ESTABLISH A NURSING CAREER

A nurse is someone who provides more than she receives. Someone you rely on to look after the people very much dear to you – your children, your parents, your family and friends. She possesses distinct character traits such that of having critical thinking skills; versatility as she may act as a leader, counselor, surrogate mother, teacher, and facilitator; and proactive as she is equipped with the capacity to anticipate and prepare ahead of certain circumstances. A nurse makes a living out of caring for other people and thus she is defined as the person endorsed to care.

Learning how to become a nurse is not an easy process. It takes years to produce an effective and efficient nurse. One has to undergo basic education, obtain a high school diploma, and apply to certain universities offering the degree of BSN. Before admission to the said degree, an entrance examination and personal interview is required by most of the universities or colleges.

The BSN Curriculum

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a competency-based community oriented curriculum to educate future nurse practitioners to assume their roles and responsibilities in the health care system. It aims to prepare nurses for entry level positions in any health care setting in the country/state; i.e., hospitals, clinics, health care centers, homes, and communities. Overall, the BSN program intends to produce a professional nurse who demonstrates the following behaviors:

caring behavior (compassionate, competent, and committed);
ability to practice legal, ethico-moral, social responsibilities;
critical and creative thinking; and
practice the skills-knowledge-attitude paradigm, promote health, prevent illness, restore health, alleviate suffering, and assist clients to face death with dignity and peace.

After you have completed the requirements of the BSN degree- survived the tormenting examinations, aced the laboratory skills during internships, and achieved holistic patient care -you will undergo an examination that will define your capabilities to become a nurse. Universities usually support their students in taking the state boards to obtain a professional license. Examinations vary depending upon the state.

Upon receiving the professional license, nurses are required to take an oath before practicing their profession. It is up to the registered nurse to pursue a masters degree or continue specializing in the different fields of nursing. Continuing education and training is essential in your nursing career as you may receive better work benefits and increased pay compensation.

Before you begin researching nursing schools and programs, take some time to decide on which type of nursing career you would like to pursue.  For instance, if you want to work in a hospital instead of becoming a visiting nurse, you may choose one nursing school over another to better zone in on specific education requirements.  There are many different types of nursing, so it is very important to at least have a pretty good idea at what field you want to specialize in.

Nursing Schools Affiliated with Hospitals

If you would like to get a nursing diploma, the advantage of getting an education from a nursing school directly affiliated with a hospital is a great option.  The advantage of choosing this type of school is that while you still get the studying and actual schooling you need, you will usually be able to participate in the clinical or hands-on portion of your training sooner than other programs.

In this way, you will discover your strengths and weaknesses, in addition to determining if nursing, or specific fields of nursing, are a good match for you.  You may decide that you want to pursue a different field of nursing earlier on in the education process, which will save you both time and money.

Hospital-based programs used to be very popular and in some places, the only type of education option offered.  Because there are more schools specifically focused on nursing, there are far more education options available today.

Hospital-based programs can be a bit less expensive than other venues.  You can generally graduate with a nursing diploma within 2-3 years.

Community Colleges

There are many community colleges offering both diplomas and Associate degrees in nursing.  The curriculum is very similar from school to school, and it is simply a matter of preference and cost in terms of choosing a school.  Take a look at local colleges in your area and do a comparison in terms of cost and class schedules.

Make sure the college you are considering offers an accredited nursing program, so you will not have problems taking the nursing exam or finding employment once your studies are completed.

Also, you cannot get clinical experience directly from your college, but they can generally offer assistance to enroll in a program at a participating hospital or care facility to give you the practical experience you need to complete your education.

Some colleges offer additional programs to continue your studies in order to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in nursing.  You can usually complete the program within 2 to 2-1/2 years for an Associate’s degree; or 3 to 4 years for a Bachelor’s degree.

On-line Programs

If your schedule is best-suited for an on-line nursing school, take care to find a program that is accredited.  An accredited school or course means nothing more than it being recognized as legitimate so you can transfer credits if applicable, accepted by an employer and allows you to apply your credits to further your education in the future.

You will still need clinical experience, as you do with any other nursing diploma or degree, so you should try to find an on-line program that offers assistance or recommendations in lining up a venue where you can meet the required clinical requirements.  You also need to know and understand the requirements of the curriculum and clinical requirements prior to signing up for an on-line program.

