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What kind of education would the job require to become a registered nurse?
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Megan’s Answer
There are a couple of paths you can take:
You can start as a Certified Nursing Assistant -https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
This is a good entryway position that requires short-term training/education and can help you to understand if nursing is a good fit for you.
To become a registered nurse- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
You have two options:
Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and associate of science in nursing (ASN) .
Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree programs
An associate takes less time but many places want you to have a Bachelors. The good news is many places will pay you to continue your education to get a Bachelor.
I hope this helps!
You can start as a Certified Nursing Assistant -https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
This is a good entryway position that requires short-term training/education and can help you to understand if nursing is a good fit for you.
To become a registered nurse- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
You have two options:
Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and associate of science in nursing (ASN) .
Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree programs
An associate takes less time but many places want you to have a Bachelors. The good news is many places will pay you to continue your education to get a Bachelor.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Jean Philippe’s Answer
You can begin your nursing career by pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing. This initial step will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed in the field. After earning your associate degree, it's advisable to gain some real-world experience before moving on to further studies.
The next step would be to transfer your credits to a 4-year institution where you can work towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, if you have the chance to start directly with a BSN program, it's recommended to take that route.
Upon completion of your BSN, it's crucial to gain hands-on experience through internships at hospitals. This will give you a better understanding of the day-to-day operations and challenges in a healthcare setting.
The next milestone is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX exam) for Registered Nurses (RN). Passing this exam is a critical step in becoming a licensed nurse.
Finally, after successfully passing the NCLEX exam, you will need to apply for an RN license in the state where you plan to practice. This process may vary depending on the specific requirements of your state.
The next step would be to transfer your credits to a 4-year institution where you can work towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, if you have the chance to start directly with a BSN program, it's recommended to take that route.
Upon completion of your BSN, it's crucial to gain hands-on experience through internships at hospitals. This will give you a better understanding of the day-to-day operations and challenges in a healthcare setting.
The next milestone is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX exam) for Registered Nurses (RN). Passing this exam is a critical step in becoming a licensed nurse.
Finally, after successfully passing the NCLEX exam, you will need to apply for an RN license in the state where you plan to practice. This process may vary depending on the specific requirements of your state.
Updated
Cecile’s Answer
In California, there are a few options. It may be the same in other states.
One can begin by doing the prerequisite courses at a community college, applying to the community college’s ADN program (Associate Degree in Nursing), doing that training full time for two years after completing the prerequisites. Many students I’ve worked with understand that they have to apply to several community college programs, as they don’t know where they’ll be accepted. It’s not automatic.
Typically, you must have completed the freshman composition course, chemistry, anatomy, physiology and microbiology along with general education courses. Some of these courses are already preferred, such as a course sociology, psychology, statistics and nutrition. While they are waiting to find out if they’ve been selected, students I’ve worked with will use that semester to take additional courses required by universities for the BSN (Bachelor’s degree in Nursing).
Some students apply to both the community college and the university to see where they get accepted. Others prefer to earn the ADN first and then apply to universities that have an accelerated BSN given the ADN work. Not all universities have both the program for ADNs and those with no nursing training from a community college. More and more the California State University nursing programs are working with the CCs to grab the stronger students.
Because nursing programs are small, they are competitive. In California, the community college system has researched what kind of student is successful in ADN programs. These are students who get A and B grades in English composition, Anatomy, Physiology and Microbiology. Nursing is a challenging course of study, so students with strong study skills, writing skills and a science mind tend to be the ones who finish the program.
At the university level, the admission process is even more competitive. 3.8 to 4.0 students have the best chance in public universities. Private schools will take students with 3.0 gpa; perhaps there are some schools that take lower gpas. One also has to take a test called the TEAS. It’s like a SAT test for nursing schools. Some schools will interview applicants to see how well they speak English. You have to ask yourself, what kind of person would you want as a nurse?
Also, you have to look at your state’s NCLEX exam scores for nursing schools statewide. Some schools have a history of their students getting high scores on the test. Others, not so much.
Also, deciding on finishing with an ADN vs going on to get a BSN depends on where you live. In Southern California, BSNs are the demand for hospital settings.
Some students take the LVN route. They will first become a Licensed vocation nurse and then apply to what is called a career ladder entry into an ADN program.
So, while you are in high school, learn how to study, learn how to write very well. The kind of clarity in thinking required in writing stellar term papers and essays is the kind of thinking required to study nursing textbooks, apply the knowledge and problem solve. Study habits have to be learned—find websites that teach these skills if your school doesn’t teach them. Take all of your writing assignments very seriously. The discipline gained in doing so will serve you well in the long run. Take more science courses than you need to graduate from high school.
At the end of the day, Nursing has to be something you truly wish to pursue because you’ve investigated the career carefully—the good parts and the bad parts. Volunteer to work in a hospital if you haven’t already. Talk to nurses. Once you’ve made an informed decision and you know this is your heart’s desire, then push up your sleeves and go for it, knowing that the path is going to demand a lot from you as well.
https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/
One can begin by doing the prerequisite courses at a community college, applying to the community college’s ADN program (Associate Degree in Nursing), doing that training full time for two years after completing the prerequisites. Many students I’ve worked with understand that they have to apply to several community college programs, as they don’t know where they’ll be accepted. It’s not automatic.
