How to Become a Nurse Advocate
Nurse advocates serve as liaisons between patients and the many health providers involved in their care. While all nurses must advocate for their patients, nurse advocates focus on this aspect of patient care. The steps to becoming a nurse advocate include education, testing, and licensing, after which nurse advocates can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a nurse advocate, and where to start.
Become a Nurse Advocate in 5 Steps
To become a nurse advocate, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue certification in this specialty.
4
Apply for Nurse Advocate Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for nurse advocate jobs in the state of their licensure. Many employers are happy to hire new graduates, although some may want their advocates to have some bedside experience first.
5
Earn Specialty Certification
After some experience, nurse advocates may apply for a specialty certification in their field through RN Patient Advocates or Healthcare Liaison. While not required to work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Nurse Advocates
Nurse advocates can practice with a few different levels of education, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing. However, general healthcare hiring trends favor nurses with a bachelor’s degree.
A survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that over 70% of healthcare employers want new nursing hires to hold a BSN. The National Academy of Medicine announced a goal in 2010 for 80% of RNs to have a BSN degree by 2020. By 2020, at least 65% of nurses held BSN degrees, but in 2023, the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey reported that the number rose above 70%.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a nurse advocate with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing,
Nurse advocates with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN. However, the nursing shortage ensures a large pool of work for nurses with ADNs.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives nurse advocates a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future nurse advocates to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Nurse Advocate Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Nurse advocates must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Nurse advocates may choose to pursue specialty certifications through a few avenues:
The RNPA and Healthcare Liaison programs offer an advocacy education over several months, which differs from other nursing specialty certifications and the PACB. Some employers require an education certificate for patient advocacy programs, while others do not.
Where Do Nurse Advocates Work?
Nurse advocates can work with patients in just about any medical setting, including inpatient hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical clinics, and non-profit organizations. Independent nurse advocates work as private consultants for patients and may work from home, in an office, or patients’ homes as needed. Some nurse advocates also work with the legal system to champion their patients.
FAQs: How to Become a Nurse Advocate
1. What does a nurse advocate do?
Nurse advocates help patients understand the healthcare system and receive the best care possible. They use their medical background and knowledge to assist their patients and members of their health team in hearing and understanding each other.
2. What do most nurse advocates make an hour?
According to the BLS, nurse advocates make an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals $94,480 annually.
3. What is the fastest you can become a nurse advocate?
The fastest path to becoming a nurse advocate is by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which typically takes two years. However, some positions prefer a BSN, which typically takes four years.