If the on-line program offers a guidance counselor-type of service, take advantage of it to get answers to more detailed questions you may have.

Furthering Education

If you already have a diploma or Associate’s degree, you may want to further your education in order to get higher paying, teaching or supervisory positions.  If you want to get into another field of nursing, you may want to get the next level of degree prior to putting in for a transfer.

In those cases, there are good undergraduate programs offered at many colleges and universities.  You may also want to look into graduate programs offered at select colleges and hospitals.

You can expect to study for an additional 1-2 years to move up from an RN to a BSN if you study full time.  If you have to take classes part time due to your current work schedule, it may take twice as long to complete the studies for a Bachelor’s degree.

If you want to make the transition from BSN to MSN, it will take an additional 2-3 years to complete the studies for a Master’s degree.

Remember that even though you may have to invest anywhere from one to four years of additional study to get to the next level in a nursing career, you will be dramatically increasing your employment and salary options as a result.

As you can see, there are options available as you pursue a nursing career or wish to continue your training as a nurse.  Any investment made in additional education, degrees earned or clinical experience will never go to waste and the rewards for your additional work will be realized almost immediately upon completion of your studies.

As a good starting point, determine where you would like to go in your nursing career so you can more easily choose from one of the best nursing schools for your specific education requirements.

It is important that you have a strong interest in caring for and helping others, and then decide what level of nursing you are interested in. There are many different types of nursing careers on the market today, and it can be quite amazing to realize just how many job opportunities there are.

Employment in health care has a very solid outlook, not just today, but for the long-term, foreseeable future. The fact is, people will always become ill and at some point or another, all of us may have to depend on the care of a qualified nurse. Whether the care is administered at work, in our home, in a hospital or an assisted living or nursing home environment, nursing has many different fields for employment.

A high school diploma or G.E.D. is a required prerequisite for any type of nursing career. It is also preferred that while in high school; you do well in math and science classes, and take any other available classes which are geared toward the healthcare industry. These things will look good on an application to enroll in a good nursing school, and on a resume.

You may decide to start in an entry-level position in the healthcare field to get some crucial on-the-job training, and decide if this is really the career for you. It’s wise to get relevant job experience while getting paid at the same time.

You should decide which type of nursing degree is of interest to you, because the more advanced the position, the more training and skills that are required. It will also take you longer to finish your courses as you go for more advanced degrees, so be sure you pick a good nursing school from the beginning.

Some things to look for in a school include a comprehensive curriculum, is preferably accredited (which simply means that certain standards and criteria of nursing education are in place) and that the required study and coursework you complete will be recognized by the state or region where you live.

One of the first things you should do is to research the requirements of becoming a nurse in the area where you live, because requirements may vary by region. There are different types of nursing degrees and the requirements for each will vary by location, as well.

As for the different types of nursing, you can choose from vocational, licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN) or Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing (BSN), which is advanced RN training. With each higher level of nursing, the higher the salary and more responsibility in your position.

You can expect to take classes on anatomy, phlebotomy, math, science, customer service, general care, with more advanced studies for the more advanced degrees.

The steps to becoming a nurse include:

Researching what your specific area’s requirements are. For example, one state may require 100 hours of coursework plus 200 hours of field work. Another state may require more or less time. That is why it is important to find out what your regional requirements are before you enroll in any kind of training program or school.

Once you know what is required by your state, you can look for an accredited nursing school that offers all the courses and credits you need to obtain your degree. It can take anywhere from 2-4 (or more) years to get your degree, depending on which level of nursing you choose.

The most important thing to know about selecting a nursing school is to make sure that the school you are attending will be recognized by your state, and you will be able to take the nursing exam at the end of your field and coursework.

Also take a look at the cost for nursing school. The tuition prices also vary by school and by region.

If you want to become a licensed nurse, start networking with others in the healthcare industry. These contacts can prove to be invaluable resources for you when looking to land your first job out of school.

If becoming a registered nurse or other nursing degree is your goal, start by getting your plan in place.

After learning some basics about how to become a nurse, the most important thing to do is to take action and enroll in a good nursing school. The sooner you enroll, the sooner you will get your degree and begin the career of a lifetime.

The place to begin is to enroll in a nursing program so you can work towards the appropriate degree required. It is possible, in fact recommended, that while you are studying for a degree that you also look for an entry level job as a CNA or another position in a health-related field. You will find this to be a tremendous asset as you work on your degree because you will be gaining experience and getting paid at the same time, thereby reaping the financial rewards of nursing immediately.

