5 answers
Isabel
Student
1
Question
Asked
580 views
What are some of the steps you took to being in the medical field?
I'm wondering so I could be able to have a step up and be able to achieve my goal of being a nurse easier and smoother
Login to comment
5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Isabel you’ll be happy to hear that nursing is a field with a variety of nursing options to suit your preferences. So if your dream is to become a nurse, you can choose one of the paths below to fit your needs. Once you’re working, you can always go on to advance your education further in the future.
LPN
If you’re itching to enter the field, the fastest way to become a nurse would be taking the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) route. While you wouldn’t actually be an RN, you could complete a Practical Nursing program and be well on your way to launching a nursing career in as few as 12 months. This approach would allow you to start gaining experience with the option to work toward RN status later on. LPNs are responsible for taking patient vitals, distributing medications and administering basic patient care, such as changing bandages and IV drips, among other duties.
ADN
Could be the fastest direct route to your career as a registered nurse. If you’re unfamiliar with the field, you might not know that an RN title can be earned with either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree. By opting for your Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), you could be launching your registered nursing career in as few 18 months. ADNs work under the supervision of physicians and are responsible for many patient care duties. This includes creating care plans, performing diagnostic tests and teaching patients how to manage their diagnoses.
BSN
Since many hospitals and other jobs prefer to hire only Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)-prepared nurses, you may choose to pursue a BSN straight away. Much like with ADN programs, there are various options for completing the degree. BSN programs are traditionally four years long and take place at universities. Because registered nurses manage so many tasks, no two days are alike. The nursing profession encompasses many varying disciplines. They perform tasks such as physical examinations and health history management. They care for injuries, administer medication, provide therapeutic interventions. Other RN responsibilities and duties include interpreting patient information and, in coordination with the patient, planning specific aspects of needed care. Today’s nurses have the added responsibility of coordinating the many services required for patient care.
Hope this was helpful Isabel
LPN
If you’re itching to enter the field, the fastest way to become a nurse would be taking the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) route. While you wouldn’t actually be an RN, you could complete a Practical Nursing program and be well on your way to launching a nursing career in as few as 12 months. This approach would allow you to start gaining experience with the option to work toward RN status later on. LPNs are responsible for taking patient vitals, distributing medications and administering basic patient care, such as changing bandages and IV drips, among other duties.
ADN
Could be the fastest direct route to your career as a registered nurse. If you’re unfamiliar with the field, you might not know that an RN title can be earned with either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree. By opting for your Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), you could be launching your registered nursing career in as few 18 months. ADNs work under the supervision of physicians and are responsible for many patient care duties. This includes creating care plans, performing diagnostic tests and teaching patients how to manage their diagnoses.
BSN
Since many hospitals and other jobs prefer to hire only Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)-prepared nurses, you may choose to pursue a BSN straight away. Much like with ADN programs, there are various options for completing the degree. BSN programs are traditionally four years long and take place at universities. Because registered nurses manage so many tasks, no two days are alike. The nursing profession encompasses many varying disciplines. They perform tasks such as physical examinations and health history management. They care for injuries, administer medication, provide therapeutic interventions. Other RN responsibilities and duties include interpreting patient information and, in coordination with the patient, planning specific aspects of needed care. Today’s nurses have the added responsibility of coordinating the many services required for patient care.
Hope this was helpful Isabel
Renea Gott
Medical Transcription
36
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Renea’s Answer
Hello Isabel!
I'm actually using my mother's profile to answer this question. I am a relatively new-ish nurse (5 years now) and would like to give you some advice.
Firstly (and just being honest/blunt), there's nothing easy or smooth about becoming or being a nurse. So, be sure nursing is what you absolutely want to devote yourself to. There are many opportunities not only in the nursing field, but the medical field as well. Doctors, Veterinarians, etc.
Just make sure to be confident in your decision.
Now, if you really have your heart set on nursing, I would suggest figuring out what area of nursing you want to specialize in. Do you want to work with children, adults, or the elderly? Are you interested in the heart, the mind, etc? Do you want to work at the bedside, or work in an outpatient setting? Explore what interests you. Have conversations with anyone you or your family may know who works in the nursing/medical field. You can also explore around for volunteer opportunities at a local hospital/clinic, just to kinda get a feel of the healthcare environment (and put on your resume). Also, if you haven't already, become familiar with subjects such as Anatomy/Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, basically the human body. Nursing classes primarily focus, of course, on the diseases of the body, and the interventions needed to treat them.
Hope this helps!
I'm actually using my mother's profile to answer this question. I am a relatively new-ish nurse (5 years now) and would like to give you some advice.
Firstly (and just being honest/blunt), there's nothing easy or smooth about becoming or being a nurse. So, be sure nursing is what you absolutely want to devote yourself to. There are many opportunities not only in the nursing field, but the medical field as well. Doctors, Veterinarians, etc.
Just make sure to be confident in your decision.
