How to become a nurse. Some things to think about if you are thinking about a nursing career.
There is a tremendous shortage of nurses that is only expected to worsen over the next decade. As a result, there is also a shortage of nurse educators.Consequently nursing programs are impacted. Many have long waiting lists. Others have multiple requirements for admission.
Admission Requirements
Some of the admission requirements include an admission entrance examination that tests math, English and science skills as well as providing an indication of how likely the student is to complete the nursing program.
Another requirement is to have some experience in the health care field (paid or volunteer) such as becoming a CNA (certified nursing aide) first, or some experience working in a clinic, doctor’s office or other medical facility.
Don't Just Take Up Space!
With nursing programs impacted and shortages reaching critical stages, it is important that nursing students complete their program and become nurses. Schools have put a lot of effort into weeding out students who are not serious, or otherwise deemed unlikely or unable to successfully complete the nursing education and licensing exam.
To become a nurse, the candidate must have successfully completed a high school education. It is recommended, if not required by the nursing program, to have some experience such as becoming and working as a CNA.
Becoming a nurse in the U.S. requires an understanding of algebra (with a passing grade); the ability to read at a tenth grade level; and to read and write English. Science will include chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology. Sociology and basic psychology may also be required. These are all prerequisite courses. Check with the nursing program of your choice for more detailed information.
Entrance Exams
Many nursing programs now require an entrance exam such as the NET (Nursing Entrance Test) or the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) which test your basic knowledge of science, math, English language and reading. The NET also includes sections on test-taking skills, stress level profile, learning style and social interaction profile. These sections are not graded, but are used to help determine the probability of the student completing the nursing program and successfully passing the NCLEX.
The accredited nursing school will tell you which entrance exam is required and when and where it can be taken to meet with their admission requirements. Most offer testing on or near the campus, but will accept scores from a prior test or a test taken before their deadlines. Nursing schools often have different deadlines from the school so be sure to read through all nursing admission information as well as that for the college or university.
The Practical or Vocational nursing program is typically a one year program and the student becomes an LPN or LVN. (In Texas and California the term is Vocational nurse; in all other states it’s Practical nurse.) The LP/VN is primarily a bedside nurse who assists patients with their activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming and eating. Under the supervision of a physician or an RN, they can also perform treatments and procedures such as dressing changes, inserting or changing Foley catheters, checking vital signs, and administering medications. The scope of practice varies by state. With additional training and examinations, in some states LP/VNs can start and hang IV’s and perform venipuncture for lab draws.
Registered nurses (RNs) study for at least two years and earn a degree in nursing. The degrees range from an Associate degree, to a PhD in nursing. Most commonly RNs have an ADN or BSN (an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing). Diploma schools of nursing have almost all disappeared. A few remain, but they are rare.
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