How To Become a Nurse

Nurses are among one of the career professionals most in demand in the United States today. This is the result of a number of factors including the aging of the US population, changes in health care practices, and as a result of a shortage of qualified PhD level nursing faculty. Choosing a career in nursing offers many benefits including job stability, potential for specialization or diversity within the field, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.

There are many different ways to become a part of the nursing profession. Choosing a career path depends not only on the area in which you would like to work, but the time you want to spend to achieve that goal and the financial resources available to you to fund your education. The following options outline the various educational paths you may choose from in order to become a nurse:

1. Certificate Program: This type of program prepares the student to become a nursing assistant or nursing aide. This option requires the least amount of educational preparation to enter the nursing field. Nursing assistant students are required to complete a 75-hour certified nursing assistant training course and pass the competency exam. Upon completion, nursing assistants are skilled at tasks such as walking, feeding, and bathing patients. These types of certificate programs are often available at nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

2. Vocational Training: A vocational training educational path will enable a nursing student to become a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN, LVN). Training to become an LPN or LVN is often available through vocational schools, hospitals or community colleges. Nurses at this level typically work under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or physician. This course of study can take as little as one year to complete. Upon completion of training, students are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. The LPN and LVN designator are considered entry level nursing degrees. LPNs and LVNs are directly involved in patient care and perform tasks relative to the scope of their training and experience. These tasks may range from simple to complex procedures including administering medications, recording chart information, assisting in surgeries, patient care planning, first aid, and other basic care.
3. Colleges or University Diploma: Students who desire to become registered nurses (RN) should investigate college and university nursing programs. These programs are more intensive and require minimally two to four years to complete. Associate degree RN programs are most often found at community colleges and bachelor degree programs through a college or university. Once degree requirements have been fulfilled, students are required to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

   In comparing the associate degree option to a bachelor degree RN program, it is important to consider long-term career aspirations. A bachelor level nursing diploma will afford a nursing student a wider range of career options and the opportunity for greater advancement up the career ladder. The foremost role of a registered nurse, directly involved in patient care, is to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. Registered nurses work not only as patient advocates, planning and implementing care of the sick, but also work to promote the continued well-being of those who are healthy, including activities such as patient education and counseling. Registered nurses perform a wide range of duties and are often found in the supervisory role overseeing the work of nursing assistants, orderlies, and LPNs or LVNs.

The next step after determining the type of nursing program that will meet your career objectives and educational goals is to find a school that will meet those needs. This will require some research and careful assessment. Visiting prospective schools and meeting with the faculty in addition to sitting in on classes, when possible, will provide you great firsthand experience as to the fit of a particular school or program. This is also a good time to check into enrollment requirements and visit with a financial aid counselor. The effort put forth to research career options and plan a path of study are invaluable steps in becoming a nurse. The journey to become a nurse will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting, challenging, and ultimately, rewarding journeys of your life.