What Skills Are Required for Becoming a Nurse?

To become a nurse, you must complete at least a year of post-secondary education. You must also pass state licensing exams designed to test your knowledge of the nursing field.

Science Knowledge

Nurses are required to complete college classes in the hard sciences such as chemistry and biology.

Writing Skills

Nurses must complete undergraduate classes in the liberal arts. To attain a passing grade in most liberal arts classes, you must have college level writing skills.

Math Skills

You must pass college level math classes such as statistics. Nurses are generally required to use math skills when caring for patients.

Professionalism

Student nurses are required to complete a term of direct supervision in a hospital. This coursework is called clinical education. During this time student nurses must demonstrate that they can work with patients in a professional manner.

Study Skills

To become a nurse, you must pass a nursing licensing exam. This exam is called the NCLEX. Potential nurses must demonstrate their ability to study material and prepare for standardized exams.