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Hi! I am Stephanie an up and coming junior in High school. I was starting to prepare for my college life but I am confused on how the process goes to become a nurse. My initial plan is to become a labor & delivery nurse then later a Nurse-Midwife. I know you need to get your BSN then you're MSN to obtain this. Im confused on what I need to take right after high school. Do I go straight to getting my ADN straight out of high school? Do I have to take other courses before I could even get my ADN? Do I apply for a nursing school right after High school? I am just very confused with the whole process. I hope you guys could help me thank you.

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Doc’s Answer

Stephanie the successful completion of a 2-year or 4-year undergraduate degree program in nursing prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and become licensed registered nurses (RNs). The job duties of an RN vary according to the kinds of patients they see and the clinical settings in which they work. Work environments for nurses can include hospitals, physicians' offices, and nursing homes.

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE (ADN) – Associate's degree programs are offered at many vocational schools and community colleges. Earning an associate's degree in nursing can take between two to three years. Coursework generally includes a combination of classroom study and hands-on clinical practice. Many ADN programs are designed to be credit-transferable to bachelor's degree programs in nursing.

BACHELOR'S DEGREE (BSN) – According to the BLS, registered nurses with a bachelor's degree often have more career advancement opportunities. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing usually takes four years to complete, but students can also find accelerated BSN programs that allow them to finish in less time. BSN degree programs should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or a similarly reputable organization. A student in a BSN program will often study the following: pharmacology, nursing management, microbiology, nursing research, health and nutrition, chemistry, and psychology.

MASTER'S DEGREE – A master's degree program can take 18 to 24 months to complete and often builds on the core foundational courses of a BSN degree program in order to prepare students for advanced practice (APRN) roles. Graduate degree programs in nursing include Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Ph.D. programs in a variety of specialties. Graduate degrees in nursing can allow a nurse to advance into a number of jobs, including nurse practitioner, certified clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse anesthetist, and certified nurse midwife.

Hope this was helpful Stephanie

Doc recommends the following next steps:

Many different nursing degrees exist at various levels, making it important for prospective students to get a clear sense of the path that best serves their needs. Those who are unsure about a lifelong nursing career may pursue a licensed practical nurse qualification or an associate degree in nursing. Others who feel confident in their decision may move directly to a bachelor of science program in nursing.
Because nursing relies heavily on an understanding of math and science, students should prioritize these at the high school level. They should also take as many AP courses as possible in these subjects, as this can help them meet requirements while still in high school and become familiar with college-level topics.
Spending a couple of hours each weekend at a hospital, assisted living facility, or in another healthcare setting can help students learn more about the profession and understand whether it offers a good fit for their personal and professional needs. Volunteer work hours also look great on a college application.
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) provides an opportunity for future health leaders — including nurses — to take advantage of professional and academic resources while still in high school. The group offers events, competitions, scholarships, and plenty of resources to help connect learners with the nursing world while still in high school.
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Sanober’s Answer

Hi Stephanie!

Great question. I can speak based on my experience and what is common in the field, especially when you know you want to be a nurse while you are young. The best route would be to apply to traditional BSN programs for you to be in right after high school-- the program takes 4 years, and you would take your NCLEX and become a nurse right after. You can become a labor and delivery nurse as a new graduate, as I have a friend that did that and is now in a masters program to become a certified nurse-midwife. You do not need an ADN as you will be a bachelors degree nurse, which is much more common and will lead you to have an easier time getting into a masters program if you choose to later. I would suggest getting some experience as a labor and delivery nurse before getting your masters :)

I hope this helps!

Sanober
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