Are you eager to start a career in nursing? The outlook for this career path is looking great! Growing at 12% (a lot faster than other career paths), you’re likely to find a job in no time!
Before you start searching for a career, however, you need to get the right education. An accelerated nursing program can help you become one of the top nurses in your field. As a registered nurse, you’ll provide and coordinate care and help patients in need.
Eager to start on your career path as soon as possible?
Keep reading to discover the nine steps you need to take to start your career in nursing! With these tips, you can become a nurse fast and make a difference in your community. Get started by reading this guide today.
1. Invest in Your Education
The first step for success in any career path is to invest in your education. You can’t advance in your career without proper knowledge of your industry.
Each degree or certificate you receive in nursing or a specialized program will help your resume stand out. As a result, you can set yourself to discover new opportunities. Instead of getting stuck to a few options, you can have your pick!
With more opportunities available, it’s also more likely you’ll find a position that’s a perfect fit for your preferences.
If you need to go to work and school at the same time, try the stepladder approach to nursing education. This approach will allow you to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) while you pursue an associate’s degree in nursing.
Then, you can work as a Registered Nurse (RN) while working on a bachelor’s degree.
You might also want to look into advancing in a management focus to obtain certifications in management.
The better educated you are, the safer you are. Education, however, requires commitment. If you want to become a nurse fast, you’ll need to take the time and energy to build on your knowledge base.
2. Research Accelerated Programs
There are almost 29 million nurses and midwives in the world. 3.9 million of those nurses reside in the United States. It’s estimated that over one million additional nurses are needed this year.
If you want to start a career in nursing fast, you need to consider an accelerated program.
Accelerated nursing programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree. Also known as second-degree nursing programs, these programs will help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 11 to 18 months. The course is full-time.
You might also consider RN-to-BSN programs, which are designed for current nurses who want to advance their careers. These programs take about two years to finish.
By enrolling for an accelerated program, you can focus on nursing and gaining clinical experience to accelerate your career.
There are different types of accelerated nursing programs available.
First, pay attention to the type of bachelor’s degree the program accepts. Some schools are designed for programs with a bachelor’s in science. Others are open to students who have a bachelor’s in any field.
Next, make sure the start state fits your schedule.
Then, determine if you want to find an accelerated BSN that’s on-campus or online. You can become a nurse online if it’s more convenient for your schedule. An on-campus program, on the other hand, is ideal if you prefer face-to-face interactions.
3. Know What’s Required
Before you choose which accelerated nursing program to enroll in, make sure to consider the requirements. You could end up in school longer than 11 to 18 months if you need to complete prerequisites. These can include:
- Biology I
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Statistics
- Developmental Psychology
- Nutrition
Some accelerated nursing programs have other admission requirements. For example, you might need a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply. You might also need to complete a pre-screening questionnaire, which allows programs to find students that are more likely to succeed in the program.
4. Consider Your Career
Before you start a career in nursing, it helps to determine your goals. Then, you can select classes that are best designed to help you achieve those goals.
For example, BSN programs are available in different concentrations.
Do you want to become a family nurse practitioner? If so, you’ll:
- Examine patients under the supervision of a doctor
- Diagnose illnesses
- Prescribe medications
You’ll also help complete most of the exam during an annual check-up before the doctor steps in.
You might also consider becoming a diabetes nurse. Diabetes patients require specific needs, meaning they also require qualified nurses. As a diabetes nurse, you’ll work with your patients to manage their medications and ensure regular check-ups.
You might also consider becoming an informatics nurse, who collects medical data behind the scenes.
A medical-surgical nurse, on the other hand, assists in surgeries. This career path requires a level head, since you’ll likely work in emergency settings.
Consider your goals and you can choose the path that’s right for you!
5. Research Financial Aid
You might also want to consider applying for financial aid. Applying for financial aid as soon as possible can help you get started as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might end up delaying your career to save up for your education.
6. Pursue Professionalism
Nursing careers require honesty, confidentiality, and professionalism. As a nurse, you’ll need strong interpersonal skills to deal with patients each day. You’ll also need to keep a positive attitude and maintain competency.
As you work to become a nurse, make sure to work on your professional skills. The skills you develop can help you become an ethical nurse in your field.
7. Find a Mentor
As you pursue this career path, try to develop a mentoring relationship. A mentor can help provide career advice and guidance as you become a nurse.
Look for someone you look up to; someone you aspire to become. You can join journal clubs, volunteering opportunities, or research groups to meet people who can mentor you.
8. Build a Network
In addition to finding a mentor, it also helps to build a network of other medical professionals. You can exchange ideas and learn about other nursing opportunities. Try to attend conferences and workshops to find like-minded individuals.
Participating with other nurses and doctors in your field can help you build a strong network.
9. Continue Developing
Once you start a career in nursing, don’t stop. Instead, continue developing yourself. Attend conferences and read journals to learn more about the ever-changing field of medicine.
Continuous development can help impact your career. Focus on communication skills, active listening, and problem-solving skills. You might also want to work on your leadership skills as well.
Developing these skills will help you stand out and discover new opportunities.
How to Start a Career in Nursing: 9 Quick Tips for Success
Ready to start a career in nursing? With these nine quick tips, you can set yourself up for long-term success. Consider finding an accelerated program and explore your new career today!
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