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April
Student
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How can I become a nurse in the future
I am 13 years old in 8th grade I know being a nurse is one of my top 3 dream careers besides wanting to be a florist someday , how can I become a nurse once I graduate high school, what skills will I need to have to become a nurse?
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4 answers
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
12
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Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
Best advice to give is remember to breathe, relax, and enjoy any breaks you have during school and when you’re ready to start your degree. Sometimes we forget to enjoy family time, or time alone. Please keep that in mind to stay healthy and happy. Avoid feeling burnt out, stressed and exhausted by making time to relax.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear April,
Guide to Becoming a Nurse in the Future
Embarking on a nursing career is a fulfilling decision that demands commitment, learning, and specific abilities. Here's a simplified, actionable guide to help you navigate this career path after high school:
1. Prioritize Your Education:
High School Subjects: Concentrate on subjects like biology, chemistry, and health sciences during high school. These subjects will give you the basic knowledge needed for nursing.
Extracurricular Involvement: Engage in healthcare-related extracurricular activities, like volunteering at hospitals or clinics. This will not only boost your resume, but also provide a glimpse into the nursing field.
2. Complete High School:
Make sure to successfully finish your high school studies. A diploma is a necessity for admission into college or university programs.
3. Select a Nursing Program:
Nursing Program Options: Post high school, you can opt for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN generally provides more room for growth and better pay.
Accreditation: Ensure the program you select is accredited by a recognized organization, for instance, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
4. Undertake Clinical Training:
Nursing programs offer clinical training where students acquire practical experience under supervision in healthcare environments. This is crucial for skill development.
5. Clear the NCLEX-RN Exam:
Upon completion of your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This test evaluates your knowledge and abilities required for safe nursing practice.
6. Secure State Licensure:
After passing the NCLEX-RN, apply for licensure in your state. Each state has its own set of requirements, so remember to check with your state’s nursing board.
7. Cultivate Essential Skills:
Communication Skills: Clear communication with patients and healthcare teams is crucial.
Critical Thinking: Nurses need to evaluate situations swiftly and make informed choices.
Empathy and Compassion: Recognizing patient needs and offering emotional support are vital aspects of nursing.
Attention to Detail: Nurses must precisely follow medical directives and document patient care thoroughly.
8. Think About Specialization:
Once you've gained some experience as a registered nurse, think about specializing in areas like pediatrics, emergency care, or geriatrics depending on your interests.
9. Pursue Further Education:
Continuous learning is crucial in nursing due to advancements in medical technology and practices. Consider further education like a Master’s degree if you're interested in advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator.
By diligently following these steps and cultivating the required skills, you'll be fully equipped to start a successful nursing career post high school.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used
American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA offers extensive resources about nursing careers including educational paths and professional growth opportunities.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): NCSBN manages the NCLEX exam process and offers information about licensure requirements across different states.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides in-depth information about job prospects, salary expectations, and educational requirements for nurses across various specialties.
Probability of answer being correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Guide to Becoming a Nurse in the Future
Embarking on a nursing career is a fulfilling decision that demands commitment, learning, and specific abilities. Here's a simplified, actionable guide to help you navigate this career path after high school:
1. Prioritize Your Education:
High School Subjects: Concentrate on subjects like biology, chemistry, and health sciences during high school. These subjects will give you the basic knowledge needed for nursing.
Extracurricular Involvement: Engage in healthcare-related extracurricular activities, like volunteering at hospitals or clinics. This will not only boost your resume, but also provide a glimpse into the nursing field.
2. Complete High School:
Make sure to successfully finish your high school studies. A diploma is a necessity for admission into college or university programs.
3. Select a Nursing Program:
Nursing Program Options: Post high school, you can opt for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN generally provides more room for growth and better pay.
Accreditation: Ensure the program you select is accredited by a recognized organization, for instance, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
4. Undertake Clinical Training:
Nursing programs offer clinical training where students acquire practical experience under supervision in healthcare environments. This is crucial for skill development.
5. Clear the NCLEX-RN Exam:
Upon completion of your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This test evaluates your knowledge and abilities required for safe nursing practice.
6. Secure State Licensure:
After passing the NCLEX-RN, apply for licensure in your state. Each state has its own set of requirements, so remember to check with your state’s nursing board.
7. Cultivate Essential Skills:
Communication Skills: Clear communication with patients and healthcare teams is crucial.
Critical Thinking: Nurses need to evaluate situations swiftly and make informed choices.
Empathy and Compassion: Recognizing patient needs and offering emotional support are vital aspects of nursing.
Attention to Detail: Nurses must precisely follow medical directives and document patient care thoroughly.
8. Think About Specialization:
Once you've gained some experience as a registered nurse, think about specializing in areas like pediatrics, emergency care, or geriatrics depending on your interests.
9. Pursue Further Education:
Continuous learning is crucial in nursing due to advancements in medical technology and practices. Consider further education like a Master’s degree if you're interested in advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator.
By diligently following these steps and cultivating the required skills, you'll be fully equipped to start a successful nursing career post high school.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used
American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA offers extensive resources about nursing careers including educational paths and professional growth opportunities.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): NCSBN manages the NCLEX exam process and offers information about licensure requirements across different states.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides in-depth information about job prospects, salary expectations, and educational requirements for nurses across various specialties.
Probability of answer being correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Benard M. Kipkorir
2
Answers
Updated
Benard M.’s Answer
Being young with ambition is good.
Build on your dream by just placing yourself to places where you see it being done.
Make friends with nurses, care for others, and focus on the subjects that will grant you admission to nursing school
Build on your dream by just placing yourself to places where you see it being done.
Make friends with nurses, care for others, and focus on the subjects that will grant you admission to nursing school
Konstantine Ringor, MSN, RN, CPAN
10
Answers
Updated
Konstantine’s Answer
It's fantastic that nursing is one of your top dream careers! If you want to become a nurse after high school, first, you'll need to focus on your science and math classes in high school. These subjects will give you a solid foundation for nursing school. Once you graduate, you can apply to a nursing program, usually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years in college.
You'll study anatomy, physiology, and other healthcare-related courses in college. You'll also get hands-on experience in hospitals or clinics, a great way to practice fundamental nursing skills. After graduating, you'll take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN).
As for skills, you'll need to communicate well since nurses work closely with doctors, other healthcare professionals, and patients. Compassion and patience are also crucial because you'll care for people when they need help the most. You'll also need to be organized and detail-oriented, especially regarding giving medications or following medical procedures.
It's great that you're thinking about this now! Keep doing well in school, and you'll be on the right path to becoming a nurse. And don't forget that you can always combine your love of nursing with your creative side as a florist—you can find ways to bring joy to hospital patients through nursing and flowers (Just don't bring it to your immunocompromised patients, or critical patients).
-Konstantine, RN
You'll study anatomy, physiology, and other healthcare-related courses in college. You'll also get hands-on experience in hospitals or clinics, a great way to practice fundamental nursing skills. After graduating, you'll take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN).
As for skills, you'll need to communicate well since nurses work closely with doctors, other healthcare professionals, and patients. Compassion and patience are also crucial because you'll care for people when they need help the most. You'll also need to be organized and detail-oriented, especially regarding giving medications or following medical procedures.
It's great that you're thinking about this now! Keep doing well in school, and you'll be on the right path to becoming a nurse. And don't forget that you can always combine your love of nursing with your creative side as a florist—you can find ways to bring joy to hospital patients through nursing and flowers (Just don't bring it to your immunocompromised patients, or critical patients).
-Konstantine, RN