How To Become A Nurse?

So you are wondering how to become a nurse?

Well nursing is a field that is quietly becoming one of the most difficult positions to fill.  As the baby boomers reach retirement age and as the population grows, there is an increasing demand for qualified nurses.  This fact may seem to make it easy to get a degree or certification in nursing but the opposite is actually true.

The lack of qualified schools can make it difficult for some to get the classes that they need.  The waiting lists at many of these schools are so long that many who want to become nurses choose another career in order to be working quicker.  There is still such a high demand for nurses that many wait for their program to open so that they can get their certification or degree in nursing.  So how to become a nurse?  The following are some of the most common steps and ways to become a nurse:

• Some nursing schools require a pre-admission test called the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-Admission Exam (find out more about this exam from the NLN at www.nln.org).
• Nursing Assistant – As soon as you start your schooling, you can apply to be a nursing assistant and you can begin working as you earn your certification and degree.  The good part about this is that you can actually get credit for the work you do as a nursing assistant to get your certification or degree in a much quicker manner.  Most employers promote their nursing assistants as soon as the certification or degree program has been met.  This means no hunting for a job after you have completed school.
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) go to school for approximately 1 year. They typically perform nursing tasks under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN).   Some people choose to become LPNs with the intention of completing their RN coursework later.   Many schools grant advanced credit to LPN’s in their RN coursework.
• The Difference between an ADN and BSN – An ADN stands for Associates Degree Nursing and only requires a two year course study. A BSN is a Bachelors of Science Nursing Degree and requires a four year college degree.  There is a huge debate on which is better but most of the higher tier hospitals are looking for the four year degree.  You can get a job with your ADN and then continue your schooling while working.
• Make Sure the School is Accredited – Before enrolling in any program, make sure the school has the proper accreditation.  If they are not recognized by the League for Nursing Accrediting Committee (LNAC) and/or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), then all your work, effort and money is for nothing.
• Licensure Exams – Nurses that have completed degree programs can then take licensure exams (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN) in the specific states where they wish to work. For more information consult the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

With the high demand for nurses there is a problem with schools that are not on the up and up.  They offer courses that are not recognized by the LNAC just to make a dollar off of unwitting students who are looking for ways to become a nurse.  Make sure to research before spending any money on schooling.