2 answers
Aissley
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
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What can I do to become a nurse?
How can I become a nurse and what do I need to do to become a nurse?
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2 answers
Geovanni Arnel Cajucom
Registered Nurse
6
Answers
Oxnard, California
Updated
Geovanni Arnel’s Answer
Hi Aissley,
Becoming a nurse in the U.S. involves several important steps because nursing is a regulated profession. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Choose the Type of Nurse You Want to Be
There are different types of nurses, each with its own path. You might choose to be:
a. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This is a good way to start and gain experience in healthcare because it requires the least formal education among this list.
b. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPN is used in most states, while LVN is used in California and Texas. This role involves basic patient care and requires specific training.
c. Registered Nurse (RN): This role has more responsibilities and requires more education than an LVN/LPN.
Decide which type of nurse you want to be so you can choose the right educational program.
Step 2: Find a Nursing Program
Research nursing programs that fit your career goals. Look at their websites to understand their requirements and focus areas. Most nursing programs emphasize sciences like biology, chemistry, and human anatomy. Additionally, subjects like math, English, and sometimes computer science are also important. Excelling in these subjects will help you succeed in your nursing studies.
Step 3: Pass the Required Exams
After completing your nursing program, you need to pass specific exams to become licensed:
RNs take the NCLEX-RN exam.
LVNs/LPNs take the NCLEX-PN exam.
CNAs take a certification exam specific to their state.
Following these steps will guide you on your way to becoming a nurse. Good luck!
Becoming a nurse in the U.S. involves several important steps because nursing is a regulated profession. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Choose the Type of Nurse You Want to Be
There are different types of nurses, each with its own path. You might choose to be:
a. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This is a good way to start and gain experience in healthcare because it requires the least formal education among this list.
b. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPN is used in most states, while LVN is used in California and Texas. This role involves basic patient care and requires specific training.
c. Registered Nurse (RN): This role has more responsibilities and requires more education than an LVN/LPN.
Decide which type of nurse you want to be so you can choose the right educational program.
Step 2: Find a Nursing Program
Research nursing programs that fit your career goals. Look at their websites to understand their requirements and focus areas. Most nursing programs emphasize sciences like biology, chemistry, and human anatomy. Additionally, subjects like math, English, and sometimes computer science are also important. Excelling in these subjects will help you succeed in your nursing studies.
Step 3: Pass the Required Exams
After completing your nursing program, you need to pass specific exams to become licensed:
RNs take the NCLEX-RN exam.
LVNs/LPNs take the NCLEX-PN exam.
CNAs take a certification exam specific to their state.
Following these steps will guide you on your way to becoming a nurse. Good luck!
Thank you so much Mr Arnel you helped me better understand what’s steps to take in my future career path.
Aissley
Konstantine Ringor, MSN, RN, CPAN
10
Answers
Updated
Konstantine’s Answer
To become a nurse, the first step is to complete a nursing program, typically a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years. During college, you'll take anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory classes while also gaining hands-on experience in clinical settings. After you graduate, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, the national licensure exam for registered nurses. Once you pass, you'll be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).
From there, the path you take depends on your interests. For example, I started in PeriAnesthesia nursing, where I now work in PACU/Pre-OP, caring for patients before and after surgery. However, this is just one of the many exciting paths you can take in nursing. You can also pursue specialties like critical care, pediatrics, or oncology, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Nursing is a field full of diverse opportunities, and continuing education, certifications, and experience will help you explore and excel in your chosen path.
-Konstantine, RN
From there, the path you take depends on your interests. For example, I started in PeriAnesthesia nursing, where I now work in PACU/Pre-OP, caring for patients before and after surgery. However, this is just one of the many exciting paths you can take in nursing. You can also pursue specialties like critical care, pediatrics, or oncology, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Nursing is a field full of diverse opportunities, and continuing education, certifications, and experience will help you explore and excel in your chosen path.
-Konstantine, RN