How to Become a Nurse: A Quick Guide

This guide will walk you through the clinical and educational requirements and reasons to choose nursing as a career. 

Understand the role of a nurse 

Nurses work in various settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health centers, and schools. 

Their responsibilities include: 

• Assessing patients: Evaluating patient conditions and needs
• Administering medications: Giving medications and monitoring their effects
• Providing care: Assisting with daily activities and medical procedures
• Educating patients: Teaching patients and their families about health management
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals: Working with other healthcare workers including doctors, nurse practitioners, nursing assistants, therapists, pharmacists and dietitians. 

Clinical and educational requirements  

Depending on your chosen pathway, you’ll need to complete the relevant educational requirements: 

High school diploma or equivalent: The first step towards becoming a nurse is to obtain a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED). Courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics are recommended as they lay the groundwork for college-level nursing coursework.  

Nursing degree: There are several paths to becoming a nurse. 

• LPN/LVN programs: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursing programs are available at community colleges and technical schools and typically take about one year to complete.
• ADN programs: Associate Degree in Nursing is offered at community colleges, taking about two years to complete.
• BSN programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees are offered at universities and colleges, typically taking four years to complete. There are also accelerated BSN programs for those already with a bachelor’s degree in another field, which can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
• MSN/DNP programs: Graduate-level — Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — programs for those seeking advanced practice roles, usually taking two to four years to complete. 

Licensure: After completing the nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed nurse. This exam tests the knowledge and abilities necessary for entry-level nursing practice. 

• NCLEX-RN: If you’ve completed a professional nursing program to become an RN, you will take the NCLEX-RN. This computer-adaptive exam tests knowledge and skills necessary for safe, effective entry-level nursing practice.
• NCLEX-PN: For those who’ve completed a vocational or practical nursing program, the NCLEX-PN is the appropriate licensure exam. The NCLEX-PN covers the same topics as the NCLEX-RN but is tailored to the scope of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). 

Both versions of the NCLEX cover four main categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. Each category is further broken down into subcategories covering a broad range of topics, including infection control, pharmacological therapies, and mental health concepts. 

Additionally, some nurses choose to further their education and specialize in a particular area of nursing, requiring additional certification exams. These may include:  

• Certified Emergency Nurse Exam: Offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, two years of emergency room nursing experience is recommended for this exam.
• Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam: Offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, this exam is for nurses specializing in pediatric care.   
• Oncology Certified Nurse Exam: This is for nurses specializing in oncology, offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.
• Critical Care Registered Nurse Exam: Provided by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, there are multiple exam options for nurses specializing in critical care.
• Hospice and palliative care nurse (CHPN): This exam is for nurses who practice in hospice and palliative care settings through the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.
• Sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE): Nurses who care for survivors of sexual assault can take a certification exam through the international Association of Forensic Nurses. There are two certification options for adult/adolescent (SANE-A) or pediatric (SANE-P) care. 

Remember, each state may have additional requirements for licensure, such as background checks, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for the state in which you plan to practice. 

Experience and specialization: Once you're a nurse, gaining experience in different clinical settings can help you determine your areas of interest. You might choose to specialize in fields like pediatrics, oncology, or geriatric nursing, which require additional certifications.  

Reasons to choose a nursing career  

There are myriad reasons that people pursue nursing. The following are some of the most common and appealing: 

• Making a difference: Nurses play a vital role in patient care, often spending more time with patients than any other healthcare professional. They make a significant difference in patients' lives through their care, empathy, and dedication.
• Variety and specialization: With numerous specialties to choose from, nursing offers a diverse range of career paths. From pediatric nursing to critical care, public health to geriatric nursing, there are countless opportunities to find your niche.
• Job security: The demand for nurses is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
• Continuous learning: Medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving fields. Nurses have the opportunity for lifelong learning, professional growth, and career advancement.
• Flexibility: Many nursing roles offer flexible schedules, part-time work, and opportunities for travel nursing. This flexibility can make nursing an attractive career for individuals balancing work and family commitments.  

Becoming a nurse is a journey that requires dedication, education, and a strong desire to help others. With a multitude of educational paths and numerous specialization options, nursing offers a rewarding and fulfilling career. 

Whether you choose to study online or in-person, at a community college or a university, the nursing profession welcomes those who are compassionate, committed to lifelong learning, and eager to make a difference in the lives of others.