Why Become a Nurse? 5 Steps to becoming a nurse

Why become a nurse? If you are thinking about becoming a nurse, please be aware of the fact that nursing is not an easy job. The profession has its great rewards but it also requires one to work extra hard for it. For some people, this may mean putting in an equal amount of effort just like other professionals while others will need to exert more than what is expected.

Every day, nurses are required to deal with people who come in suffering from various illnesses and injuries hence they must be mentally prepared for it. Also, new advancements in health care services keep arising; therefore, the profession also requires nurses to constantly upgrade their skills and knowledge base by taking further education courses or continuing education (CE).

The article below provides further information on how to become a nurse, what to expect in the field, its benefits and drawbacks.

How long does it take to be a nurse? Steps to Become a Nurse

To become a nurse, one would need to fulfill the following requirements: They must have earned an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree from an accredited program that has been approved by the state board. They must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

They would be required to pass a criminal background check before they are hired. They will also be required to complete between 12-16 weeks of clinical experience.

Some employers require registered nurses to work for up to 1,000 hours during their training period while some only require a minimum of 400 hours.

Types of Nursing Degrees: How can I become a nurse without a degree?

Depending on your graduation and prior experience, you can earn a diploma, an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing. A bachelor’s degree is required by federal law for anyone interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN). The duration of training programs runs between 12-36 months depending on the degree being pursued. Some diploma programs are as short as six to nine months while an associate’s degree would take between two and three years. The bachelor’s degree program can take between four and five years including on-the-job experience (a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered by some colleges and universities).

Nursing Specializations and Career Opportunities

After your education, you will be required to take the NCLEX exam which can qualify you to get hired by any college or hospital. There are several career options available for nurses including work in nursing homes, hospitals or clinics. Career advancement opportunities include positions such as nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetists.

Nursing Salary and Career Opportunities

A year’s average salary for a registered nurse is between $60,000 and $70,000. Those who take up leadership positions can earn as much as $100,000 annually. There are several factors that determine the salaries of nurses including education, experience and certification/license status.

Nurses who are interested in becoming advanced practice nurses will be required to take further education courses which come with monthly salaries of $100-$700. Advancement opportunities include positions such as nurse educators, administrators and managers among others.

Comments and Reviews about Nursing as a Career

The job market for nurses is expected to grow by 29% in the next ten years. With this in mind, there are many opportunities for employment which means that you will not have to worry about finding something when you graduate. The job market is particularly looking great in areas like Minnesota, New York and Massachusetts.

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?

There are several positive sides to nursing besides making big bucks or getting a high-paying nurse practitioner position. Nurses enjoy flexible working hours which gives them ample time to spend with their families. There is always a demand for nurses in all career fields including emergency nursing, pediatric nursing, surgical nursing among others.

Nursing also guarantees you job security since there is always a need for health care services due to illnesses and injuries. As mentioned earlier, the job market for nurses is expected to grow in the next ten years which means that nursing is a great option if you are looking for a steady and stable career.

Conclusion

Nursing as a career does not necessarily mean that you will have to put up with long working hours, poor salary or a difficult working environment. As mentioned earlier, there are several ways to advance your career as a nurse. There are various nursing specializations that you can take up after completing your education that will give you more options when it comes to choosing the hospital or clinic where you want to work.

If you are looking for flexibility, job security, and stable employment, then getting into the nursing profession is one of the best decisions you can make. The job market is expected to grow in the next ten years which means that you will have a steady and secure career if you pursue nursing as a profession.

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