Before pursuing a nursing career, assess your personality traits. To become a CNA, complete a certification program, while LPNs and RNs require a degree or diploma. Consider a bachelor’s degree for better job prospects and potential for specialization.
If you are considering a nursing career, you should start preparing for it with a careful assessment of your personality. Nurses often deal with people who are suffering from illnesses and health conditions. Often these people are not at their best because they are feeling bad and worried about their health. To have a successful nursing career, you must possess a patient personality, a thick skin, and a lot of compassion. Good communication skills are an absolute must too.
The educational preparation you need depends on the nursing degree you hope to obtain. If you want to start your nursing career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you’ll need a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) diploma. You will also need to complete a CNA certification program. Often these programs are offered by community colleges, certain medical facilities, and private companies. Students in CNA programs take classes to learn the basic skills needed for a nursing career and participate in hands-on training activities. Students also take classes in anatomy, nutrition, and other related subjects.
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), your preparation will be more extensive. You’ll need a high school diploma or a GED, as well as a degree or diploma from a nursing program. For example, to prepare for a nursing career as an LPN, candidates are usually required to complete a one-year nursing program. With this preparation, you will be able to perform more nursing tasks than a CNA, but less than an RN. However, you can use the skills and knowledge gained as an LPN to help you if you choose to join an RN program later in your nursing career.
If you choose to begin your nursing career as an RN, you can do so by earning an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree. Generally, an associate’s degree program can be completed in two years, while an undergraduate program takes at least four. There are also hospitals that offer three-year nursing programs for those who want to become registered nurses.
While the decision to enter a private nursing program is a personal one, many consider it a good idea to start a nursing career with a bachelor’s degree. This is because many hospitals and other employers offer compensation based, in part, on the job applicant’s level of education. Additionally, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can give you an edge if you choose to pursue further education to branch out into a nursing specialty.
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