Nursing & RN Careers

RN Careers



Nursing and RN careers can be exciting and rewarding!

Are you ready to begin the steps to find the RN career that will be a good fit for you? Read on to learn more . . .


The Steps To Starting Nursing & RN Careers

RN Careers

If you think this is the right career for you, here are some steps you can take . . .

Step 1

Volunteer! Volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home to learn more about what the job is all about. If you have a weak stomach or things such as blood are disgusting to you, then this may not be the perfect career choice. Make sure you are comfortable in this setting before you invest your time and money in a nursing degree.

Step 2

Get ready for the pre-requisites!

Most nursing programs have specific pre-requisites that all nursing students must meet before admission to a program. These may include an admissions test, drug test, high school diploma, CPR certification, and fingerprint clearance. The fingerprint clearance generally includes a state and federal background check looking for any felony convictions. In addition, some programs may require that you have completed science coursework before starting their Registered Nurse program.

Step 3

Get licensed!

A nurse’s level of success is directly tied to the level of licensure that they have. Do your research and get enrolled in an approved registered nurse licensure program. The most common programs are Associate Degree in Nursing Programs. These are most commonly found at local community college and state schools. Some non-traditional and online schools may also offer nursing degrees.

Make sure you check with your state to see if the program is acceptable before you get started. You will be required to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse exam (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain you Registered Nurse License.

Step 4

Research!

Find and research transitional programs. If you are already a License Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), you should find and research transitional programs that schools may offer to give you the opportunity to obtain your RN degree more quickly.

Step 5

Education!

Consider pursuing additional education after your Registered Nurse degree. Many non-bedside nursing positions require individuals to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). Some advanced practice nursing positions require a Master of Science in Nursing with additional licenses and extensive clinical hours. These positions may include nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and midwife.

Step 6

Specialize!

Think about the type of nursing that you are interested in. There are many different types of nurses such as staff nurses, critical care nurses, emergency room nurses, neo-natal intensive care nurses, obstetrical nurses, operating room nurses, pediatric nurses, and traveling nurses. These areas may not require specific education. Instead, many nurses are able to get the training for these positions through the hospital or other facility that they work for.


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If A Nursing or RN Career isn't a good fit, you may want to consider one of these other Healthcare Careers. . .


Other Healthcare Careers




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