A qualification in nursing offers a rewarding career and guaranteed employment until you choose to retire. Although you may be required to work some long hours, and there will be plenty of times you will probably get home with sore feet, feeling pretty exhausted, you will be certain to make a difference to many peoples life.
There may be a specific reason you have chosen nursing as your career path. Perhaps you have witnessed a family member or friend become ill, or maybe you have always had an interest in all things medical. Reading these helpful facts will help you decide if it is the right profession.
Nursing Qualifications
Some of the different types of nursing qualification may seem confusing. You will see LPN, BSN and RN when you are researching nursing qualifications. Here are the facts about each:
LPN – (Licensed Nurse Practitioner) the LPN qualification can be earned over 2 years. As an LPN you will care for patients, and carry out straightforward tasks such as dressing patients, changing beds, feeding and changing dressings.
BSN – (Bachelor Degree in Nursing) a Bachelor Degree can be gained in 4 years. As a BSN Nurse you will have a role supervising others, often LPN’s and will be responsible for patients, giving medicine and putting in IV’s. You may work with a Doctor to carry out some surgical tasks.
RN – (Registered Nurse) as a Registered Nurse you will also have a supervisory role, you will carry out more complicated tasks, and have range of employment opportunities. The route to becoming a Registered Nurse is an educational one, with usually at least two years of study being required, in addition to being qualified as an LPN.
Required Skills and Grades
Before you even begin to consider a nursing career you will need to ensure you achieve the best grades possible. Good grades are required in Math, English and of course Sciences. You will also need to demonstrate you have excellent writing skills. This is particularly relevant if you chose to study for degree in nursing as you will be required to complete written assignments as part of your course.
Any part of a nursing school program will include clinical placements. To prepare for these you could volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. This practical experience will work in your favor when you apply to become a Nurse.
Advancing Your Nursing Career
Once you have earned your nursing qualification and gained some hands-on experience as a Nurse, you may wish to start thinking about progressing your career.
There are a number of opportunities in a number of nursing specialties. You could train as a Pediatric Nurse, Nurse Anesthetist, or perhaps an Oncology Nurse. All of these specialisms require further study and relevant practical experience. This knowledge can be obtained through your clinical rotations.
Whichever route you choose, you will find nursing both challenging and fulfilling. It is without doubt a career choice that will offer you endless opportunities.
