How to Start a Career in Nursing
A career in nursing can be very rewarding. Nurses work with patients to ensure they are comfortable and are pain free. The working hours for a nurse can vary and many work third shift or rotating schedules. Nurses work closely with doctors and need to be ready to offer help at a moment's notice. It takes a compassionate and caring person with a lot of patience to have a successful career in nursing.
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Instructions
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Start working toward a career in nursing in high school. Make sure you take four years of math, science and health courses. Now is also the time to develop good study habits.
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Volunteer in a hospital or clinic. This will give you a better understanding of what nurses do on a daily basis. Try to observe as much as possible during this time. Volunteer work may also help your application for nursing school when the time comes.
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Attend a nursing training program. Students can earn a nursing diploma, associate's degree in nursing, or a bachelor's degree in nursing. All are acceptable, but most start with an associate's degree and earn a bachelor's degree later. An associate's degree will allow you to apply for more nursing opportunities than having a nursing diploma alone. Many employers also provide tuition assistance, which can help pay for your bachelor's degree.
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Pass the National Licensing Exam, known as the NCLEX-RN, to become a practicing registered nurse. If you opt for a licensed practical nursing diploma over the associate's degree, you will need to pass the NCLEX-PN.
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Check with the Board of Nursing for your state to ensure there aren't any other requirements to begin your career in nursing. Some states may require your nursing program to be accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
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Study the various career options for nurses. Many nurses go on to get their master's degree in nursing, which can lead to a career as a nurse practitioner, nurse mid-wife, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthesiologist and more.
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