How to Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania?

/ BLOG

How to Become a Nurse in Pennsylvania?

Feb 11, 2022 · 5 minutes to read

A similing nurse

Nursing can be a rewarding career choice for those who want to help others live long, happy lives. Becoming a nurse in Pennsylvania takes hard work and dedication, but that can translate into steady, well-paid work.

Let’s take a look at how to become a nurse, from the skills that can make you successful to protecting yourself with nursing liability insurance in PA.

What makes a good nurse?

Becoming a nurse in any state takes a lot of study and hard work. However, medical knowledge and ability aren’t the only skills you will need. Successful nurses often have many “soft” skills that help them work effectively with their patients.

Soft skills that you may need as a nurse include:

  • Listening and communication
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Able to adapt to changing situations
  • Keep cool under pressure
  • Teamwork

These skills, along with others, can help you work better with patients and colleagues, help your patients feel heard and understood, and help you do your job with confidence and professionalism.

Registered Nurse training in Pennsylvania

While developing your soft skills is important, you will also need formal education and training to become a registered nurse in Pennsylvania.

The first step towards becoming an RN is to complete an approved nursing program. This can be either an associate degree, Bachelor’s degree, or diploma nursing programs. A high school diploma or equivalent may be a prerequisite to enter these programs.

The Pennsylvania Department of State website has more information about approved programs in the state. They can also help you find a program in Philadelphia, Pittsburg, or wherever you wish to study.

Getting your nursing license

After you have completed your nursing program, you will need to get your nursing license to work in Pennsylvania. The first step is to pass either the National Council of State Boards – Registered Nursing Exam (NCLEX-RN) or the State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE). These exams assess the medical knowledge and skills you will need to work as a nurse.

Licensing requirements in Pennsylvania also require nurses to take a 3-hour course on how to recognize and report child abuse.

Once you’ve met the above criteria, you are able to apply for your nursing license. To do this you will need to:

  • Provide evidence that you have passed an approved nursing program
  • Provide evidence that you have passed either the NCLEX-RN or SBTPE
  • Submit a state criminal history record check (CRHC) from your state of residence (if you live, work, or are training in PA this will automatically generated and billed to you with your application)
  • Submit an FBI background check or CRHCs from every state where you have lived, worked, or trained in the last 10 years
  • Pay an application fee

Nursing license by endorsement

If you have a current nursing license from another state or country, you may qualify for a nursing license by endorsement in Pennsylvania. This saves you the effort of re-doing your nurses’ training, as long as it is equivalent to PA’s requirements at the time you received your degree and license.

To receive your nurse license by endorsement, you will need to:

  • Submit proof of your completed nursing program
  • Submit a Letter of Good Standing verifying that your nursing license is active
  • Submit the necessary FBI and/or CRHC background checks
  • Complete the 3-hour child abuse recognition and reporting course
  • Pay an application fee

You may also need to pass the NCLEX-RN or an equivalent exam to receive your nursing license by endorsement in Pennsylvania.

Renewing your nursing license

After you’ve received your Pennsylvania nursing license, you will need to renew it every two years. Thirty hours of continuing education is required at renewal, as well as retaking the child abuse recognition and reporting course.

You will also need to pay a renewal fee when you submit your application.

Protecting yourself at work

A lot of study and hard work goes into becoming a nurse. You might want to consider nurse insurance in Pennsylvania to protect your career and work you’ve put into it. Different types of nursing liability insurance in PA can help you manage many of the risks that nurses often face in their line of work.

Insurance policies—such as General Liability, Professional Liability (sometimes referred to as malpractice insurance for nurses in PA), and Cyber Liability—can help protect you against expensive claims and lawsuits. As someone who works closely with patients and other members of the public, you may need a safety net for your bank accounts should a third-party allege that your actions or professional advice caused them to suffer a financial loss.

Is nursing the career for you?

Nurses are an essential part of Pennsylvania’s healthcare system. The work you do is important, and it takes a special type of person to do this day in and day out. If you think you have what it takes to care and advocate for the patients who need it most, then you may want to look into study and licensing options in your area.

