Tuesday, July 28, 2009

How to Prepare for a Career as a Nurse

by Bill Miller

Preparing for a career as a nurse requires education. Experience is helpful, as well. The amount of education that you need depends on the type of nurse that you hope to become. Here we look at the educational requirements and a few of the ways that you can get a little experience too.

During high school, it is a good idea to focus on science, mathematics and biology classes. Learning a foreign language, particularly Spanish, is helpful and in some areas, it is a practical necessity. Being able to use a computer is important, as more hospitals are changing to paperless files.

In order to get a little experience in the field, volunteering at a nursing home or hospital is a good choice. You might even be able to get a part-time job as an assistant or receptionist. When you are ready to apply for a job, those things will let your prospective employer know that you are serious about nursing. It also helps you become familiar and comfortable with the hospital environment.

There are a number of different degrees that lead to a career in nursing, starting with the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse), as it is called in some states. LPN or LVN programs typically last for a year and are offered by technical or vocational schools. RN (Registered Nurse) Programs are offered by two and four year colleges.

Financial aid is available for those that qualify. A number of hospitals offer work-study and diploma programs. Basic science and English classes are taken at a junior or community college, while classes in patient care are taught at the hospital. The hospital-based programs typically take 2-3 years to complete. The costs are typically lower than those of other programs, but you may be required to work a number of years after graduation, in that specific hospital, in order to qualify.

For those that already hold a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in another field, accelerated programs, which allow you to obtain the necessary education in a shorter period of time, are offered by many colleges and universities. Regardless of the amount or type of education that you have received, you will still be required to take a state examination for nurses. Once you are licensed, you can go to work in a hospital, doctor's office or (with enough education) you can go into private practice as a nurse practitioner. As you can see, nursing offers many options today.

About the Author:

Bill Miller is a staff writer for the American Educational Guidance Center. Bill writes on careers, online degree programs, college search strategies, scholarships, and financial aid.

View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-career-as-a-nurse

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