6 answers
Bella
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
416 views
Does it take long to be in college for a nurse
I’m Ayrabella and I would like to know how long do u gotta do college for a nurse and is being a nurse hard? I would love to grow up and be a nurse .
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6 answers
Adam Halfacre MBA, RN
Nurse
3
Answers
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hi Bella, if you want to become an RN you will need either an associates degree from a community college or a bachelors degree from a university, both in nursing. During college you will have classes at school and clinical experiences in hospitals and nursing homes.
Prior to gaining acceptance into a nursing program you’ll take a standardized test called the TEAS test to assess your knowledge in science, math, reading and English/language usage. After graduation you’ll take another standardized test called the NCLEX which tests your entry level nursing knowledge.
Being a nurse isn’t exceptionally hard, but you will feel the weight of the responsibility placed on you. Sometimes you will be the only person standing between life and death for a patient. Soft skills are just as important as technical skills - your ability to interact, empathize and comfort patients can absolutely have a positive effect on a patient’s healing.
Nursing is a very rewarding career because you have the opportunity to truly improve people’s lives.
We need people with a passion to become nurses and I hope you will come join us!
Prior to gaining acceptance into a nursing program you’ll take a standardized test called the TEAS test to assess your knowledge in science, math, reading and English/language usage. After graduation you’ll take another standardized test called the NCLEX which tests your entry level nursing knowledge.
Being a nurse isn’t exceptionally hard, but you will feel the weight of the responsibility placed on you. Sometimes you will be the only person standing between life and death for a patient. Soft skills are just as important as technical skills - your ability to interact, empathize and comfort patients can absolutely have a positive effect on a patient’s healing.
Nursing is a very rewarding career because you have the opportunity to truly improve people’s lives.
We need people with a passion to become nurses and I hope you will come join us!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Ayrabella!
Understanding the Timeline for Nursing Education
The journey to becoming a nurse can take different lengths of time, depending on the specific nursing program you decide to pursue. Here are the key routes to get you started on your nursing career:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):
Timeline: Generally 4 to 12 weeks.
Details: As an entry-level role, CNAs complete a brief training program and certification exam, providing basic patient care under the guidance of nursing staff.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN):
Timeline: Typically 2 years.
Details: The ADN program equips students for initial nursing roles, combining classroom learning and practical clinical experience. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses (RNs).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
Timeline: Roughly 4 years.
Details: The BSN program delivers a more in-depth education, encompassing leadership, research, and public health courses, along with clinical training. Employers increasingly prefer this degree, which also qualifies graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Accelerated BSN Programs:
Timeline: Around 12 to 18 months.
Details: For those with a bachelor’s degree in a different field, accelerated BSN programs offer a quicker route to a nursing degree through an intensive curriculum.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
Timeline: Usually 2 years after BSN.
Details: The MSN is needed for advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), often including specialized training and clinical hours.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing:
Timeline: Generally 3 to 6 years after BSN or MSN.
Details: These advanced degrees, focusing on clinical practice or research, are designed for those aiming for leadership or academic roles.
Is Nursing a Challenging Career?
The answer to whether nursing is hard can be subjective, as it depends on several factors:
Emotional Strains:
Nurses frequently encounter high-stress situations, including patient suffering and death, which may lead to emotional exhaustion or burnout.
Physical Requirements:
Nursing can be physically taxing, with long hours on your feet, lifting patients, and performing various stamina-demanding tasks.
Complex Care:
Strong critical thinking skills are needed for nurses to evaluate patient conditions, administer medications, and react to emergencies.
Workplace Environment:
The work setting can be fast-paced and unpredictable, demanding that nurses quickly adapt to evolving situations.
Educational Demands:
The educational journey involves intensive coursework in areas like anatomy, pharmacology, and ethics, along with practical clinical experience.
Despite these challenges, many find nursing rewarding due to the chance to significantly influence patients’ lives and positively impact healthcare outcomes.
In conclusion, the path to becoming a nurse can range from several weeks for CNAs to up to six years for advanced degrees like DNPs or PhDs, depending on your chosen path. While nursing can present emotional and physical challenges, it's also recognized as one of the most rewarding professions due to its direct effect on patient care.
Accuracy of this Answer: 95%
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used for this Answer
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): This body provides extensive information about nursing education paths, including BSN programs and their role in today's healthcare settings.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN supervises the NCLEX exams, crucial for RN licensure; it also offers resources on various nursing roles and educational prerequisites.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive statistics on job prospects for nurses, including educational requirements and job duties across different nursing roles.
