Launch Your Nursing Career: RN Pathway

Overview With human needs constantly evolving and numerous health care specialties available, nursing is a profession that may offer you variety, as well as the opportunity to do meaningful work. Because nurses administer valuable patient care, those aspiring to become one must take specific steps to complete a nursing education and get licensed. If you’re wondering how to become a nurse, how long it takes, and what to expect in this profession, this guide is for you. Read on for common steps you can take to become a registered nurse. Step 1: Make Sure a Career in Nursing is Right for You Becoming a nurse is a serious career choice. Nurses take on a lot of responsibility—and the rigors of the profession alone can cause high stress and anxiety. But it can also be an extremely rewarding profession if you’re committed to helping people through your work. To start your journey, you can ask yourself the following questions: Do I enjoy interacting with people of many different backgrounds and life experiences on a daily basis? Am I prepared to deal with patients who may be struggling with serious health problems? Can I manage my time effectively, work long hours, and stay calm under pressure? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may wish to explore the field of nursing. Know that nurses have a very specific educational track—and not a lot of freedom to stray from it, due to the various licenses and standards they must uphold. Be prepared to commit at least two to four years to earn your degree and complete the licensure exam to earn licensure in your state as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). Step 2: Find Out Which Type of Nurse You Would Like to Become As a nursing professional, there are many areas in which you can work. RNs can work in nearly any setting that provides health care, including: Hospitals Physicians’ offices Schools In addition to choosing the care setting, nurses also have freedom to specialize and work with a population or in a department that appeals to them the most. For example, RNs can pursue additional certifications to provide cardiovascular care, gerontological (adult) care, or ambulatory care among others. After becoming an RN and earning some experience, nurses may wish to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). These masters-level nurses may provide care independently or in collaboration with a physician. Some may be able to prescribe medications, depending on their state of practice and licensure requirements. The most important thing to remember is that should you choose to become a nurse, you’ll have options—and plenty of potential opportunities to advance your career. Step 3: Explore What Type of Education is Needed You’re probably aware that nursing candidates may earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to help them secure their license. But there are other educational avenues to explore if you think you’ll want to pursue more advanced roles. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is required to become an APRN—and many MSN programs even offer concentrations in advanced practice realms like midwifery and women’s health. There are many ways to earn your degree, including online nursing programs. Choose a Nursing Degree A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is what you might pursue to get your license—or further your education if you already possess an associate’s degree. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will typically be completed after an individual has earned a BSN. The MSN is a next step toward becoming an APRN. There are also bridge programs that can speed the trajectory from becoming an RN to earning an MSN degree for those who hold an associate’s degree. Pursuing an undergraduate degree is often a starting point for aspiring nurses. It may help you understand if nursing is right for you and decide on whether to invest in a graduate education later on. Step 4: Complete Prerequisites and Apply to Schools To get into nursing school, you’ll need to meet certain academic prerequisites and program requirements. Depending on the type of program you apply to, requirements may vary. For example, many BSN programs are four years in length. Accelerated options can be two years long and require you to hold an associate’s degree in nursing, or equivalent coursework/credits. Other requirements include: A GPA of 2.0-2.5 or above A resume A letter of intent Professional letters of recommendation Transcripts from previous programs of study There is typically an application fee and some programs require an interview for consideration. Step 5: Complete Your Nursing Program When you’re accepted into a nursing program, you can expect to learn foundational elements of the profession. Coursework may include communicating with patients, understanding diseases and medications, and more. The amount of time spent in class and studying depends on whether you’re attending full or part-time, but typically one hour in class equates to two or more hours of study and assignments. Your degree will also include clinical field experience toward the end of your program. Step 6: Choose a Specialty and Earn a Certification After completing an RN program and gaining experience as a general nurse, you can pursue a specialty and certification. Some specialties include: Family Nurse Practitioner Neuroscience Nurse Informatics Nursing Some APRN careers have master’s degree program concentrations to prepare for these roles. Step 7: Obtain the Proper Licenses & Credentials in Your State There are different types of licenses and credentials nurses must obtain before providing care. Requirements vary by state and role, so research the specific process in your intended state. Each state has its own board of nursing to determine requirements. Step 8: Find Employment Once credentialed and licensed, you can start a job search. Look for positions in your area on job boards or reach out to local health care sites with openings. You can also continue advancing your career with degrees or certifications, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Remember, at the core of the profession, nurses specialize in helping people overcome health challenges or maintain good health. FAQs Why become a nurse? The journey provides clinical expertise and valuable skills applicable to many roles in health care and related settings. How long does it take to become a nurse? Depending on the certifications and designations pursued, it can take from a few months to several years. CNA courses are four to eight weeks; LPN training can take about 12 months; an RN path often takes 18-24 months for an associate degree; a BSN typically four years. APRN paths may require more time. Are there nursing scholarships available? There are nursing scholarships available to help manage costs. Information on this page was last retrieved in January 2022. #J-18808-Ljbffr