How to become a Registered Nurse

So, you've decided that you want to join the human and humane profession of nursing. It is a path that will open up opportunities and experiences you cannot begin to imagine, and it is a career that will enable you to have a profound impact on the lives of others. Here's how to get started:

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Steps

Get a high school diploma or GED. If you're still in high school, pay extra attention in your science courses, particularly biology and chemistry. It will help tremendously in nursing school

2) - Decide if you want to enter a two-year associates or four-year baccalaureate RN program. Both will give you the tools necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN (the licensing exam all graduates need to take to become registered nurses). An associates program is less expensive, puts you into the field more quickly, and often has a more flexible schedule. A baccalaureate program is a springboard for an advanced degree (e.g., nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, etc.), and offers a program with more breadth and depth. Often, associates-prepared nurses go back to school later to acquire a baccalaureate degree.

3) - Choose a nursing school and apply to it. Talk to graduates about their experiences, find out the school's statistics for passing the NCLEX-RN; basically learn as much as you can about your chosen institution.

4) - Go through the program and do your best to succeed. The more you learn in nursing school, the easier it will be not only to pass the NCLEX-RN, but to succeed in the field. During this time, also start thinking about what kind of nurse you want to become.

5) - Apply for a job. Again, research your chosen institution and find out if it's the one for you. Remember, there is a nursing shortage going on, so you can find a job just about anywhere, doing just about any kind of nursing that fulfills you.

6) - Complete your externship program (if your school offers one). Find a preceptor who is receptive, knowlegable, and encouraging. If you don't get along with your preceptor, say something to your nursing instructors, and soon. This is a very important step in the process, as it will be your first experience as a staff nurse.

7) - Study and take your NCLEX-RN exam. Try and get your test out of the way prior to starting your job if it is financially possible. Trying to learn the ropes at a new job is hard enough without having to worry about studying.

8) - Start your new job as a registered nurse!

Tips

• Volunteer at a hospital before or during your academic career. This will allow you to gain experience, and can serve as a foot in the door if it is a place you eventually want to work.

• Work as a hospital aide first. Like volunteering, this will give you an opportunity to be in the hospital setting, but unlike volunteering, working as an aide will give you direct patient care experience. It will also make you appreciate good aides once you become a nurse.

• Seek new opportunities in clinical and don't be afraid to try new things.

• Believe in yourself.

• If you hate blood and gore, I would advise you to not pick a nursing job, as you will be seeing lots and lots of blood.

• Be patient with your customers, if you are not, you may make a mistake.

• Take a diploma or GCSE in Maths as you will be doing lots of measuring.

Warnings

• Don't think that you're too old. Many people do not enter the profession of nursing until they have already started a family, or have reached middle age. These people have a lot to offer because of their extensive life experience.

• Don't think that it is just a profession for women. Men also have terrific success in this profession.

• Not everyone can become a nurse. It takes hard work, perseverence, and a positive attitude to succeed, and it is not always easy. You have to be able to be therapeutic, even if your patient has just puked on you.

• There are some nurses in the field who "eat their young." That is to say, they can be harsh and discouraging to new nurses. Stay away from these poisonous people and surround yourself with positive mentors if possible. If not, find a new job.

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Sources & Citations