Are you considering a career as a nurse? If so, you’ve made an excellent choice! Nursing is a rewarding and exciting field that can offer you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Becoming a nurse is a rewarding and challenging profession that requires dedication and hard work. This blog post will guide you through the process of becoming a nurse, from start to finish. We’ll cover the steps needed to become a nurse, the education and training required, and the job outlook for nurses.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse:
Choose Your Nursing Path
Before you begin your journey to becoming a nurse, you need to decide which path you’ll take. You can choose from various nursing degrees, from a 1 year LPN (licensed practice nurse) degree to an RN (registered nurse) associate’s degree, bachelors degree to a master’s degree.
Research Nursing Programs
The first step to becoming a nurse is to research different nursing programs. You should look into the different types of programs offered, the requirements, the cost, and the timeline of the program. When researching use this checklist to compare schools: https://meg-for-it.mykajabi.com/MegSnursingschoolchecklist.
Take Prerequisite Courses
Most nursing programs require that you take certain prerequisite courses. These courses will cover topics such as math, science, English, and anatomy. Taking these courses ahead of time can help you better prepare for the nursing program. Each school will have different but similar prerequisite classes before you can apply to a nursing program. Many school are also requiring an entrance exam. You can prepare by using this study program: Study for an entrance exam (TEAS test/HESI test) https://learn.nursemegrn.com/offers/zkuDKsqM/checkout..
Earn Your Nursing Degree
Once you’ve decided on a nursing path, you’ll need to earn your degree. Depending on the type of nursing you decide to pursue, you may need to complete a one-year practical nursing degree, two-year registered nurse associate’s degree or a four-year registered nurse bachelor’s degree. Most nurses opt for the bachelor’s degree, as it provides more advanced training and a better chance of getting hired. But I suggest you can the 2 year degree and have your employer pay for your bachelors degree. Many hospitals will pay for your BSN degree if you agree to work for them for 2 years.
During your education, you will learn all the necessary skills and information to become a successful nurse. You will also need to complete supervised fieldwork or clinical experience.
Focus on studying for each exam. It is normal to feel like “you don’t know anything” or “you’re not learning enough”. Nursing school is just THE DOTS and all those dots connect when you start working. So don’t fret – learn the material on an intellectual level and you will master it when you are taking your own patients! I promise. Everyone is feeling the way you feel! If you need help or encouragement, you should check out my Blog, TikTok, and Youtube Videos.
Take the NCLEX Exam
After earning your nursing degree, you will need to pass one national exam before officially becoming a nurse and obtaining a nursing license. This the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which tests your knowledge and skills related to the practice of nursing. Your nursing program will send all your transcripts and clinical hours to the Board of Nursing and the board will give you an ATT (authorization to test). This is your “ticket” to schedule your exam when it is convenient for you.
If you need a study program, we have just the thing! This program is so different from anything else out there! Here is a link to my NCLEX course: https://learn.nursemegrn.com/pass-the-nclex
My course is different from Hurst, Archer, Uworld, and other courses because:
- I give you a daily schedule to follow for at least 30-40 days
- I teach how to create the perfect study environment and how to structure your study period
- You will learn how to handle test anxiety
- Bimonthly LIVE Q&A zoom meetings where I teach critical thinking skills
- You will figure out how to strategize navigating to the right answer
- You will watch/read focused lecture content & nursing school review study guides
- & a bunch more supportive things for you!
- I personally help guide you through every phase of studying to the point of walking out of the testing center with confidence.
Here’s a virtual tour of what’s inside the course: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRGuosay/
Get Licensed
Once you have passed your exams, you will receive your nursing license in the mail automatically by your state board of nursing in the United States.
Nursing degrees and levels: which one is right for you
LPNs, or Licensed Practical Nurses, are healthcare professionals who provide basic nursing care under the direction of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. LPNs typically have a high school diploma or GED, plus a one-year certificate program from an approved nursing school.
RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) are healthcare professionals who provide patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. An ADN is a two-year degree program, typically offered through community colleges, which provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful RN.
RNs with a Bachelor’s degree are healthcare professionals who provide patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is a four-year degree program, typically offered through a university, which provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful RN. Additionally, a BSN program includes classes in leadership, research, and management, which allows nurses to pursue advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist.
Don’t forget to pack everything you’ll need for clinical and your first job here: https://nursemegrn.com/top-nursing-gear-what-to-buy-the-essentials-for-any-bedside-nurse/
After you obtain your license, let’s help you to nail the job you deserve! Here is a helpful article on how to write the perfect resume and how to prepare for an interview!
Specialization
Once you have obtained your license, you can begin to work! You don’t need to specialize, you get hired on a particular floor and they will train to according to that speciality.
Begin Your Nursing Career
When you have your job and you are ready to be an incredible nurse, we have just the right thing to make sure you are getting the right foundation, know your skills, and feeling confident in your role!
The New Nurse Survival Guide: https://nursemegrn.com/newnurse-survivalguide/
Career Advancement
Once you’ve been working as a nurse for some time, you may want to consider furthering your career. This could include pursuing a master’s degree, becoming a nurse practitioner, or even becoming a nurse educator. Each of these options will require some additional coursework and/or certification but can open up new opportunities and provide you with more job security.
Becoming a nurse is a rewarding and challenging career path. It requires dedication, hard work, and commitment. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can become a nurse and make a positive difference in people’s lives.
And that’s the entire journey of how to become a nurse! I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need anything in your nursing journey.