How To Become a Nurse
Nurses are often the providers working most closely with patients, so if you want to exercise people skills while helping others in a hands-on fashion, this may be the career for you. Nursing offers many varied career opportunities, working in hospitals, clinics, home health settings, hospices and other long-term care facilities, schools, as well as other settings. There are also travel nurses who go wherever they are needed. There will always be a need for hands-on medical services, so nursing is a field that offers plenty of job security. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, here are some steps you need to accomplish.
Learn About the Different Types of Nursing Positions
When most people talk about nurses, they are typically referring to registered nurses. There are different educational paths you can take to become a registered nurse, with most people taking out student loans and receiving either a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a two-year associate’s degree. Registered nurses supervise other nurses according to a hierarchy while performing duties as duties such as assisting doctors, administering medication, and coordinating patient care. RNs do not earn as much as doctors, but they can earn a comfortable living making over $70,000 a year.
There are other types of entry-level nursing positions over which an RN may have authority. A licensed practical nurse performs tasks such as bathing and dressing patients as well as changing bandages and providing other forms of basic care. There is an option to become an RN if you wish, but an LPN only requires a one-year certificate program or diploma, meaning that you start working with patients sooner. A certified nursing assistant works under an RN to record information and report issues while helping patients with daily tasks. This is a way to start earning practical nursing experience quickly as it only requires a four-to-12-week certificate.
There are also more advanced forms of nursing, such as a nurse practitioner, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, or a nurse-midwife. Graduates of these nursing programs are able to perform services that would ordinarily be reserved for doctors, such as prescribing medication, administering anesthesia, or delivering babies.
Choose a Nursing Program
It is a good idea to learn about the different types of nursing jobs before you start looking at schools because that will determine the type of program you choose and the level of education you should pursue. Instruction is available in person or online, but you will have to complete clinical experience in either case. If you decide to become an RN, you have the option of earning either a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. The former may make you a more appealing prospect for a potential employer, but the latter allows you to complete your degree program faster. Your vocational goals and individual preferences determine which type of program you should pursue. Just make sure the program is accredited or the time and money you spend on it will be wasted.
Get Licensed
To become a practicing nurse, you have to obtain a license. You do this by passing an examination designed to gauge your nursing skills and competence. For most levels of nursing, you have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination. There are different levels of the NCLEX for registered and practical nurses. CNAs have to complete a competency exam administered by the state, while nurses who pursue more advanced positions may have to earn additional credentials.
Continue Your Education
Regardless of what type of nurse you become or whether you work at a basic or more advanced level, you have to take continuing education credits to maintain your license. The state nursing board can inform you of the specific requirements for its jurisdiction, but you typically have to complete a CE course every two years. This is to make sure that you are up-to-date with the latest advancements in practice and patient care.
Generally speaking, a bachelor’s degree is the highest level of education required to become a nurse. However, those who seek more advanced positions may go on to earn a master’s degree in nursing.
