Are you interested in becoming a nurse in Illinois? Illinois houses 250,000 active registered nurses (RNs) and nearly 230,000 licensed nurses (not including the advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) – certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and nurse practitioners (NPs)). Illinois has a vast amount of opportunities available to become a nurse and, if desired, to expand your knowledge and schooling to become an APRN. Here are some Illinois RN stats:
- 28% of Illinois RNs are over the age of 55.
- 27% of Illinois RNs plan to retire within the next 5 years.
- The city of Chicago has over 73,000 employed RNs.
- 73% of Illinois RNs either have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate as the highest nursing education degree.
- 14% of Illinois RNs are a nurse manager, administrator, executive, or patient care coordinator.
- 50% of male Illinois RNs are age 44 years or younger.
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming an Illinois RN is to obtain your high school diploma or equivalent. The next step is to decide what type of nursing school to attend. There are currently 88 nursing programs in Illinois with varying tuitions and requirements. If possible, try not to limit yourself by applying to one program. Sometimes, the wait lists can be extensive and seats limited.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is offered at many community colleges and takes approximately 2-3 years. Obtaining an ADN is a great start to your nursing career in a cost-efficient way.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a 4-year program that is offered at many Illinois State Universities and some private colleges. While an ADN can open most doors for prospective nurses, obtaining your BSN may provide a higher earning potential or better opportunities for career advancement.
Master’s Entry Level Program (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing Direct Entry program is an option for students with bachelor’s degrees in another field and want to pursue nursing. This program takes approximately 2 years.
State Licensing Requirements
The Illinois Board of Nursing (BON) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are key resources to completing all necessary tasks to be an Illinois RN. To be licensed, complete the following from the Registered Nurse New Application Checklist:
- Prospective nurses must first complete the Illinois BON application.
- Once the application has been submitted, you must get fingerprinted. See a list of licensed fingerprint vendors here.
NCLEX-RN Examination
Regardless of the nursing program you graduated from, all nursing graduates take the same National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX)-RN. This is a computerized test that is given 6 days a week. It is recommended to take this exam as soon as you can after graduation as this is when you have the most knowledge retention and are likely to have a better success rate. Visit the NCLEX Test Centers website for locations.
If you are interested in taking NCLEX prep classes, multiple options are available online. Some are listed below. Before signing up for one, talk with your instructors and classmates to see if they have had success with a previous program or recommend one.
- Kaplan – often a top choice; 97% of students pass the NCLEX on their first try.
- Nursing.com – pass the NCLEX or they will pay you back 200%
- NurseAchieve – most advanced practice exam technology
- Hurst Review – best first-attempt pass rate
- NCLEX Mastery – most affordable
- Mometrix University – best free resources
- ATI – best product offerings
- Crush NCLEX – best online course
Job Outlook and Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) expects a 12% increase in Illinois RNs between now and 2028. This is likely due to the quarter of Illinois RNs planning to retire in the next 5 years. Additionally, the aging population contributes to the seemingly consistent demand for RNs.
On average, RNs in Illinois make $78,000 a year, which is similar to the national average of $77,600. However, certain areas in Illinois pay more than others. If you want to maximize your salary, the Chicago area can pay upwards of $97,000 per year, whereas southern Illinois RNs will be nearing $70,000. Many employers also offer shift differentials, which are specific shifts that pay more than others (e.g., evening or night shifts, weekends).
Resources and Support
There are many state and national resources available for nurses as you navigate through schooling and the difficulties of working in this new field.
- American Nurses Association
- Illinois Nurses Association
- Support groups
- Operation Happy Nurse: Free! To help all nurses decompress and engage with another to practice stress-relief and talk work-related issues.
- New Nurses Facebook Support Group
- Don’t Clock Out: Free virtual peer support group for nurses, nursing students, and nursing assistants.
Why nursing? Nursing is a rewarding career with countless opportunities to advance your career or specialize. Nursing will always be in demand, and you can find your nursing niche that provides the most personal and professional rewards. This could be working in the hospital in an inpatient unit, as an APRN, or even behind the scenes with an insurance company. Becoming a nurse in all these career opportunities has the same timeline:
- Graduate with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Apply and complete a nursing program
- Fill out the application for the Illinois Board of Nursing and complete their requirements
- Take the NCLEX-RN
- Find a job!
Nursing is a work of heart – become a part of the nursing community today.
