subject: The Basics To Becoming A Nurse: 3 Points To Know [print this page] When making career decisions, a lot of people want to take up the line of nursing. Nursing has always been considered a noble profession. It is a very fulfilling line of work and a very challenging field. Find out how you can become a nurse with the help of the information provided below.
Educational Qualification
Getting the right degree or diploma is the first step in becoming a nurse. There are three ways in which you can attain the required educational qualification.
*Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): By getting an Associate Degree in Nursing or the ADN, you can enter the field of nursing very easily. The course is just two years long. However, while you are called a nurse after earning this degree, the salaries may not be as good as those with more education.
ADN introduces the skeletal framework of this career option. It teaches the basic technical skills required to pursue a career in nursing. Most people who earn an ADN go back to get a bachelor's degree after working as a nurse for a few years. This is good for those who have opted for a career change and have opted for nursing.
*Bachelor of Science and Nursing (BSN): Another popular route opted by many students is by going through a four year long bachelor course. Bachelor of Science and Nursing or BSN is offered by many universities.
This first two years of this four year course covers the field of sciences extensively, focusing on specialties such as anatomy and biology. The final two years is about healthcare they would be providing, divided into special categories like pediatric health, old age care, chronic care etc.
*Diploma in Nursing: There are many diploma courses offered by a lot of institutes, hospitals and colleges which help you become a nurse. Upon attaining this diploma, and getting a registration, one is a qualified nurse.
Most of these courses are three years long, and they encompass a fair amount of classroom training and practical knowledge. However, not many people take this path to become a nurse.
Getting the License
Before starting work, make sure the institute you chose is accredited by the US Department of Education, which is mandatory in order to start working as a nurse. After completing the chosen course, you will be required to get a certification before starting work. You will have to pass a certification examination conducted by the state you plan to work in to start work as a qualified nurse. Once the educational qualification has been attained, you are qualified to be a nurse and can practice in any of the hospitals.
