How to Become a Nurse
You’ve given it a lot of thought, and have finally decided
to join the ranks of those pursuing a nursing and healthcare career.
Congratulations! Now that you’ve made your decision, the next
step would be to decide on which nursing discipline to pursue. Currently,
employment prospects are most bright for RN’s, or Registered
Nurses; Licensed Practice Nurses (LPN’s) are also in great
demand.
Registered Nurses have several degree options:
- Two years – Associates Degree
- Four years – Bachelor of Science Degree
- Person with a Bachelor’s Degree in another field –
3-4 years can earn a Nursing Doctorate
- Person with a Bachelor’s Degree in another field –
1-2 years can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) go to school for approximately
1 year. They typically perform nursing tasks under the supervision
of a Registered Nurse. Some people choose to become LPNs with the
intention of completing their Registered Nursing (RN) coursework
later. Many schools grant advanced credit to LPN’s in their
RN coursework.
Several factors may determine which degree you choose to pursue
initially; the most obvious being what degree programs are available
in your area. If you will be commuting or going to school at night,
this is a big factor. For the most part, a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN) is the widely accepted standard. However, with the
current nursing shortage, a 2 year Associates Degree in Nursing
is quickly gaining acceptance. Whatever program you choose, make
sure that that the program is an accredited one; the 2 organization
that most recognized for the accreditation of nursing programs in
the United States are the National League for Nursing Accreditation
Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE). Schools that have been accredited by these organizations
are recognized as meeting the standards set forth for nursing training
and education in this country. Nurses that have completed degree
programs and the associated coursework will then be able to sit
for licensure exams in the specific states where they wish to work.
Basic Prerequisites/Requirements
In order to pursue your nursing education, of course you will start
by completing high school and receiving your diploma. Some nursing
schools require a pre-admission test called the National League
for Nursing (NLN) Pre-Admission Exam (you can find out more about
this exam from the NLN at www.nln.org).
Once you pass this Pre-Admission exam, there are several degree
paths you can follow:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN). A 4-year program offered
at colleges and universities that prepare you to practice across
all health care settings. Employment prospects and advancement
opportunities appear to be the greatest for the BSN graduate.
A BSN is required for entry into a Master's Degree in nursing
program that prepares you for leadership, management and more
independent roles, such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner,
educator and researcher. A BSN is preferred and often a prerequisite
for certain nursing specialties, such as military nursing, case
management, public health nursing, forensic nursing and school
nursing.
- Associate Degree in Nursing. (ADN). A 2-3 year program that
prepares you to provide direct patient care in numerous settings.
Most times offered at junior and community colleges; however some
hospital schools of nursing, colleges and universities also offer
ADN programs.
- Hospital Diploma. A 2- to 3-year hospital-based nursing program
that prepares you to deliver direct patient care in a variety
of environments. Many diploma schools are affiliated with junior
colleges where you may also take basic science and English requirements,
so the graduate may earn an Associate's Degree along with the
diploma in nursing.
Getting your Nursing License
Once you complete your chosen nursing degree path, you must then
be licensed in the state in which you wish to work. RN’s,
LPN’s and APN’s (Advanced Practice Nurse) must take
the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN to become a licensed nurse. For more information
on nurse licensure, see the National Council of State Boards of
Nursing website at http://www.ncsbn.org/.
Nursing as a Second Career
If you already have a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in another
field, you may want to consider numerous academic programs specially
geared toward college graduates like you. These programs are called
post-baccalaureate, second degree or accelerated degrees. Post-baccalaureate
programs (BA to BSN, or BS to BSN) recognize your previous education
and build on it, without repeating it. There are many programs available
for professionals in your situation; please feel free to search
our listings for a program in your area
Advanced Degree Programs
There are several Advanced Degree Programs available to assist you
in specializing in a specific nursing discipline. These may include,
but are not limited to adult nursing, pediatric nursing, midwifery,
learning disability nursing, mental health nursing. Etc. Please
check in your area to see what is available.
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