How to become a Nurse Practitioner
Choosing to become a nurse practitioner as a career is a good way of serving the community. If you want to become a nurse you should possess the required skills and education before you can be recognized as a nurse practitioner. The following piece of article will give you more insight on how to become a nurse.
What is the role of a nurse?
As a nurse you will be required to work alongside a physician, general practitioner, a surgeon etc. Your job as a nurse will involve patient care, administering of prescribed medication, arrange for doctor-patient visits, etc.
In order for you to become a qualified nurse you must possess the right credentials and a license to practice as a nurse. You must have a certain level of education, training, skills and experience.
Education requirements
You must enroll for an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from a recognized institution. This degree program will prepare you to become a registered nurse. The course content of this degree contains mental health, psychiatric studies, health assessment pediatric care, pharmacology, and community outreach.
Licensure andCertification
It is mandatory for you to apply for a nursing license which requires you to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) before you become a registered nurse. You will only be allowed to practice as a registered nurse only after successfully passing the Licensure examination.
You should also get certified to work as a nurse practitioner which requires you to take the certification examination like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners ( AANP) or its equivalent.
Required skills and training
It is advisable for you to gain experience as a nurse by working in a clinic, hospital or a health center. This is essential in building your experience as a nurse and will also give you the opportunity to build your confidence in your new career path.
As a nurse you must possess the following skills if you want to succeed in your new career.
You must be patient, empathetic, kind, caring and loving given the fact that you will be dealing with different kinds of people. Possession of good communication skills is also an important aspect when pursuing a career as a nurse.
Choosing to become a nurse as profession can be a rewarding experience for you especially if you enjoy seeing the sick and unwell getting better. Working as a nurse is also a positive contribution towards society.
