How to Plan a Nursing Career
A career as a nurse can be emotionally and financially satisfying. Many nurses work directly with patients performing vital tasks such as alleviating pain and helping people regain their health after injury or illness. If you are thinking of becoming a nurse, a good plan tailored to your career goals can help you achieve your vocational aims.
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Instructions
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Start with the right foundation. Admission to many nursing programs is highly academically competitive. Applicants must have an extensive background in math and science to be considered for admission. Take science classes in high school in subjects such as biology, chemistry and algebra. Consider an internship at a local hospital to indicate your interest in medicine.
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Decide where you want to go to school. In order to become a nurse you must complete between nine months and four years of post-secondary educational training. A student nurse can complete his or her training at a school of nursing, community college, four-year college or university.
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Figure out what kind of nurse you want to become. An LPN is a licensed practical nurse. Licensed practical nurses complete nine to 18 months of training at a nursing school or community college. RNs are registered nurses. An RN must earn either a two- year or four-year degree. RNs earn more money than LPNs and have greater work responsibilities. An LPN may only work under the supervision of an RN.
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Think about a specialty. Many nurses choose to specialize in a specific form of nursing such as nephrology nursing or nurse anesthesiology. Nursing specialists typically have more autonomy and a much greater range of job responsibilities. A job in a specialized field often requires additional education such as completion of a series of courses or even a master's degree. Certain fields require nurses to complete at least a year of full-time employment before they can even apply for admission to graduate school. Think long-term, because completing credentials may require as much as six or seven years of combined education and on-the-job training.
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Decide where you would like to work. Nurses work in a wide variety of places including hospitals, schools, private doctors' offices and research laboratories. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Hospital nurses often have their pick of shifts and can pick up additional hours to earn more money. However, hospital nurses may find it difficult to get holidays and weekends off. Nurses who work in schools have more regular hours but may not have frequent interaction with peers. A nurse who works in a private doctor's office may work with many different clients and have regular hours, but forfeit opportunities to earn overtime. Consider your field of employment to help find the kind of nursing work that suits your personality as well as your economic needs.
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