So you’ve decided to become a nurse. Great! So now what? Pursuing a career in nursing can be both thrilling and challenging, but you can make the process much simpler with the correct knowledge and resources.
A nurse’s life differs significantly from everyone else’s. They have extensive training and are knowledgeable about delivering medication, therapy, and other treatments. They take care of either terminally ill or chronic patients, so to be a successful nurse, you need patience and experience.
This manual will walk you through every step necessary to become a nurse. We will provide you with all the information you need to succeed as a nurse, from selecting your R.N. to BSN curriculum to earning a master’s degree, from obtaining a license to thriving as a seasoned nurse. So, if you’re still on the fence about your decision, here are the steps you need to take to become a nurse.
- Find The Right Nursing Program
- Get A Nursing License
- Choose a specialty
Step 1: Find The Right Nursing Program
Knowing which program is best for you is essential if you want to become a nurse and develop in the field, but how can you figure out what is best for you?
To get your answer, follow the recommendations provided below:
1. Research the courses available in your area.
2. Examine the requirements and curriculum for each program.
3. Ask questions! The staff at the nursing school should be able to answer your questions and provide you with more information about the program.
4. Apply to several colleges to determine which one best meets your needs.
- Time Required To Become A Nurse
The minimal educational requirement for becoming a registered nurse is an Associate’s degree, but you can also go beyond this level through a bridge program from RN/ADN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or opt to complete a standard 4-year program or an accelerated direct entry BSN without first becoming an RN (Registered Nurse) to obtain the degree.
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN):
The Associate’s degree in Nursing is a two-year program required to become a registered nurse, primarily designed to assist students in developing strong core knowledge, attitudes, and capacities for nursing practice. Individuals passionate about pursuing a professional nursing career but lacking the time or funds to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) can opt for this associate degree program. Nowadays, so many colleges and universities offer ADN programs online. So If you work full-time and want to do coursework at your speed, you can easily earn your ADN online. This degree also makes students eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam following graduation, which must be passed to receive a state license.
- Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
Another route to becoming a nurse is earning a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing(B.S.N.). This program requires three to four years of study for completion, and before you can begin working as a nurse, you must still pass the NCLEX. Nevertheless, while those with associate degrees can get employment in the nursing field, BSN often opens more doors for you. There are more prospects of frequently getting higher pay and more responsibility. In addition, if you are a registered nurse, you do not need to study for a BSN for four years. Without delaying your career and conserving time, you can conveniently finish an R.N. to BSN program in as little as two years. There are several types of programs in the nursing sector,
Apart from the prerequisites, the nursing curriculum includes these main disciplines:
- Nursing assistance to adolescents, infants, and children
- Nursing care of adults
- Mother care
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Ethics
- Promotion of wellness
- Research and Evidence-Based Practices
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing assistance for elderly adults
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
Master of Science in nursing, abbreviated as MSN, is a highly specialized degree intended for registered and nursing bachelor’s degree holders. This is an option for students who want to further advance their knowledge base in this field. Several MSN programs are also available online, letting students enroll in full- or part-time classes. The MSN can be beneficial in several ways, depending on a student’s goals. In this degree program, you can enroll in courses that will advance your general nursing knowledge and abilities, take courses that will help you develop skills in particular nursing specialties, or take a break from clinical work to learn about education, leadership, or business. In addition, MSN can provide a higher salary and more lucrative jobs. Various nursing master’s degrees offered can lead to many different career opportunities. For example, once you complete your master’s, you can work as a nurse practitioner (NP), nurse administrator, and nurse researcher.
The 2nd step: Get Licensed: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
You’re ready to take the NCLEX-RN Exam after an associate’s or bachelor’s in nursing. This is the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses and is a requirement for anyone who wants to practice nursing in the United States.
The NCLEX-RN is a computerized exam that covers a wide range of topics, from nursing fundamentals to medical-surgical nursing. It’s designed to test your knowledge and skills as a nurse.
Don’t worry if you don’t feel prepared for the Exam. The NCLEX-RN is a difficult test, but you can pass it with enough preparation and help from study resources online
The 3rd step: Start Your Nursing Career!
So, you’ve made it this far! You’re now ready to take the plunge and start your nursing career. Congratulations! The third step is to find a nursing specialty that’s right for you.
There are many different nursing specialties to choose from, so it’s crucial to research and find one that fits your needs. And don’t forget to ask for guidance
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