Now, if you really have your heart set on nursing, I would suggest figuring out what area of nursing you want to specialize in. Do you want to work with children, adults, or the elderly? Are you interested in the heart, the mind, etc? Do you want to work at the bedside, or work in an outpatient setting? Explore what interests you. Have conversations with anyone you or your family may know who works in the nursing/medical field. You can also explore around for volunteer opportunities at a local hospital/clinic, just to kinda get a feel of the healthcare environment (and put on your resume). Also, if you haven't already, become familiar with subjects such as Anatomy/Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, basically the human body. Nursing classes primarily focus, of course, on the diseases of the body, and the interventions needed to treat them.
Hope this helps!
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
83
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Isabel - I will build on John's response with a little more information for you. While the paths he details are all options, I would just add that LPN's have limitations to their license: they cannot administer IV medications or blood products. Because of this, they are often not sought out for hospital roles. They are primarily employed in long term care. If that is your goal, then the LPN may well be a terrific option.
The ADN route is the fastest way to obtain an RN license and in no way limits the holder clinically speaking. As I have stated here many times, I have worked in healthcare for 30 years and I have never seen the shortages in nursing we have right now in the US. That translates to RN's being hired if they have a license because the need is so significant. A BSN is nice, but it can be expensive and if you want one down the road because you'd like to be in management / leadership, go into research, or consider becoming a nurse practitioner, then most hospitals will help with tuition reimbursement. An ADN will get you working faster and because many programs are part of a community college system, they are much less expensive than a 4 year degree from a private college or university. Many ADN programs also provide more clinical practice hours in the program than BSN programs.
As far as having a leg up on getting into the field, having some familiarity with anatomy / biology / chemistry is helpful, but the one thing I watched most new nurses or nursing students struggle with was algebra. Being able to understand formulas is a necessary part of calculating medication dosing and is something you will always need to be able to do. If you're curious to see if the medical field is really a good fit for you, then you may want to consider working or volunteering at a hospital, in a long-term care facility, or even taking an EMT class and working or volunteering in EMS. Having some experience and exposure to any of these settings is one of the best ways to give yourself an advantage in knowledge and get a head start on your career.
Best of luck.
The ADN route is the fastest way to obtain an RN license and in no way limits the holder clinically speaking. As I have stated here many times, I have worked in healthcare for 30 years and I have never seen the shortages in nursing we have right now in the US. That translates to RN's being hired if they have a license because the need is so significant. A BSN is nice, but it can be expensive and if you want one down the road because you'd like to be in management / leadership, go into research, or consider becoming a nurse practitioner, then most hospitals will help with tuition reimbursement. An ADN will get you working faster and because many programs are part of a community college system, they are much less expensive than a 4 year degree from a private college or university. Many ADN programs also provide more clinical practice hours in the program than BSN programs.
As far as having a leg up on getting into the field, having some familiarity with anatomy / biology / chemistry is helpful, but the one thing I watched most new nurses or nursing students struggle with was algebra. Being able to understand formulas is a necessary part of calculating medication dosing and is something you will always need to be able to do. If you're curious to see if the medical field is really a good fit for you, then you may want to consider working or volunteering at a hospital, in a long-term care facility, or even taking an EMT class and working or volunteering in EMS. Having some experience and exposure to any of these settings is one of the best ways to give yourself an advantage in knowledge and get a head start on your career.
Best of luck.
Anne Nguyen RN
Nurse Supervisor
2
Answers
Reading, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Hello Isabel,
Nursing is a wonderful field to get in. You have many different career paths and you can switch from one to the other if you're unhappy where you're at. I started as an LPN. At the time I had been a stay at home mom for my 2 kids for 4 years but was itching to get back into the workforce. Got my diploma from my local community college as it was the most affordable and shortest way to get into nursing then. I briefly worked as a nurse aide at a local hospital while in school. There I realized working in a hospital would not make me happy. Upon graduation I started at a nursing home and stayed there for 5 years, while I completed my ADN at a community college also. After that I worked in homecare/hospice. I felt burned out and actually quit nursing for 2 years. But then started missing being a nurse! I went back slowly, working in one of my kids' school, then summer camp nursing. Finally I took a job in psychiatric hospital and have stayed in the field for almost 10 years now. I found my niche and became a nursing supervisor 3 years ago, after getting my BSN online.
I believe a lot of people could make great nurses if they gave it a try. I never wanted to become a nurse when I was young, I couldn't stand the sight of blood! I worked for an airline prior to becoming a nurse. Then, I moved to an area where most of the career opportunities seemed to be in healthcare. I now work in psych which was one of my least favorite clinical rotation in nursing school! You never know where nursing will take you. I had the priviledge to go on a medical mission to Haiti a few years ago before COVID then security threats halted all the plans to return.
Give nursing a try and don't look back. You will find plenty of opportunities as a nurse. It is a gratifying job to help others and be financially independent.
