how to become a nurse

Becoming a nurse is an educational and emotional process. Your very willingness to ask this question is a good indicator of your intention. I think it is important to ask yourself why you want to become a nurse first. The possible reasons for becoming a nurse might be: to help people, to have a good career that allows you to earn a decent salary, to become an advanced practitioner to name just a few possible reasons.

If you are currently in high school, I would recommend that you begin your "lifelong learning" by volunteering in a healthcare agency locally. UVA health specifically has high school opportunities. These experiences will allow you to become comfortable in the healthcare environment. Hospitals and clinics really are unique places which have their own culture. Also, make sure to take solid science courses (AP if possible); biology, chemistry, math, anatomy and physiology. Study a second language as well as this skill is imperative once you are in practice.

If you are in college, speak immediately to your academic counselor and make sure you are on the proper academic path. Plan on first earning your bachelor's degree in nursing. I do not recommend getting an associates degree as now many hospitals are requiring a bachelor's degree for employment. While you are enrolled in your bachelor's program, you can begin to get a feel for which direction you might want to specialize in. Nursing is an amazing career! You can become an educator, a nursing care specialist, a nurse practitioner, an administrator, or specialize in one of many technical specialties such as nurse anesthesiology or midwifery.

If you are not yet in college, work with your high school counselor to find a nursing program that has a very high board pass rate, excellent standing, and types of programs that might be of interest to you. Don't be afraid to look outside of the area where you are currently living unless a local university has such a program.

Once graduated from your nursing program, you will take your state board test. Make sure to take your area's test preparatory class. This usually involves a fee and are run by private organizations. Take lots of practice tests in order to become comfortable with the board exam process. I would fully expect that you will pass if you follow these fairly straightforward steps.

Unless you become very sure of your specialty while in your bachelor's program, I would recommend that you practice general nursing for at least one year in a large, academic medical hospital (acute care, ICU, medical/surgical/pediatrics). You will definitely have some of this type of training while in school, but a year or two in practice will sharpen your clinical skills, critical thinking process, and familiarize you with the hospital/healthcare culture. You will be interviewing for your first position. Make sure that you feel absolutely comfortable with the nurse manager as this person will oversee your initial training process.

If instead you wish to specialize further with a master's degree or go into nursing research with a doctoral degree, you will immediately go on to pursing advanced education and practice. This is an equally wonderful way to begin your career.

I have practiced nursing for about 35 years. I knew from the very first that I wanted to work with cancer patients which have since done. I went on to specialize in breast cancer, oncology clinical trials and have worked in the largest cancer centers in my area. I've personally been involved in projects that found new discoveries, licensed new cancer therapies, and have cared for and loved thousands of people.

One cannot nurse, without practicing good self-care. We must be examples of health to the best of our abilities. Simply stated, try to take good care of your physical and emotional wellbeing starting now.

I hope this reply gives you a bit of a start and that other nurses can also contribute to your goal of becoming a nurse. There is soon to be yet another big nursing shortage in our country (and globally as well). You are needed.