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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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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
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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.
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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!
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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!
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David’s Answer

Hi Gabriela!

First off, I want to say how exciting it is that you’re considering a career in nursing—it’s such a meaningful and impactful path. Nurses truly make a difference in people’s lives every single day, and the fact that you’re thinking about this shows you have a compassionate heart and a desire to help others. That’s something to be proud of!

Now, getting started on a nursing career might feel overwhelming at first because there are so many steps and options to consider. But don’t worry—I’m going to break it down into manageable pieces so you can take it one step at a time. Let’s dive in!

1. Understand the Pathways to Becoming a Nurse
There are different levels of nursing roles, and each requires specific education and certifications. Here’s an overview:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):
If you want to get your foot in the door quickly, becoming a CNA is a great first step. It typically takes 4–12 weeks of training and gives you hands-on patient care experience. Many CNAs later pursue further education to become LPNs or RNs.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):
An LPN program usually takes about a year to complete. LPNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of RNs or doctors. This is another solid entry point if you want to start working sooner rather than later.
Registered Nurse (RN):
To become an RN, you’ll need either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes about 2 years, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about 4 years. A BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and opens up more opportunities for advancement.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN):
If you’re dreaming big, APRNs include roles like Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives. These require a master’s or doctoral degree after becoming an RN, but they offer higher pay and more autonomy.
Start by deciding which level feels right for you right now—there’s no wrong answer! You can always build on your education as you go.

2. Take Actionable Steps to Get Started
Once you’ve decided on your pathway, here’s how to begin building your nursing career:

Step 1: Research Schools & Programs
Look for accredited nursing programs near you or online. If you’re still in high school, focus on science classes like biology, chemistry, and anatomy—they’ll prepare you for nursing school. Some high schools even offer dual enrollment or certifications like CPR training, which looks great on applications.

Step 2: Gain Experience Early
Even before nursing school, you can explore healthcare settings to see if nursing is truly for you:

Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or senior centers.
Shadow a nurse to observe their daily responsibilities.
Work part-time as a CNA or medical assistant to gain hands-on experience.
Step 3: Prepare for Prerequisites & Entrance Exams
Most nursing programs require prerequisites like math, English, and sciences. They may also require entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI. Start studying early and use resources like practice tests or prep books to ace these exams.

Step 4: Build Soft Skills
Nursing isn’t just about technical skills—it’s also about empathy, communication, and teamwork. Practice active listening, staying calm under pressure, and working well with others. These qualities will set you apart during interviews and clinical rotations.

3. Stay Organized & Motivated
Nursing school can be challenging, but preparation and persistence will carry you through. Here’s how to stay on track:

Create a Plan: Map out your timeline—from completing prerequisites to applying for nursing programs. Break it into small, achievable goals.
Network with Others: Connect with current nursing students or professionals through LinkedIn, local events, or mentorship programs. Their advice and encouragement will keep you inspired.
Take Care of Yourself: Nursing is demanding, so prioritize self-care now. Develop healthy habits like exercise, proper sleep, and stress management techniques—you’ll need them later!

4. Explore Specializations Early
One of the coolest things about nursing is how versatile it is. There are specialties for almost every interest: pediatrics, emergency care, labor & delivery, mental health, surgery, and more. As you gain experience, think about what excites you most:

Do you love working with kids? Pediatric nursing might be your calling.
Are you fascinated by trauma care? Consider ER or ICU nursing.
Do you enjoy teaching? Public health or school nursing could be perfect.
You don’t have to decide immediately, but exploring these areas early helps guide your education and career choices.


5. Keep Growing Professionally
Once you’re officially a nurse, learning doesn’t stop. The field is always evolving, so continuing education is key:

Pursue certifications in areas like critical care, gerontology, or leadership.
Attend workshops, conferences, or webinars to stay updated on trends.
Join professional organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA)—they offer networking, resources, and advocacy opportunities.

Gabriela, you’re taking the first step toward a career that’s not only rewarding but also full of possibilities. Whether you choose to start as a CNA, jump straight into nursing school, or explore other healthcare roles along the way, every effort you make brings you closer to your goal.

Remember, nursing is a journey—not a race. Celebrate each milestone, lean on mentors and peers for support, and trust that your hard work will pay off. You’ve got the heart and determination it takes to succeed, and I know you’ll make an incredible nurse.
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