Thinking about nurse insurance in Pennsylvania? BizInsure is proud to help busy nurses find insurance options that fit their unique business needs. Start comparing policies now.

*This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Always check with your local licensing board when getting or renewing your nursing license to ensure you are meeting their current licensing requirements.
As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this web page is general only and should not be relied upon as advice.

Get Free Online Quotes and get coverage instantly

The coverage you need for your business.

Business insurance is divided into different policies. We offer 4 types so it's easy to design the coverage that fits your business.

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

bizinsurance makes purchasing Business Insurance...SIMPLE!
Andrea W.
1701380391
Great quality of Service ,faster and convenience way to pay at most. Thank you for your Service to my Healthcare Facility .
Quick and easy!!!!
Terry
1701319042
Great service! Easy process and very informative representative. Andrea was great and very patience with our process. I would recommend using them!!
Terrance R.
1700848536
Always and easy process. Thanks!
Gerald S.
1700244544
Renewal was quick and easy online
Angelita K.
1699752900
I had a great experience working with Andrea from BizInsure. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive throughout the entire process. She guided me through the different options available and helped me find the perfect home care professional liability insurance policy that suited my needs. Her professionalism and expertise made the entire experience smooth and hassle-free. I highly recommend working with Andrea and BizInsure for all your insurance needs.
Juliette S.
1699032636
Easy to submit an application and to get quotes
Simone S.
1698775217
I had the most pleasant prompt and professional experience of my life with Bizinsure. Everything was completed in record time, at an unbelievable cost…and my certificate of Insurance was promptly emailed to me. Most of all it was effective immediately. No hassle no back & forth, just great service highly recommend to all small businesses.
Marcia S.
1698407456
Excellent
advanced U.
1697824466
Great service. Very professional and cordial. Thanks
Jeremiah U.
1697064641
BizInure has been a great company for our insurance needs. I wish customers services was 24/7, that would make it a five stars
Novilette L. J.
1696828014
Easy to navigate what you need. Always notify ahead of renewal!
Athena T.
1696646371
This is the best company I have ever worked with. They are professional and get you exactly what you need. I highly recommend them!
Jim P.
1696451803
this is really easy
Riaz R.
1696428004
Andrea was very useful and professional. I will be recommending Biznsure to my friends that need business insurance. Keep up the good work. I wish the agency also offers auto insurance and whenever you do I will be one of the first to sign up as sign of my appreciation.Mike Okonkwo.
Mike O
1696282284
Kalab was excellent. Great, great Agent. Every step was organized and well planned. I WILL recommend your firm to anyone. Thank you...
Easy to renew Policy
Plain S.
1695644756
Great total experience. The agent was professional, knowledgeable,and a pleasure to work with. The fastest business insurance purchase I've ever experience. I highly recommend Bizinsure.
Tony W.
1695492357
Communication was excellent and the process was easy.
Jessie R.
1695153508
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Michelle C.
1695060008
Kaleb tailored the right coverage to our business. Customer service was good and gave great understanding of coverage. Thank you from Goleda's Gentle Homecare LLC
Aneesah M.
1695056651
A GOOD COMPANY FOR HEALTH CARE INC
Supreme A.
1694871640
Easiest & fastest online quote and purchasing experience out there. Inside of 10 minutes I had a quote, payment draft, and policy in force... and at the most competitive GL rates I found.
Rusty H.
1694699044
very quick and prompt service.
Sally Jo W.
1694180429
caleb was great in helping me navigate thecorrect liabilty insurance for my company
Lindsay Erin P.
1694135867
Friendly fast service I recommend you to all vendors
Terry R.
1694133043
Great
Kemi S.
1694119021
Great Customer service and easy renewal process!!!! I would refer this company to anyone.
Chris H.
1694038325
Great company easy to work with, Andrew was very helpful,you can call him any time he is ready to listen and help
Olu A.
1693959486
Good customer service indeed
BASSI T.
1693944217
js_loader
Google Rating
4.6
Based on 214 reviews
×
js_loader