4 answers
Gabriela
Student
3
Questions
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How do you get started on a nursing career?
What are things that can be done to begin a career.
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4 answers
Caleb Lindsey
Medical Scribe
20
Answers
Bloomfield, Indiana
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hi Gabriela,
What a great question! I working as a CNA at a local rural hospital and it has been a great experience for me. Many of my friends are pre-nursing or have just recently become nurses and believe that having prior healthcare experience as a CNA or PCT serve them well in nursing school and in their nursing careers because it gives them real-world exposure to what nursing is actually like. I would also recommend taking classes like anatomy and physiology, as these are required nursing school prerequisites for many programs.
You can find job openings for CNAs and PCTs on the websites of many hospitals and nursing homes. You can also look into becoming a medical assistant (MA), who work mostly in doctors' offices and outpatient clinics. You may or may not need certifications to work in these fields, as the policy will differ from employer to employer. If you need training, you can inquire to the employer about where you can get it and they will usually reply with an answer. You can also usually find CNA, MA, EMT and other pre-health job trainings at local community colleges and career centers,
I hope you find this helpful and I wish you the best of luck on your nursing journey! If you have any other questions feel free to reach out!
What a great question! I working as a CNA at a local rural hospital and it has been a great experience for me. Many of my friends are pre-nursing or have just recently become nurses and believe that having prior healthcare experience as a CNA or PCT serve them well in nursing school and in their nursing careers because it gives them real-world exposure to what nursing is actually like. I would also recommend taking classes like anatomy and physiology, as these are required nursing school prerequisites for many programs.
You can find job openings for CNAs and PCTs on the websites of many hospitals and nursing homes. You can also look into becoming a medical assistant (MA), who work mostly in doctors' offices and outpatient clinics. You may or may not need certifications to work in these fields, as the policy will differ from employer to employer. If you need training, you can inquire to the employer about where you can get it and they will usually reply with an answer. You can also usually find CNA, MA, EMT and other pre-health job trainings at local community colleges and career centers,
I hope you find this helpful and I wish you the best of luck on your nursing journey! If you have any other questions feel free to reach out!
Celine Cinq
Clinical Application Support Specialist
8
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Celine’s Answer
With the current nursing shortage, graduating from a nursing school is a great step forward. To boost your chances even more, consider getting a job in a healthcare setting like a hospital, long-term care facility, or doctor's office. This experience not only increases your chances of being hired but also helps you become familiar with healthcare vocabulary, which can sometimes feel like a whole new language. Volunteering in a healthcare setting or with a community organization can also enhance your prospects. It shows potential employers that you have empathy and a strong desire to help others. Keep moving forward, and you'll make a positive difference in people's lives!
Jane Ezennaya
APP
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Starting a nursing career typically involves the following steps:
Consider what type of degree to do in terms of education -
• Earn a Nursing Degree: You need to choose a path that fits your goals, typically an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN is often recommended for better career opportunities.
• Accredited Programs: Ensure the nursing program you choose is accredited by relevant agencies, I.e, the CCNE or ACEN
Consider what type of degree to do in terms of education -
• Earn a Nursing Degree: You need to choose a path that fits your goals, typically an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN is often recommended for better career opportunities.
• Accredited Programs: Ensure the nursing program you choose is accredited by relevant agencies, I.e, the CCNE or ACEN
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
98
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hi Gabriela,
Starting a career in nursing is a fulfilling path that requires dedication, education, and practical experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started in the nursing field and what you can do to begin your career:
1. Research the Different Nursing Roles
Nursing offers a variety of roles, and it’s important to choose the path that best aligns with your interests and career goals. Some of the most common nursing roles include:
Registered Nurse (RN): The most common nursing role requiring a degree in nursing (Associate's Degree in Nursing [ADN] or Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BSN]).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): Requires a practical nursing program and certification. Often a quicker route than becoming an RN.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Advanced practice nurses with additional education (Master's or Doctoral degree) and the ability to diagnose and treat patients.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator: These roles often require advanced degrees and experience.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Specializations in specific areas of nursing that require further education and certification.
2. Complete a Nursing Program
Associate's degree in nursing (ADN): A 2-year program offered at community colleges. This prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year degree program, often preferred by employers. BSN nurses may have more career advancement opportunities, especially in leadership and specialized roles.
Accelerated Programs: Some programs allow individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a nursing degree in a shorter time frame (typically 12-18 months).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): If you wish to become an LPN or LVN, you can complete a one-year diploma or certificate program.
3. Obtain Required Certifications and Licenses
After completing a nursing program, you’ll need to become licensed to practice as a nurse.
NCLEX-RN Exam (Registered Nurses): To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) after completing your degree.
NCLEX-PN Exam (Practical Nurses): If you’ve completed an LPN or LVN program, you will need to pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed.
State Licensure: Each state (or country) has its own licensing requirements. Ensure you apply for licensure in the state or country where you intend to work.
Certifications for Specialties: After becoming licensed, you may choose to earn certifications in specialty areas, such as pediatrics, emergency care, or oncology, to increase your qualifications and career options.
4. Gain Clinical Experience
Clinical Rotations: During your nursing program, you will complete clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. These will provide hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Internships or Volunteer Opportunities: Consider volunteering at hospitals or clinics, or looking for internships that provide practical nursing experience. This will help you build a professional network and gain experience that can make you more competitive in the job market.
5. Apply for Jobs
Once you are licensed, it’s time to start applying for nursing jobs.
Hospitals: Many nurses begin their careers in hospitals, where they can work in various departments (e.g., emergency room, pediatrics, critical care).
