If you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a nurse, you should start by evaluating your personality. Nurses frequently work with people who are afflicted with illnesses or other health issues. These people are frequently not at their best because they are ill and concerned about their health. To be a successful nurse, you must have a patient demeanor, a thick skin, and a great deal of compassion. Excellent communication skills are also required.
The educational requirements for the nursing position you want to pursue are determined by the nursing title you want to pursue. You’ll need a high school diploma or a General Educational Development diploma to start your nursing career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) (GED). You’ll also need to finish a CNA training program. These programs are frequently offered by community colleges, medical facilities, and private businesses. CNA students attend classes to learn the fundamental skills needed for a nursing career and participate in hands-on training activities. Anatomy, nutrition, and other related subjects are also taught to students.
Your preparation will be more extensive if you want to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). You’ll need a high school diploma or GED, as well as a nursing program diploma or degree. Candidates must typically complete a one-year nursing program to prepare for a nursing career as an LPN, for example. You’ll be able to perform more nursing tasks than a CNA, but fewer than an RN, after completing this training. However, you can use the skills and knowledge you gain as an LPN to help you later in your nursing career if you decide to enroll in an RN program.
If you want to start your nursing career as an RN, you can get an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. A two-year associate’s degree program can usually be completed in two years, while a four-year bachelor’s degree program takes at least four years. Hospitals also offer three-year nursing programs for those interested in becoming registered nurses.
Though the decision to enroll in a specific nursing program is a personal one, many people believe that starting a nursing career with a bachelor’s degree is a good idea. This is because many hospitals and other employers pay job candidates in part based on their educational background. Obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can also give you a leg up if you decide to pursue further education in order to specialize in nursing.