ALT-2 How to become a Nurse
Once you decide you want to be a nurse, you'll need to decide if you want to be an LPN, (Licensed Practical Nurse) or an RN, (Registered Nurse.)
- Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse *An LPN can obtain their education through a vocational school or a community college. The LPN course in many states, determines the completion, by the amount of hours, the student attends both classes and clinical experience. In the state of New York, a student can obtain the degree in as little as 1 year of full time attendance. Understanding each state varies.After the course is completed, the student must take the state exam and pass.
If your not 100% sure you want to be a nurse an LPN degree is a good place to start for the obvious reasons: shorter amount of time to complete schooling, lower tuition costs and as an LPN you work under the supervision of an RN, so in "most" cases less responsibility. It's important to remember that each state has it's own rules and regulations as to what an LPN can and can't do.
- Becoming a Registered Nurse *
If your desire is to be an RN, you will need a minimum two year degree, known as, an associates degree in Nursing. This degree can be earned at a community college or university. You must pass all the courses and the clinical part of the degree. When you have graduated you may work as a, GN (Graduated Nurse), under the supervision of an RN. While you wait to take your state test.
- Bachelor's Degree In Nursing *
Once you become an RN, you can return to school to get your Bachelor's degree, this degree will provide you with a higher income and open new doorways for you such as specialty area's: Neo-Natal, Pediatrics, Cardiology, surgery and a large and growing number of other specialties.
- Master's Degree In Nursing *
A Master's degree, will provide a nurse with an even higher income and more job possibilities. An RN with a master's degree can teach, work in supervisor positions, administrative positions as well as a nurse midwife, a nurse practitioner and a nurse anesthesiologist. As well as entry in to a PA (physician assistant.)
With all of these degree's you can work in a hospital, doctor's office, nursing home, schools, prison facility, or anywhere there is a need for a nurse.
No matter what degree you choose, you have chosen a noble profession.