Typically, you must have completed the freshman composition course, chemistry, anatomy, physiology and microbiology along with general education courses. Some of these courses are already preferred, such as a course sociology, psychology, statistics and nutrition. While they are waiting to find out if they’ve been selected, students I’ve worked with will use that semester to take additional courses required by universities for the BSN (Bachelor’s degree in Nursing).
Some students apply to both the community college and the university to see where they get accepted. Others prefer to earn the ADN first and then apply to universities that have an accelerated BSN given the ADN work. Not all universities have both the program for ADNs and those with no nursing training from a community college. More and more the California State University nursing programs are working with the CCs to grab the stronger students.
Because nursing programs are small, they are competitive. In California, the community college system has researched what kind of student is successful in ADN programs. These are students who get A and B grades in English composition, Anatomy, Physiology and Microbiology. Nursing is a challenging course of study, so students with strong study skills, writing skills and a science mind tend to be the ones who finish the program.
At the university level, the admission process is even more competitive. 3.8 to 4.0 students have the best chance in public universities. Private schools will take students with 3.0 gpa; perhaps there are some schools that take lower gpas. One also has to take a test called the TEAS. It’s like a SAT test for nursing schools. Some schools will interview applicants to see how well they speak English. You have to ask yourself, what kind of person would you want as a nurse?
Also, you have to look at your state’s NCLEX exam scores for nursing schools statewide. Some schools have a history of their students getting high scores on the test. Others, not so much.
Also, deciding on finishing with an ADN vs going on to get a BSN depends on where you live. In Southern California, BSNs are the demand for hospital settings.
Some students take the LVN route. They will first become a Licensed vocation nurse and then apply to what is called a career ladder entry into an ADN program.
So, while you are in high school, learn how to study, learn how to write very well. The kind of clarity in thinking required in writing stellar term papers and essays is the kind of thinking required to study nursing textbooks, apply the knowledge and problem solve. Study habits have to be learned—find websites that teach these skills if your school doesn’t teach them. Take all of your writing assignments very seriously. The discipline gained in doing so will serve you well in the long run. Take more science courses than you need to graduate from high school.
At the end of the day, Nursing has to be something you truly wish to pursue because you’ve investigated the career carefully—the good parts and the bad parts. Volunteer to work in a hospital if you haven’t already. Talk to nurses. Once you’ve made an informed decision and you know this is your heart’s desire, then push up your sleeves and go for it, knowing that the path is going to demand a lot from you as well.
Cecile recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Amanda,
Here's Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Registered Nurse
If you're considering a career as a registered nurse, here's a simplified roadmap of the educational milestones you'll need to achieve:
1. High School Completion: Your journey starts with a high school diploma or its equivalent, like a GED.
2. Pursue Nursing Education: There are several paths to becoming a registered nurse, including:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Offered by community colleges or technical schools, this program usually lasts 2-3 years.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program typically provided by colleges and universities.
- Accelerated Nursing Programs: Ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to shift to nursing. These programs can be completed in 1-2 years.
3. Gain Clinical Experience: As part of your nursing program, you'll need to complete clinical rotations or internships. This hands-on training is key to developing practical skills and gaining real-world healthcare experience.
4. Obtain Licensure: Once your education is complete, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse.
5. Engage in Continuing Education: To maintain your license and stay current with the latest advancements in nursing, you'll need to participate in ongoing education throughout your career.
In a nutshell, your journey to becoming a registered nurse involves completing high school, earning a nursing degree, gaining hands-on clinical experience, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and committing to lifelong learning.
Here are the Top 3 Reliable Sources I Used:
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): A great resource for information on nursing education pathways, including BSN and accelerated nursing programs.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The authority overseeing the NCLEX-RN examination, a vital step in becoming a licensed registered nurse.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Offers comprehensive data on the career prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites for registered nurses in the U.S.
May God Bless You,
James C.
Here's Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Registered Nurse
If you're considering a career as a registered nurse, here's a simplified roadmap of the educational milestones you'll need to achieve:
1. High School Completion: Your journey starts with a high school diploma or its equivalent, like a GED.
2. Pursue Nursing Education: There are several paths to becoming a registered nurse, including:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Offered by community colleges or technical schools, this program usually lasts 2-3 years.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program typically provided by colleges and universities.
- Accelerated Nursing Programs: Ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to shift to nursing. These programs can be completed in 1-2 years.
3. Gain Clinical Experience: As part of your nursing program, you'll need to complete clinical rotations or internships. This hands-on training is key to developing practical skills and gaining real-world healthcare experience.
4. Obtain Licensure: Once your education is complete, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse.
5. Engage in Continuing Education: To maintain your license and stay current with the latest advancements in nursing, you'll need to participate in ongoing education throughout your career.
In a nutshell, your journey to becoming a registered nurse involves completing high school, earning a nursing degree, gaining hands-on clinical experience, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and committing to lifelong learning.
Here are the Top 3 Reliable Sources I Used:
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): A great resource for information on nursing education pathways, including BSN and accelerated nursing programs.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The authority overseeing the NCLEX-RN examination, a vital step in becoming a licensed registered nurse.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Offers comprehensive data on the career prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites for registered nurses in the U.S.
May God Bless You,
James C.