Steps in Becoming a Registered Nurse
There is an increase in terms of the job opportunities that are available for people who have started their nursing careers. Some of the seen causes of it is aging as well as a general demand increase for services in health care. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in the next 8 years, employment for nurses will increase 14 percent. This period spans from 2008 to 2016. The demand for nurses is not only confined within the hospitals, although there is still a strong demand there. There are other new opportunities in store for nurses beyond the hospitals. Some of these are within nursing care facilities or in home health care services.
In entering the nursing field, there are numerous paths that one could take.
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One of the available means is by attending a program in practical nursing. In Practical Nursing, they have a special program wherein people who have interest in being a nurse could try if they are capable of handling the pressure and the type of job that a nurse would do. In this program, they could get to know the ins and outs of nursing even before they will become registered. In these programs, training in different areas of nursing will be provided. It will equip you to with the essential things that you need to learn in order for you to be able to provide a nursing care that is of high quality. Among the things that will be learned in enrolling in these programs is how to perform health assessments of patients. You will also learn how to administer medical treatments that are prescribed. Furthermore, you will also learn how to create an environment that is safe for patients.
There is also an option for you to take the training program for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This usually takes place in hospitals and will normally take around 7 months to 1 year. Nursing colleges also offer LPN degrees. In colleges, their LPN programs usually take 1 to 2 years to finish. It involves studying and practical hospital training. After graduation, it is required that you pass the NCLEX-PN certificate examination. If you accomplished that, you will then become a certified nurse. You should remember that different states have different requirements for those who want to take the licensure examination. Thus, you must make sure that you are taking a program that is approved by the Nursing Board of the state where you want to get a license.
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The next step in your nursing career after being an LPN is to become an RN or a registered nurse. If you have decided to become an RN, you could take a either an LPN-to-BSN or an LPN-to-RN program. There are also nursing programs that are available online, which you could sign up for if you do not want to quit your job as LPN while studying. This is a good option because you increase your credentials while you earn money. Several universities and colleges are offering accredited nursing programs online. They offer online LPN-to-BSN and LPN-to-RN programs. All you need to make sure is that these online programs are recognized and approved by your state.
In summary, a good start for anyone who wants a career in the nursing field is to become a licensed practical nurse first. Career advancements are available and you could become a registered nurse by enrolling in an LPN-to-BSN or an LPN-to-RN program.