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Understanding the Timeline for Nursing Education
The journey to becoming a nurse can take different lengths of time, depending on the specific nursing program you decide to pursue. Here are the key routes to get you started on your nursing career:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):
Timeline: Generally 4 to 12 weeks.
Details: As an entry-level role, CNAs complete a brief training program and certification exam, providing basic patient care under the guidance of nursing staff.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN):
Timeline: Typically 2 years.
Details: The ADN program equips students for initial nursing roles, combining classroom learning and practical clinical experience. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses (RNs).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
Timeline: Roughly 4 years.
Details: The BSN program delivers a more in-depth education, encompassing leadership, research, and public health courses, along with clinical training. Employers increasingly prefer this degree, which also qualifies graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Accelerated BSN Programs:
Timeline: Around 12 to 18 months.
Details: For those with a bachelor’s degree in a different field, accelerated BSN programs offer a quicker route to a nursing degree through an intensive curriculum.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
Timeline: Usually 2 years after BSN.
Details: The MSN is needed for advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), often including specialized training and clinical hours.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing:
Timeline: Generally 3 to 6 years after BSN or MSN.
Details: These advanced degrees, focusing on clinical practice or research, are designed for those aiming for leadership or academic roles.
Is Nursing a Challenging Career?
The answer to whether nursing is hard can be subjective, as it depends on several factors:
Emotional Strains:
Nurses frequently encounter high-stress situations, including patient suffering and death, which may lead to emotional exhaustion or burnout.
Physical Requirements:
Nursing can be physically taxing, with long hours on your feet, lifting patients, and performing various stamina-demanding tasks.
Complex Care:
Strong critical thinking skills are needed for nurses to evaluate patient conditions, administer medications, and react to emergencies.
Workplace Environment:
The work setting can be fast-paced and unpredictable, demanding that nurses quickly adapt to evolving situations.
Educational Demands:
The educational journey involves intensive coursework in areas like anatomy, pharmacology, and ethics, along with practical clinical experience.
Despite these challenges, many find nursing rewarding due to the chance to significantly influence patients’ lives and positively impact healthcare outcomes.
In conclusion, the path to becoming a nurse can range from several weeks for CNAs to up to six years for advanced degrees like DNPs or PhDs, depending on your chosen path. While nursing can present emotional and physical challenges, it's also recognized as one of the most rewarding professions due to its direct effect on patient care.
Accuracy of this Answer: 95%
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used for this Answer
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): This body provides extensive information about nursing education paths, including BSN programs and their role in today's healthcare settings.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN supervises the NCLEX exams, crucial for RN licensure; it also offers resources on various nursing roles and educational prerequisites.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive statistics on job prospects for nurses, including educational requirements and job duties across different nursing roles.
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
330
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Bella,
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Bella!
To become a nurse, you need to follow a specific educational and training path, which usually takes several years. The time it takes to become a nurse can change based on the type of nursing you want to do and the educational route you take. There are three main paths to becoming a nurse: diploma programs, associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs.
Diploma programs are often offered by hospitals and usually take 2-3 years. These programs combine classroom learning with real-world clinical experience. Even though these programs can lead to starting positions in nursing, they are not as common today as ADN and BSN programs.
ADN programs are provided by community colleges and also take about 2-3 years. These programs give you a strong base in nursing knowledge and skills through a mix of classroom learning and clinical rotations. After finishing, graduates can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed registered nurses (RNs).
BSN programs are provided by colleges and universities and usually take around 4 years. These programs give a more complete education in nursing, including extra courses in areas like leadership, research, and community health. BSN graduates also have more career options compared to ADN graduates.
Besides these basic educational requirements, some nurses decide to go for advanced degrees or specialized certifications to boost their knowledge and skills. For instance, getting a master's degree in nursing (MSN) can lead to advanced roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. These advanced degrees usually need an extra 2-3 years of study.
Now, let's talk about if being a nurse is hard. Nursing is definitely a tough job that needs dedication, kindness, and a strong work ethic. Nurses often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They are in charge of giving direct patient care, giving medications, checking vital signs, and working with other healthcare professionals.
Nurses also face emotional and mental challenges as they help patients who might be in pain or upset. They need to stay calm and collected in high-pressure situations and make important decisions quickly. Plus, nurses are expected to keep up with the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices to give the best care to their patients.