Decide on the career path that is right for you. You may choose to become an LPN (licensed practical nurse) or continue studying to become an RN (registered nurse). Any experience you are able to get while enrolled in a nursing school program will not only help you with your studies, but give you an edge over the competition when it comes to landing your first nursing job. Remember that you will have the opportunity to expand your circle in the field and can possibly use names of your supervisors as references. Certainly, the financial rewards of nursing will vary depending on which type of nursing you ultimately choose as a career.

LPN Jobs

There are many opportunities for a qualified LPN. For this type of nursing career, you will need a high school diploma or GED, and the training will take anywhere from 1-2 years. Practical field work in a medical facility is also required. Once all of these nursing degree requirements have been met, you must pass a certification exam, or NCLEX-PN, in order to get an LPN nursing job.

In the United States, the average licensed practical nurse salary is approximately $41,000. This figure is an average and will vary, of course, based upon geographic location and experience, as with any job position.

RN Jobs

As an RN, you may find employment in clinics, hospitals, private practices, government agencies, schools or any other location where the services of a health care professional is required. An RN can also carve out a niche career as a surgical or emergency care nurse, which requires more extended courses of study. An RN may also be called upon to perform supervisory duties, responsible for providing direction to, among others, the shift LPNs.

Education requirements include a high school diploma or GED, in addition to the minimum of an associate’s degree. Some programs offer a nursing diploma, but a degree is preferred. You can always continue studying towards your bachelor’s degree in nursing down the road. Hands-on field work in a medical setting is also required. After completion of the field and course work, you must pass state certification, or NCLEX-RN.

As for a registered nurse salary, an RN working in the United States can expect to earn an average salary of $57,000.

You may decide to go on even further with your studies and earn a higher degree. Of course, the higher your degree, the more money you can expect to make. Even if you decide not to pursue a higher degree, you want to always keep your certifications up-to-date and take any tests or exams required to keep your skills sharp and be privy to the latest medical advances and/or laws.

No matter which field of nursing you choose, the financial rewards of nursing are great. The long-term employment outlook for nursing is excellent, with an expected growth rate of 22% through 2018. Enroll in a nursing program today for a truly meaningful career that will not only provide job satisfaction, but also give you financial security.

If you are considering a career in nursing, keep in mind the many different types of nurses and specialized fields from which you can choose.  This is just one reason why nursing is not only rewarding financially, but can give you personal satisfaction in your career, as well.

If you have just recently entered the health care field or are thinking about doing so, setting a goal of becoming a nurse is one of the best career decisions you may ever make.  It is a great career decision because there are so many different areas in nursing, which means more employment options and opportunities for you.

As a starting point, you may choose to become a phlebotomist, someone who draws blood for testing.  You may consider becoming a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, as a place to begin an eventual nursing career.

You can take the practical knowledge and experience you will get from an entry level position and apply it to a full-blown nursing position.  If you choose to continue on with your nursing studies, you have the option of becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), RN (Registered Nurse) or receive a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing, or BSN.

The further along you travel in your nursing career path, the more responsibilities, opportunities and of course, compensation, you can expect to receive.  The more education and especially experience you have, the more flexibility and opportunities there will be for you.  If you are at the very beginning of your career, you have the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience, while at the same time continuing your studies and advancing your nursing career.  You can earn a living while continuing your studies for an even more successful career in the future.

The job opportunities are very promising in nursing.  Because health care can be specialized, you can choose a career in a very specific field.  Some options for consideration include working in pediatrics, geriatrics, an emergency room or hospital setting, government agencies, traveling or in-home nursing care and of course, private practices.

As you can see, a nursing career can be customized to fit your strengths and skills.  You can truly have a career that you really enjoy.  If you love working with children, then a pediatric nurse might be the choice for you.  If the excitement and fast pace of an urgent or trauma center is more your passion, then you can find employment in these types of facilities.

The best part of nursing in general is that no matter where you start from, in a relatively short period of time, you can advance your career, your responsibilities and salary.  The demand for nurses is high and as our society is aging and living longer, the need for nurses will remain high.  As an example, the outlook for a career as an RN is expected to grow at a rate of 22%, or the addition of approximately 580,000 new jobs, between 2008-2018.

