersey, and particularly the sciences. One of his main areas of focus is that of nursing. Nursing is a unique field because, while it is scientific in nature, it also very closely related to the arts. Someone who wants to become a registered nurse (RN) must be competent in both the scientific knowledge relating to the profession, and in being able to care for actual individuals. They must also be excellent managers, working as part of a team of others in the health care field. Furthermore, they have to be analytical, excellent planners, empathic, and fantastic communicators. It is for this reason that Jay Eitner believes nursing is perhaps the most diverse of all fields in science.

Jay Eitner Explains How to Become a Registered Nurse in New Jersey

There are two main options to become an RN in New Jersey. The first is to complete a two year associate’s degree, and the second is to complete a four year bachelor’s degree. Both allow graduates to sit the National Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examination. The higher someone’s education is, the more they will be able to take on in terms of professional responsibilities.

An alternative would be for someone to become a practical/vocational nurse first. Completing this type of certificate program usually only takes one year and allows graduates to sit the NCLEX-PN, which makes them licensed to practice. They could then enroll in a bachelor’s program and completely it in an accelerated way, before sitting the NCLEX-RN examination.

Finally, once someone is licensed as an RN, they can further home in their skills by complete a master’s degree. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) also usually includes an area of specialization within the field of nursing. An MSN generally takes four years to complete.

In New Jersey, students can choose from:

  • Seven diploma schools.
  • 42 vocational schools.
  • 18 different associate’s degree programs.
  • 18 different bachelor’s degree programs.
  • One MSN program.

All of the above programs have been approved by the state’s Board of Nursing. They are also licensed by the NJCHE (New Jersey Commission on Higher Education). Accreditation is hugely important, as it is not possible to sit the NCLEX-RN without it. The state also has its own Administrative Code, which highlights further details that prospective RNs must meet. It is important to investigate those before entering the degree program.

The NCLEX-RN examination is a national examination. This means that someone who becomes an RN in New Jersey will also be recognized in any other state. That said, some states do have additional requirements for direct practice and patient involvement. Hence, if someone graduates in New Jersey and wants to work elsewhere, they must check whether there are any requirements that they have to meet first.

According to Jay Eintner, the field of nursing is one in which there is a tremendous demand. It is a career option, therefore, with a lot of security and potential.