Clinics and Physician Offices: These settings often offer more regular hours and less intense workloads compared to hospitals.
Home Health Care: Nurses can also work in patients' homes, providing care for those who are elderly or have chronic illnesses.
Public Health and Government Agencies: Working for government organizations can offer unique opportunities in public health, policy, or research.
Job Search Platforms: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to look for nursing jobs in your area or internationally.
6. Pursue Continuing Education and Specialization
Certifications: To enhance your career, you can pursue certifications in specialized nursing fields (e.g., pediatric nursing, oncology nursing, geriatric nursing).
Master's or Doctoral Degrees: If you're interested in advancing your career, you can pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Nurse Leader.
Professional Organizations: Join organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to stay informed about the latest in nursing and healthcare practices.
7. Network and Find a Mentor
Mentorship: Find a mentor who can guide you in your early nursing career. A mentor can provide career advice, emotional support, and share valuable experiences that will help you grow in your role.
Networking: Attend nursing conferences, seminars, and local healthcare events. Networking with other nurses can help you stay informed about job openings and provide opportunities for professional growth.
8. Stay Current with Industry Trends
Technology and Innovation: As healthcare continues to evolve with technology (e.g., electronic health records, telemedicine), nurses need to stay informed about new technologies, treatments, and procedures.
Patient Care: Nurses are essential in improving patient care and health outcomes. Stay updated on best practices in nursing and patient care through continuing education and professional development.
9. Consider International Opportunities (if applicable)
If you're open to working abroad, research international nursing programs and licensure requirements. Many countries, including the United States, the UK, Canada, and Australia, hire foreign nurses and may have specific pathways for international nurses.
Wishing you the very best as you embark on your Nursing Career.
Starting a career in nursing is a fulfilling path that requires dedication, education, and practical experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started in the nursing field and what you can do to begin your career:
1. Research the Different Nursing Roles
Nursing offers a variety of roles, and it’s important to choose the path that best aligns with your interests and career goals. Some of the most common nursing roles include:
Registered Nurse (RN): The most common nursing role requiring a degree in nursing (Associate's Degree in Nursing [ADN] or Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BSN]).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): Requires a practical nursing program and certification. Often a quicker route than becoming an RN.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Advanced practice nurses with additional education (Master's or Doctoral degree) and the ability to diagnose and treat patients.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator: These roles often require advanced degrees and experience.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Specializations in specific areas of nursing that require further education and certification.
2. Complete a Nursing Program
Associate's degree in nursing (ADN): A 2-year program offered at community colleges. This prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year degree program, often preferred by employers. BSN nurses may have more career advancement opportunities, especially in leadership and specialized roles.
Accelerated Programs: Some programs allow individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a nursing degree in a shorter time frame (typically 12-18 months).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): If you wish to become an LPN or LVN, you can complete a one-year diploma or certificate program.
3. Obtain Required Certifications and Licenses
After completing a nursing program, you’ll need to become licensed to practice as a nurse.
NCLEX-RN Exam (Registered Nurses): To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) after completing your degree.
NCLEX-PN Exam (Practical Nurses): If you’ve completed an LPN or LVN program, you will need to pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed.
State Licensure: Each state (or country) has its own licensing requirements. Ensure you apply for licensure in the state or country where you intend to work.
Certifications for Specialties: After becoming licensed, you may choose to earn certifications in specialty areas, such as pediatrics, emergency care, or oncology, to increase your qualifications and career options.
4. Gain Clinical Experience
Clinical Rotations: During your nursing program, you will complete clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. These will provide hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Internships or Volunteer Opportunities: Consider volunteering at hospitals or clinics, or looking for internships that provide practical nursing experience. This will help you build a professional network and gain experience that can make you more competitive in the job market.
5. Apply for Jobs
Once you are licensed, it’s time to start applying for nursing jobs.
Hospitals: Many nurses begin their careers in hospitals, where they can work in various departments (e.g., emergency room, pediatrics, critical care).
Clinics and Physician Offices: These settings often offer more regular hours and less intense workloads compared to hospitals.
Home Health Care: Nurses can also work in patients' homes, providing care for those who are elderly or have chronic illnesses.
Public Health and Government Agencies: Working for government organizations can offer unique opportunities in public health, policy, or research.
Job Search Platforms: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to look for nursing jobs in your area or internationally.
6. Pursue Continuing Education and Specialization
Certifications: To enhance your career, you can pursue certifications in specialized nursing fields (e.g., pediatric nursing, oncology nursing, geriatric nursing).
Master's or Doctoral Degrees: If you're interested in advancing your career, you can pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Nurse Leader.
Professional Organizations: Join organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to stay informed about the latest in nursing and healthcare practices.
7. Network and Find a Mentor
Mentorship: Find a mentor who can guide you in your early nursing career. A mentor can provide career advice, emotional support, and share valuable experiences that will help you grow in your role.
Networking: Attend nursing conferences, seminars, and local healthcare events. Networking with other nurses can help you stay informed about job openings and provide opportunities for professional growth.
8. Stay Current with Industry Trends
Technology and Innovation: As healthcare continues to evolve with technology (e.g., electronic health records, telemedicine), nurses need to stay informed about new technologies, treatments, and procedures.
Patient Care: Nurses are essential in improving patient care and health outcomes. Stay updated on best practices in nursing and patient care through continuing education and professional development.
9. Consider International Opportunities (if applicable)
If you're open to working abroad, research international nursing programs and licensure requirements. Many countries, including the United States, the UK, Canada, and Australia, hire foreign nurses and may have specific pathways for international nurses.
Wishing you the very best as you embark on your Nursing Career.