No matter how the world evolves, the need for nurses will always remain. Throughout the US, qualified nurses are needed not only for bedside care but also for leadership, advocacy, and education. As patient numbers surge, the population ages, and many nurses burn out from overwork, nurses who enter and stay with the profession have an opportunity to make a substantial difference.
If you see yourself in a nursing role, you’ll need to take several steps first. From earning the right credentials to building transferable skills, here are the steps you must take before entering the nursing field.
1. Choose the Right Nursing Program
The first step before starting a nursing career is to find a nursing program that aligns with your goals and goals. Each program has its own benefits, so take time to review your options. This will help you decide what you need to do in order to succeed. Each school offers different degrees. It’s rare to find a nursing school that offers every pathway, so review every degree option before making your final decision.
Consider several factors before enrolling in a course. These include your career goals, lifestyle, budget, and learning style. You need to establish what nursing level you want to start with and look into the program’s duration. Also consider where the nursing school is located, whether you want in-person or online classes, and which facilities the program partners with. The University of Texas at Arlington offers online classes. You may visit their website to learn more about the program.
It may sound like a chore to do all this research, but you need to be confident in your final decision. Once you find the right nursing school with the resources you need, you can be confident you’re on your way to succeeding in your nursing role.
2. Decide On Your Degree
When searching for a suitable nursing school, you’ll likely start once you’ve chosen your preferred degree. You need to give the program your full time and attention to get the best results, so understanding the different types of nursing degrees and certifications is essential.
One of the most popular is a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) diploma. This typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to complete and is a non-degree diploma offered by vocational schools and community colleges. Throughout this course, you will learn how to offer basic healthcare services to a patient. Before practicing, you must pass a state licensure exam first.
For those interested in becoming an RN (Registered Nurse), there is an associate’s degree you can obtain. This typically takes two to three years to complete. This degree is the minimum requirement for becoming an RN. Once you earn this qualification, you will qualify for most nursing roles. However, you must first pass your state licensure exam. You can also go one step further and pursue a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). This degree is designed for recent high school graduates with little to no healthcare experience. Even if you don’t come from a nursing background, you could go for an ABSN – Accelerated BSN program, which is geared toward individuals who have a non-nursing college education.
If you’d like to practice in a specialized field and become an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse), you can study for an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing).
Nursing is a challenging field. Whenever you struggle to understand something, explore nursing resources that provide videos or visuals to simplify the topic you’re studying.
3. Research the Nursing Field
The last thing you want is to study for a degree that doesn’t open doors. Think about what kinds of roles interest you, and what your prospects look like for landing your dream job.
Today, nurses are leveraging their medical expertise to start their own businesses. This approach is increasingly popular as nurses look for ways to work from home or take greater control over their careers. Business ideas for nurses generally fall into 4 categories.
- Consulting and Coaching: legal nurse consultants, telehealth consultants, wellness coaches, nurse health coaches, and career coaches
- Writing: nurse bloggers, freelance writers, course creators, and editors
- Patient Care: childbirth doulas, childcare providers, fitness nurses, hospice caregivers, and other specialized care providers
- Business Functions: medical product sales, and medical billing and coding specialists
The more you learn about career opportunities, the better prepared you’ll be to pick a program that gets you where you want to be.
4. Complete Prerequisites
To qualify for nursing school, you must meet certain program requirements and academic prerequisites. Requirements vary by program. For instance, some BSN programs are four years in length. Some options last two years and require an associate degree in nursing.
Because prerequisites differ from program to program, speak with your admissions counselor or program advisor for advice. They can let you know whether you’re on the right path to pursuing your future program. Your grades matter too, so it’s vital you work hard to achieve the best grades you can.
Some other requirements include a resume, letter of intent, a GPA of 2.0-2.5 (or higher), and a professional letter of recommendation. To excel in nursing school prerequisites and build a strong foundation for your nursing career, utilizing supplementary tools can be vital. Taking a TEAS Practice Test is an effective way to build test readiness, as it offers practice questions tailored to the updated exam format. You’ll also need to factor in an application fee. Some programs also require an interview before acceptance. You can also develop fluency in medical terminology with references like StraighterLine.
5. Complete Your Nursing Program
After you’re accepted into nursing school and enrolled in a program that matches your career goals, you can start learning the foundational elements needed for success. Whatever program you choose, you’ll be expected to complete coursework. Coursework can cover anything from understanding medications and diseases to communicating with patients. The time you spend in the classroom each week depends on whether you’re attending part- or full-time. In general, for each hour you spend in class, expect to spend two or more hours completing assignments.
Your nursing degree will also feature clinical field experience. This normally takes place towards the end of your degree. To succeed in your nursing program and finish with the right grades, you must meet deadlines, prioritize your coursework, and ask for help when needed. While you may feel nervous at the beginning of your course, as you begin to settle in and understand each module, you’ll gain a profound sense of accomplishment. You mustn’t rush through modules. Instead, take your time to get to grips with each aspect.
6. Pick a Specialty and Obtain a Certification
After you’ve completed your nursing degree and gained the experience required to work as a general nurse, you may aspire to go one step further. If you have more specific goals, you can get certified in a specialty that interests you. As with your nursing program, you’ll have a wide selection of specialties to choose from. Don’t rush into making any decisions. Instead, take time to look at your options.
One popular specialty is to become a family nurse practitioner. This specialty focuses on family health care. If you are passionate about helping members of a family unit keep healthy, this may be a role you want to explore further. Another specialty is becoming a mental health nurse practitioner. This role involves working with patients through a variety of mental health conditions, helping them feel at ease and comfortable.
Other specialties include pain management, dialysis, neonatal, and informatics. Understandably, each of these specialties requires different skills and experience. You may find you can’t complete a specialty without the right degree behind you. So, do your research and confirm the course’s entry requirements.
7. Obtain Your License and Credentials
Nurses must obtain various credentials and licenses before they can perform their role. Requirements vary by state, so check the specific process in the state where you plan to work. Also, each state has its own board of nursing, which has different requirements.
8. Find Employment
After you’re licensed and credentialed, you’re nearly there. Now you just need to find the right role for you. Start your job search. Once you know what state you’d like to practice in, the process will be easier and more straightforward. You can begin by looking at positions in your area or checking out popular job boards. You can also contact local healthcare sites to ask whether they have any openings. When talking with potential employers, make sure you demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for nursing, and what makes you suitable for the role.
Before you start working as a nurse, you’ll need to undergo interviews first. This gives the employer a chance to meet you, learn what you can bring to the team, and see the skills and traits that set you apart from other candidates.
Licensed nurses ready to explore opportunities can also browse PRN nursing jobs to find roles that align with their experience, specialty, and career goals.
9. Continue to Learn
In nursing, there is always something new to learn. With technology continuing to evolve and practices and regulations changing yearly, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind and always be eager to learn. This shows you’re dedicated to your profession and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in the field.
Throughout your nursing program and specialty, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills that can help you flourish in your role. From communicating effectively with patients to working well under pressure, these skills are must-haves for any nursing role. Once you step into your position, you can hone these skills and learn others that will take you far in nursing.
10. Earn a DNP
To reach the top of nursing, consider earning a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). This degree demonstrates your expertise in the nursing field. Some benefits of a DNP include a lucrative salary, respect and recognition from your peers, and senior-level roles.
Becoming a nurse won’t happen overnight. You must take several steps to enter the field. However, if you’re passionate about nursing and are ready to make a difference, you’ll have no problem following the steps above.
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