How to Become a Nurse

Becoming a nurse offers a fulfilling career path with diverse opportunities and consistent demand. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or looking for a career change, the nursing field provides a variety of entry points and specializations.

Understanding the Different Nursing Roles

Becoming a nurse involves various educational paths, each leading to different levels of practice and responsibility.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Becoming a certified nursing assistant or nurse aide is the first step to becoming a nurse. In Ohio, you may still hear this job referred to as a State-Tested Nursing Aide (STNA). STNA was a term exclusive to the role in Ohio, but has recently been changed to CNA, like the rest of the country.

A CNA performs basic nursing skills, assisting patients with feeding, bathing, and dressing. You can obtain a CNA certificate in less than a month. Some nursing programs require you to get this certificate before enrolling. Others include obtaining a CNA as part of your initial schooling.

As a CNA, you are trained to work in a nursing home or long-term care facility. If you want to work in a hospital, you will undergo additional training within the hospital to become a Patient Care Assistant (PCA). As a PCA in the hospital, you will do more acute care tasks, such as taking vital signs, testing blood sugars, emptying patients’ surgically placed drains, and applying simple dressings.

As a CNA or PCA, you work as part of the nursing team with a supervising registered nurse, who delegates tasks to you.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a common entry point into nursing. Students typically complete a one-year diploma program to become an LPN. LPNs provide basic medical care, such as taking vital signs, starting simple fluid IVs, assisting with daily living activities, and administering some medications. An LPN typically works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse.

LPNs often find roles in home healthcare, nursing homes, extended care facilities, physicians’ offices, schools, or hospitals. To be licensed, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for LPNs, known as the NCLEX-PN.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Two of the most common pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN):

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This two-year program prepares individuals for direct patient care.
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year degree program, the BSN provides a more comprehensive education, including theoretical knowledge, community health, and leadership skills. While both ADN and BSN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed RNs and perform similar tasks initially, hospitals increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses. Many facilities now require BSNs for leadership roles, and some will hire ADN-prepared nurses with the expectation that they will obtain their BSN within a few years.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

This level requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). APRNs can specialize in various areas, including:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Provides advanced primary or specialty healthcare services, often able to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient treatment plans.
• Nurse Midwife: Provides care to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: Provides expert care in a specialized area of nursing.
• Nurse Anesthetist: Administers anesthesia and monitors patients during medical procedures.
• Nurse Educator: Teaches and mentors new and prospective nurses.

Navigating Your Nursing Journey

For those interested in becoming a nurse, here are some key recommendations:

Gain Exposure

• Get your CNA: You can obtain a CNA certificate in less than a month, allowing you to work in a healthcare setting while attending school or working at another job. This hands-on experience will help you determine if nursing is the right fit and can make the initial classes in nursing school easier since you’ll be familiar with basic patient care tasks.

• Shadow a Nurse: If possible, observe a nurse for several hours to gain insight into their daily routines and responsibilities, and see if it interests you. Some hospitals offer shadowing opportunities.

Consider Educational Pathways

If you want to enter the workforce quickly and earn money while pursuing further education, starting with an LPN or ADN program can be a good option. Many schools offer “bridge programs” that allow LPNs to transition smoothly into RN programs, and ADN graduates can later pursue their BSN through online or accelerated programs.

If you have the time and resources, pursuing a BSN from the outset provides a strong foundation and is increasingly preferred by hospital employers.

Many healthcare organizations offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing nursing degrees, making it a financially viable option to start as an LPN and advance your education while working.

Nursing also offers opportunities for people with bachelor’s degrees in another profession to become an RN with a master’s degree in 18 months.

Essential Qualities for Nurses

These skill sets are typically required if you are considering becoming a nurse.

• Compassion and Empathy: You will interact with individuals experiencing difficult moments in their lives. A genuine desire to help and understand others is crucial.
• Strong Communication Skills: Nurses are patient advocates and must effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals, including speaking up to physicians when necessary.
• Multitasking and Time Management: Nursing environments are often fast-paced and require prioritizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Perseverance and Dedication: Nursing school can be challenging, and the field is constantly evolving. A commitment to continuous learning and resilience in the face of setbacks is vital.
• Assertiveness: A critical aspect of the role is being able to advocate for your patients and ensure their needs are met.

The NCLEX Exam

Whether you pursue an LPN, ADN, or BSN, to become a nurse, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You will either take the NCLEX-PN (practical nurse) or NCLEX-RN (registered nurse) examination. Nursing schools provide extensive support to help students prepare for this essential exam.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

The demand for nurses remains exceptionally high, with significant job opportunities across various settings. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the critical need for more individuals to become skilled nursing professionals.

Beyond direct bedside care, nursing offers a wide array of specializations and career paths, including:

• School Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Informatics
• Health Insurance Claims
• Research
• Case Management
• Legal Nurse Consulting
• Education
• Home Healthcare
• Operating Room (OR)
• Urgent Care
• Outpatient Clinics
• Hospice Care

The flexibility and variety within the nursing profession means you can always find a niche that aligns with your interests and allows for a healthy work-life balance. Even if you start in one area, the transferable skills and ongoing educational opportunities allow for career changes throughout your professional life. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, nurses are perpetual learners, ensuring a dynamic and engaging career.

If you are interested in becoming a nurse, but aren’t sure how to get started, contact The Chatfield Edge. We are a free, non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals achieve education beyond high school at any age.