As people continuously evolve and various healthcare services become available, the nursing job can provide you a variety of rewarding work opportunities. For instance, professional nurses perform significant patient care. If you intend to become one, there are specific steps you must follow.
If the nursing vocation interests you, continue reading this article. This guide will highlight the nursing job and cover the steps you need to take to become one.
What Is The First Step to Become a Nurse?
Are you thinking of starting a nursing career? First of all, realize that nursing is a demanding career–some go through more than 10 or 12-hour working shifts. The role will also call for your every physical, emotional, and mental focus. When you opt for this particular career choice, the first step is to know if you have an intense calling for the job, and you don’t want it because of some fantasy.
For some professional nurses, the decision is natural. At a very young age, they aspire to wear scrubs like the ones you’ll see from keswi. Some observe a nurse takes care of their loved one and think, ‘I want to achieve that.’
The role draws in a variety of people in plenty of ways. Once you determine you want to become a nurse, be sure of your decision and hold on to your dream as the path is full of challenges and hardships.
How To Become A Nurse?
The nursing industry is a thriving field with substantial demand for eligible individuals. In this guide, you’ll know how to become a nurse, the educational and licensing requisites, and more about the role itself.
Step 1: Determine the Area You Want to Work
There are various areas where a professional nurse can work. They can apply in healthcare settings such as the following:
- Doctor’s clinics
- Nursing home facilities
- Medical Centers
- Schools
- Outpatient units
Additionally, besides selecting the healthcare environment, you can choose the type of department or specific population you want to handle. Know that once you assume a nurse’s role, there’ll be plenty of options and opportunities to reinforce your career.
Step 2: Find Out the Required Education
If you’ve already started on your research, you probably know by now that before becoming a nurse, you’ll need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. However, if you’re eyeing senior positions, like the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), you’ll need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Completing the undergraduate course is traditionally the beginning point for nursing candidates. It’ll also help you determine if you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or a Registered Nurse (RNs).
Furthermore, you need to identify the kind of nursing degree program you wish to attend. You can choose between a full-time or a part-time program if you’re balancing other personal commitments. Otherwise, you can enroll in online accredited programs, which allow participants to accomplish their work based on their available schedule.
Step 3: Apply For A License
Once you complete your nursing program, you may apply for your license. Keep in mind that qualifying for the National Nursing Licensure examination is fundamental for all nurses. If nurses don’t have the proper credentials, they may not be able to work professionally.
Remember, licensing provisions differ per state, job role, and nursing specialty. Most nursing programs can offer you guidance on the right license to obtain. However, you must also know the correct examination to take.
Below, you’ll find the top three prominent national nursing exams:
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN): A comprehensive test that’s mandatory for RNs (Registered Nurses) to work as a professional nurse.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): For individuals who wish to work as nursing assistants, they must take this state examination. Note that CNAs have restricted job responsibilities, and this specific test likewise illustrates it.
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN): On the other hand, to apply as a practical nurse, one must pass this licensure exam. Understand that LPNs have substantially broader responsibilities than CNAs. They can perform specific medical procedures and dispense particular medicines. The test covers knowledge on essential assistance and about the additional tasks.
Step 4: Seek Employment
After acquiring your license, you may now seek employment. At the moment, the nursing industry is an increasingly expanding sector. The profession is consistently becoming prominent. Hence, there’ll be ongoing competition for job openings.
You may begin finding employment at your local healthcare facilities or search through online job boards. Likewise, see if the nursing program you attended provides career mentoring to help you find possible employers, create a professional resume, and breeze through the job interview.
It’s essential to understand that newly graduated nurses may face challenges in seeking employment since companies often search for seasoned practitioners. Having said that, fresh graduates need to be flexible and receptive to work for varied employers.
Step 5: Establish Your Specialty
Once you graduate and acquire your license, you may opt to pursue a nursing specialty or additional training. Please take note that selecting a specialty isn’t mandatory. However, if you’re keen on advancing your career, additional training may lead to senior-level jobs.
Here are a few of the leading nursing specialties you can explore:
- Family Nurse: A family nurse practitioner delivers care to a wide range of patients–from babies to senior citizens. If you prefer taking care of families, you can explore this particular role.
- Nurse Anesthetist: Alternatively, a nurse anesthetist takes care of patients after surgery, before and after giving birth, or in medical cases where the individual requires anesthesia.
- Nurse Midwife: If you want to care for pregnant or postpartum women, you may want to become a nurse-midwife.
Final Thoughts
Unquestionably, becoming a nurse isn’t an easy task. Remember, before you decide and become one, research the necessary information and specialty you want to pursue. Also, as much as possible, understand where you may want to take your career. Again, don’t forget the vocation’s essence is for nurses to help individuals address health issues and retain optimal health.