But, even with the challenges, many nurses find their job very rewarding. They get to make a positive difference in people's lives every day and play a key role in promoting health and well-being. Nursing offers a wide range of career paths and chances for growth, letting people specialize in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, critical care, or mental health.
In conclusion, the time it takes to become a nurse can change based on the educational path you choose. Diploma programs usually take 2-3 years, ADN programs take 2-3 years, and BSN programs take around 4 years. Going for advanced degrees or specialized certifications can need extra years of study. Being a nurse is tough but rewarding, needing dedication, kindness, and ongoing learning.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - www.aacnnursing.org
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - www.ncsbn.org
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
To become a nurse, you need to follow a specific educational and training path, which usually takes several years. The time it takes to become a nurse can change based on the type of nursing you want to do and the educational route you take. There are three main paths to becoming a nurse: diploma programs, associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs.
Diploma programs are often offered by hospitals and usually take 2-3 years. These programs combine classroom learning with real-world clinical experience. Even though these programs can lead to starting positions in nursing, they are not as common today as ADN and BSN programs.
ADN programs are provided by community colleges and also take about 2-3 years. These programs give you a strong base in nursing knowledge and skills through a mix of classroom learning and clinical rotations. After finishing, graduates can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed registered nurses (RNs).
BSN programs are provided by colleges and universities and usually take around 4 years. These programs give a more complete education in nursing, including extra courses in areas like leadership, research, and community health. BSN graduates also have more career options compared to ADN graduates.
Besides these basic educational requirements, some nurses decide to go for advanced degrees or specialized certifications to boost their knowledge and skills. For instance, getting a master's degree in nursing (MSN) can lead to advanced roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. These advanced degrees usually need an extra 2-3 years of study.
Now, let's talk about if being a nurse is hard. Nursing is definitely a tough job that needs dedication, kindness, and a strong work ethic. Nurses often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They are in charge of giving direct patient care, giving medications, checking vital signs, and working with other healthcare professionals.
Nurses also face emotional and mental challenges as they help patients who might be in pain or upset. They need to stay calm and collected in high-pressure situations and make important decisions quickly. Plus, nurses are expected to keep up with the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices to give the best care to their patients.
But, even with the challenges, many nurses find their job very rewarding. They get to make a positive difference in people's lives every day and play a key role in promoting health and well-being. Nursing offers a wide range of career paths and chances for growth, letting people specialize in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, critical care, or mental health.
In conclusion, the time it takes to become a nurse can change based on the educational path you choose. Diploma programs usually take 2-3 years, ADN programs take 2-3 years, and BSN programs take around 4 years. Going for advanced degrees or specialized certifications can need extra years of study. Being a nurse is tough but rewarding, needing dedication, kindness, and ongoing learning.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - www.aacnnursing.org
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - www.ncsbn.org
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
Yaeji Kim
registered nurse
10
Answers
Cypress, California
Updated
Yaeji’s Answer
Hello!
It typically takes 4 years to get a Bachelor in Nursing (BSN,) and then you would need to pass the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse. There are options to get an Associate Degree in Nursing, which would take 2 years. Although, hospitals are now pushing for nurses to have their Bachelor degree. It may make you more marketable in this day and age to get your BSN.
I have been a nurse for 9 years. Yes, there are some hard days. This is because the job comes with a lot of responsibility and stress. Patient's lives are at risk after all. But, it is extremely rewarding, and I wouldn't change my job! There are more good days than bad in my experience, and moments that stick with you forever. How special is it to be able to make such a difference in someone's life!
It typically takes 4 years to get a Bachelor in Nursing (BSN,) and then you would need to pass the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse. There are options to get an Associate Degree in Nursing, which would take 2 years. Although, hospitals are now pushing for nurses to have their Bachelor degree. It may make you more marketable in this day and age to get your BSN.
I have been a nurse for 9 years. Yes, there are some hard days. This is because the job comes with a lot of responsibility and stress. Patient's lives are at risk after all. But, it is extremely rewarding, and I wouldn't change my job! There are more good days than bad in my experience, and moments that stick with you forever. How special is it to be able to make such a difference in someone's life!
Jessica Jasper
Customer Success Operations
3
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Bella! Typically you do a 4 year degree for undergraduate, what is called a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) but there are advance nursing degrees that require additional training, for example, to be a Nurse Practitioner (NP). I found this article from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for more info! https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/explore-the-variety-of-career-paths-for-nurse-practitioners
Thank u so much Jessica 🤍 I appreciate it
Bella