The best way to get started in your nursing career is to simply take the first step.  There are many great schools offering state-of-the-art training programs.  You may qualify for scholarships or assistance, which vary depending on the school you choose, but taking action is the key to enjoying the many opportunities that may be in your future in nursing.

There is no better time to begin your nursing career because the job market continues to grow and remain strong.  How many careers give you the benefit of earning while learning, with a wide range of job opportunities available?   Think again about the many different types of nurses and which one may be the best for you.

After answering those types of questions, and coming up with a game plan you can start to do some real research into which school is best to fit your needs. Often times, many nursing students find that the school that will easily meet their needs can be found locally. Many community colleges even offer full nursing programs.

How long are you willing to devote to your nursing education? Well, that will depend largely on what your goals are. If your desire is to become an RN, then you should plan on attending school for a longer period of time. However, if you are interested in getting into the career quickly, you can work towards becoming an LPN or nursing assistant. You’ll find that the education requirements for these are much shorter. Many people who are interested in nursing decide to get into the field as quickly as possible by attaining the education required for LPN or nursing assistant, and then they are able to continue their education to become an RN. Many employers in the medical field offer tuition reimbursement, which is nice.

Online education is an option too. There are some general education requirements for those who are pursuing a career in nursing, and many school allow students to take most, if not all of those courses online. Doing this leaves only the more hands on and career specific courses to be taken on campus. Those who have children or work a full time job may find this very beneficial, because they will have more freedom to get the course work done around their schedules. For some, attending classes online can be more challenging. It requires a lot of motivation and discipline to be successful.

When looking into a nursing school, be sure that it is accredited. This will be very important if you decide to continue your education at a different school, you’ll want to be able to transfer your credits. You may also run into some trouble with employment if the school you attended is not accredited, as many employers require it.

Going to a nursing school and getting for yourself a license is the first thing that you need to get. You have to be qualified to do any kind of nursing job before you get follow ups and certification for specialized areas.If the hospital is an airport, your state board will serve as your passport in getting from one place to another.

Next thing that you need to do is understand the the ins and outs of neonatal care. There are different level of neonatal care and it is imperative that you thoroughly understand all of these levels, from the simplest one to the most complicated one. There are some hospital that has 4 levels of neonatal care so these means more training as each unit is synonymous to training if you want to get the neonatal nursing job that you want.

Certification such as the neonatal resuscitation and neo natal intensive care are very important and if you have this certification you will surely get the approval and hopefully the neonatal nursing job that you want to have. Join nursing organization and clubs in your  locality that way you get to communicate and meet with fellow nurses. Most of the type these people know where the job vacancies are and if you are on the look for neonatal nursing job vacancies, you connection in these clubs and organization can help in informing you where it is.

If you are an LPN, you are more of a generalist who works a lot of nursing related stuff that any RN usually does. These ranges from work  taking a patient’s temperatures and blood pressure, getting a patient’s pulse rate. An LPN also administers in giving shots,  enemas as well as monitoring a patient’s catheters, condition and responses.

An RN does all the things that an LPN  does. The only difference is that RNs do not work on these so called “menial” medical jobs as compared to those who LPNs. This is why you need to be clear as to why what kind of job you need to work on. It is imperative that you plan ahead and think of these things first before finally enrolling yourself in a program offered by top nursing schools that you plan to enroll yourself in.

In the world of nursing, you need to know what work is it that you want. If you are comfortable in doing these small jobs, you can save more time and money by enrolling in LPN programs at accredited top nursing schools that offer associate nursing programs. If you want to work on on nursing jobs for RNs only, you need to get a nursing degree from nursing schools. It can either be Associate Nursing Degree which means you nee to stay in school for 2 years or Bachelor of science in Nursing which means 4 years of schooling for you.

Going to a nursing school and getting a Nursing degree is your first step on how to become a nurse that works with anesthetics. You need to have excellent educational records that way you can proceed to take units in Education which will then make you an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. In order to be CRNA, you need to go back to school and take a course in order for you to eventually work as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist.

After getting your certificate as a CRNA, you can now start to work in the Intensive Care Unit of any medical institution. If you have a Master’s Degree in Nursing, it would be so much better for you as it can be your edge and advantage over other aspiring CRNA who are applying in the same spot as you are. In working as a nurse, you need to know the things that you will need in order to qualify on how to become a nurse. Other than that, you can better chances of getting hired if you are better educated and highly skilled compared to all the other applicants just like you.