Nursing is a wonderful field to get in. You have many different career paths and you can switch from one to the other if you're unhappy where you're at. I started as an LPN. At the time I had been a stay at home mom for my 2 kids for 4 years but was itching to get back into the workforce. Got my diploma from my local community college as it was the most affordable and shortest way to get into nursing then. I briefly worked as a nurse aide at a local hospital while in school. There I realized working in a hospital would not make me happy. Upon graduation I started at a nursing home and stayed there for 5 years, while I completed my ADN at a community college also. After that I worked in homecare/hospice. I felt burned out and actually quit nursing for 2 years. But then started missing being a nurse! I went back slowly, working in one of my kids' school, then summer camp nursing. Finally I took a job in psychiatric hospital and have stayed in the field for almost 10 years now. I found my niche and became a nursing supervisor 3 years ago, after getting my BSN online.
I believe a lot of people could make great nurses if they gave it a try. I never wanted to become a nurse when I was young, I couldn't stand the sight of blood! I worked for an airline prior to becoming a nurse. Then, I moved to an area where most of the career opportunities seemed to be in healthcare. I now work in psych which was one of my least favorite clinical rotation in nursing school! You never know where nursing will take you. I had the priviledge to go on a medical mission to Haiti a few years ago before COVID then security threats halted all the plans to return.
Give nursing a try and don't look back. You will find plenty of opportunities as a nurse. It is a gratifying job to help others and be financially independent.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Isabel,
I may not be a medical practitioner, but I am a self-educated programmer and a dietitian-nutritionist with a rich history dating back to 1972. In the 1980s, I was engaged in teaching biochemistry to second-year medical students. By 1993, I had shifted my focus to teaching therapeutic dietetics to nurses. I have also developed a nutrition education software, DIET WIZARD, which is featured on YouTube.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Here's your roadmap to a career in the medical field:
Education: Start by earning your nursing degree from a recognized institution. You can opt for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The latter is often favored for its comprehensive curriculum and better job opportunities.
Practical Experience: Boost your chances of success by gaining hands-on experience. Consider internships, volunteer work at healthcare facilities, or a job as a nursing assistant.
Licensure: To legally practice nursing, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurses or the NCLEX-PN exam for licensed practical nurses. Each state has unique licensure requirements, so ensure you're aware of your state's specific criteria.
Specialization: Once you've gained some experience, you can specialize in a specific healthcare area. This could lead to new job opportunities in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.
Continued Learning: Stay updated with the latest healthcare advancements by seeking continuous education. This could mean taking extra courses, attending conferences, or earning certifications in specialized areas.
Networking: Create a robust professional network. Connect with other healthcare professionals, join professional organizations, and attend industry events to stay informed about job opportunities and industry advancements.
Career Advancement: As you gain more experience and continue your education, look for opportunities to advance your career. This could mean stepping into leadership roles such as a nurse manager or clinical nurse specialist.
Staying committed to these steps will put you on the path to success in your nursing career.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): AACN offers valuable insights into nursing education standards, career paths, and resources for aspiring nurses.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): NCSBN administers the licensing exams for nurses (NCLEX) and provides vital information on licensure requirements by state.
American Nurses Association (ANA): ANA is a professional organization offering guidance on nursing practice standards, advocacy efforts, and career development resources for nurses.
May you be blessed in your journey, Isabel!
JC.
I may not be a medical practitioner, but I am a self-educated programmer and a dietitian-nutritionist with a rich history dating back to 1972. In the 1980s, I was engaged in teaching biochemistry to second-year medical students. By 1993, I had shifted my focus to teaching therapeutic dietetics to nurses. I have also developed a nutrition education software, DIET WIZARD, which is featured on YouTube.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Here's your roadmap to a career in the medical field:
Education: Start by earning your nursing degree from a recognized institution. You can opt for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The latter is often favored for its comprehensive curriculum and better job opportunities.
Practical Experience: Boost your chances of success by gaining hands-on experience. Consider internships, volunteer work at healthcare facilities, or a job as a nursing assistant.
Licensure: To legally practice nursing, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurses or the NCLEX-PN exam for licensed practical nurses. Each state has unique licensure requirements, so ensure you're aware of your state's specific criteria.
Specialization: Once you've gained some experience, you can specialize in a specific healthcare area. This could lead to new job opportunities in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.
Continued Learning: Stay updated with the latest healthcare advancements by seeking continuous education. This could mean taking extra courses, attending conferences, or earning certifications in specialized areas.
Networking: Create a robust professional network. Connect with other healthcare professionals, join professional organizations, and attend industry events to stay informed about job opportunities and industry advancements.
Career Advancement: As you gain more experience and continue your education, look for opportunities to advance your career. This could mean stepping into leadership roles such as a nurse manager or clinical nurse specialist.
Staying committed to these steps will put you on the path to success in your nursing career.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): AACN offers valuable insights into nursing education standards, career paths, and resources for aspiring nurses.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): NCSBN administers the licensing exams for nurses (NCLEX) and provides vital information on licensure requirements by state.
American Nurses Association (ANA): ANA is a professional organization offering guidance on nursing practice standards, advocacy efforts, and career development resources for nurses.
May you be blessed in your journey, Isabel!
JC.