Is becoming a nurse right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Nurse
Becoming a nurse requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine desire to help others. Nursing can be a challenging but rewarding career, and it's important to be prepared for the demands and responsibilities of the profession.
To become a nurse, you typically need to follow these steps:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent: To become a nurse, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
- Attend a nursing program: You can attend a nursing program at a college or university, or at a vocational or technical school. There are several types of nursing programs, including licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs, registered nurse (RN) programs, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. LPN programs typically take about one year to complete, while RN programs take two to three years, and BSN programs take four years.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX): To become a licensed nurse in the United States, you need to pass the NCLEX. This exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in nursing.
- Obtain state licensure: Once you pass the NCLEX, you need to obtain a nursing license from the state where you plan to work.
- Consider continuing education: Continuing education is important in the nursing profession to stay up-to-date on new treatments and technologies. You may want to consider pursuing a Master's Degree in Nursing or a specialized nursing certification.
- Gain experience: After becoming a licensed nurse, you can gain experience by working in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.