How to Become a Parish Nurse
Parish nurses treat patients who are part of a faith community. The steps to become a parish nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which parish nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a parish nurse, and where to start.
Become a Parish Nurse in 4 Steps
To become a parish nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue certification in a specialty after a few years of bedside experience.
4
Apply for Parish Nursing Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for parish nurse jobs in the state of their licensure, and many employers are happy to hire new graduates.
Schooling Requirements for Parish Nurses
Parish nurses must be registered nurses, a title earned by graduating with an ADN or a BSN degree.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a parish nurse 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
Parish nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future parish nurses 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 aspiring parish nurses 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.
Parish Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Parish nurses 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
Some parish nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). However, some parish nurses may choose to pursue specialty certifications through different universities and religious organizations.
Where Do Parish Nurses Work?
Parish nurses can find employment in several settings. These may include:
- Community centers
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Medical clinics
- Social services agencies
FAQs: How to Become a Parish Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a parish nurse?
Parish nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become a parish nurse?
The time it takes to become a parish nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a parish nurse?
To become a parish nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to parish nurse positions and pursue specialty certification.
4. How much do parish nurses make an hour?
According to ZipRecruiter, parish nurses earn an average of $38.62 per hour, which equals about $80,321 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
