Nursing Career - The easier steps to become a nurse

If you're seeking a rewarding career in a high-growth field, now is a great time to become a registered nurse (RN). As an RN, you'll play an essential role in promoting health and wellness, and help improve the quality of life of everyone from infants to the elderly. There are currently more open positions than qualified candidates to fill them, so becoming a registered nurse means you’ll enjoy job security, high earnings and excellent advancement potential.

In the U.S., qualified nurses are needed not just for bedside care, but for leadership roles, education and advocacy. As patient numbers grow and the population ages, compassionate, savvy nurses have an opportunity to make a difference. Keep reading to learn how to become a nurse.

Steps to Become a Nurse

One of the first steps to becoming a nurse is getting a solid education, whether you hope to be an LPN, RN or administrator.

1.  Choose a Nursing Path

Nursing can take you in many directions, from a staff nurse to a head nurse. Or, from working as a CNA to working your way up to nurse educator.

When choosing your career path, think about the type of work environment you prefer. For example, RNs can be found in hospitals, doctors’ offices and other medical settings, but certified nursing assistants often work in nursing homes. What type of setting will inspire you most?

Because there are so many facets to health care, nurses often specialize in certain areas, such as geriatrics or critical care. If you have a passion for a certain type of nursing, consider the type of schooling you’ll need to get there.

2.   Earn a nursing Degree

The career path you’re interested in pursuing will typically dictate the type of nursing degree you need. Nursing programs include classroom instruction as well as clinical experience. The latter will allow you to gain hands-on knowledge, ask questions in real-life scenarios and connect with nurses. The experience will also give you the chance to observe how a medical facility runs.

Before choosing a program, determine how nursing school will fit in to your busy life. Will you have time to get to campus? Many nursing bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be earned online (with clinical requirements completed in your local community).

3.   Get Licensed

Once you complete your education, you’ll need to take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and nursing skills. The exams, and the topics covered, differ based on career path.

How Do I Become a Registered Nurse?

The first requirement in becoming a registered nurse is to obtain the proper education. There are several different paths that can lead to licensure as an RN. Aspiring RNs may earn a diploma, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).