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Jimena
Student
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What are some skills or some education you need to become a nurse ?
I’ve always wanted to become a nurse , it’s been one of my biggest dreams and I’ve always wanted this career but I really need some tips on how to become one .
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3 answers
Rachel Gilmer
RN, Labor & Delivery; College Faculty
21
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
There are a few ways to become a nurse as there are a couple layers to Nursing.
First there's an LVN or LPN. This level of nursing is utilized in doctor's offices, skilled nursing facilities and some hospitals. LVNs are supervised by RNs.
So that's the next level. With a RN, you have more opportunities and mainly work in hospitals, or supervise LVNs in other settings.
The next level is to get a Master's Degree in Nursing which allows you practice at a higher level independently or under the supervision of a physician.
Now I always recommend becoming a RN vs LVN as it provides you the greatest opportunities. Here you have the choice of a 2 Year degree Associates Degree (that can take 3-4 years to complete) or a 4 Year Degree, Bachelor's Degree (that can take 4-5 years to complete). This is the ADN vs BSN pathway.
As a high school student, make sure to talk to a school counselor to ensure the classes you are taking as a junior and senior are preparing you for college courses, Biology, Chemistry, as high as you can go with math and English.
When you get into your senior Year of high school meet with your counselor again to talk about which local colleges and universities have a nursing program and what are their requirements for admission.
You can make a choice here on whether you want to take some classes at a local college at a cheaper cost and then transfer into a nursing program at another college or university.
If you can be patient, stick to the community colleges and state universities, instead of the private for- profit nursing schools; they are cheaper and more flexible.
Many colleges and universities have counselors available to high school students as well, to point you in the right direction of classes to take so you can be better prepared for nursing school. They will also let you know what the prerequisites are required before applying to the nursing program. You have to be accepted into the college/ university AND the nursing program.
Good luck. I hope some of this was helpful in getting you started on your path to Nursing.
First there's an LVN or LPN. This level of nursing is utilized in doctor's offices, skilled nursing facilities and some hospitals. LVNs are supervised by RNs.
So that's the next level. With a RN, you have more opportunities and mainly work in hospitals, or supervise LVNs in other settings.
The next level is to get a Master's Degree in Nursing which allows you practice at a higher level independently or under the supervision of a physician.
Now I always recommend becoming a RN vs LVN as it provides you the greatest opportunities. Here you have the choice of a 2 Year degree Associates Degree (that can take 3-4 years to complete) or a 4 Year Degree, Bachelor's Degree (that can take 4-5 years to complete). This is the ADN vs BSN pathway.
As a high school student, make sure to talk to a school counselor to ensure the classes you are taking as a junior and senior are preparing you for college courses, Biology, Chemistry, as high as you can go with math and English.
When you get into your senior Year of high school meet with your counselor again to talk about which local colleges and universities have a nursing program and what are their requirements for admission.
You can make a choice here on whether you want to take some classes at a local college at a cheaper cost and then transfer into a nursing program at another college or university.
If you can be patient, stick to the community colleges and state universities, instead of the private for- profit nursing schools; they are cheaper and more flexible.
Many colleges and universities have counselors available to high school students as well, to point you in the right direction of classes to take so you can be better prepared for nursing school. They will also let you know what the prerequisites are required before applying to the nursing program. You have to be accepted into the college/ university AND the nursing program.
Good luck. I hope some of this was helpful in getting you started on your path to Nursing.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
To pursue a nursing career, you need to blend specific skills with formal education to equip yourself for the profession's challenges. Initially, you should aim to earn a nursing degree, with the most popular routes being an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs offer a well-rounded education in medical and nursing principles, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology, complemented by practical clinical training.
Alongside your academic journey, it's essential to cultivate key skills. Effective communication is vital for successful interactions with patients, their families, and healthcare teams. Equally important are critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as nurses frequently face the need for swift decisions under stress. Traits such as compassion, empathy, and emotional resilience are indispensable, given the nature of nursing, which often involves supporting others during difficult periods.
After earning your degree, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to secure your nursing license. To further refine your skills and progress in your career, consider pursuing continuing education and specialization opportunities. Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteering in healthcare environments can offer invaluable insights into a nurse's daily duties.
If you've always aspired to be a nurse, dedicating time and effort to acquire the necessary education and skills will pave the way for a rewarding and meaningful career.
Alongside your academic journey, it's essential to cultivate key skills. Effective communication is vital for successful interactions with patients, their families, and healthcare teams. Equally important are critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as nurses frequently face the need for swift decisions under stress. Traits such as compassion, empathy, and emotional resilience are indispensable, given the nature of nursing, which often involves supporting others during difficult periods.
After earning your degree, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to secure your nursing license. To further refine your skills and progress in your career, consider pursuing continuing education and specialization opportunities. Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteering in healthcare environments can offer invaluable insights into a nurse's daily duties.
If you've always aspired to be a nurse, dedicating time and effort to acquire the necessary education and skills will pave the way for a rewarding and meaningful career.
Konstantine Ringor, MSN, RN, CPAN
10
Answers
Updated
Konstantine’s Answer
To become a nurse, you'll need education and practical skills. First, you'll need to complete a nursing program, like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years. In that program, you'll take anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory courses, along with hands-on clinical training in hospitals or healthcare settings. Once you graduate, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get your Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills because you'll often need to make quick decisions about patient care. Communication is also crucial since you'll work with other healthcare professionals and must explain things clearly to patients and their families. Compassion and patience are essential for providing care, especially when patients are vulnerable or anxious. You'll also need good organizational skills to manage multiple patients and attention to detail to ensure everything from medications to procedures is handled correctly.
From my own experience working in PeriAnesthesia, where I care for patients before and after surgery, being able to stay calm under pressure and monitor patients closely is incredibly important. These are just a few examples, but the skills you develop in nursing are varied and can be applied in many different areas of healthcare, demonstrating the versatility and broad applicability of nursing skills.
-Konstantine, RN
Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills because you'll often need to make quick decisions about patient care. Communication is also crucial since you'll work with other healthcare professionals and must explain things clearly to patients and their families. Compassion and patience are essential for providing care, especially when patients are vulnerable or anxious. You'll also need good organizational skills to manage multiple patients and attention to detail to ensure everything from medications to procedures is handled correctly.
From my own experience working in PeriAnesthesia, where I care for patients before and after surgery, being able to stay calm under pressure and monitor patients closely is incredibly important. These are just a few examples, but the skills you develop in nursing are varied and can be applied in many different areas of healthcare, demonstrating the versatility and broad applicability of nursing skills.
-Konstantine, RN