Nursing: How To Become A Registered Nurse

The appreciation of nursing is usually overshadowed by romanticized concepts and generalizations such as, "why a nurse and not a doctor?" The answer is simple and entirely convincing. This article will attempt to outline the steps needed to cement your path to Nursedom, and also offer irrefutably reasoning as to why this career choice is an incredibly solid platform, that will never leave you without a challenging and rewarding experience.

As the world population continues to increasingly bump shoulder, disease and illness will also increase. Both because of an increase in global population and because of overpopulation in urban areas. As gloomy as it sounds, the demand for nurses will also rise steadily, amplified further by the current imbalance between nurses and doctors.

Becoming a nurse is also a highly flexible career. You will not be concerned into a niche, and finding an alternative will always be an option. Here are some ideas that highlight a nurse's flexibility.

• Children's nursing

• Learning disability nursing

• Adult nursing

• Nurse and midwifery education

• Mental health nursing

As you can see, the job description varies immensely so for those of us who were held back by notions of becoming blood-sick or emotionally crippled, you might want to think again. In fact, nursing can be an incredibly fulfilling emotional experience.

On a more concrete and financial level, most people will be quick to point out that a career as a nurse can be underpaid. This, historically, is true. Any of us who have been to hospital can attest to the amount of interaction and work nurses are required to perform. Due to the often tense environments and stress levels, nurses are also on the front-line of abuse. Is it worth it? I believe the answer is a resounding YES.

As time goes by individuals as well as society as a whole have begun to take note of the importance of a nurse's job. Large unions in many european countries have formed in order to create awareness, increase demands and to push for greater rewards and more rights. In 2008 in England for instance, Alan Johnston, the health secretary, promised nursing unions an increase in 8% pay, the effects are currently being felt by nurses all over Britain.

In the U.S becoming a registered nurse can be difficult without the correct educational foundations (although to a lesser degree than doctors -- consider the playing field a little more open). In order to complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) you must first have a 3 year degree or diploma in nursing studies from an accredited nursing school. You must have advanced credits in English, Maths and Biology from your High school diploma. 40 to 80 clinical hours amassed in the fields of pediatrics, obstetrics and psychiatry which should be organized by nursing schools. foreign nurses will need to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certification program as well as complete all the above prerequisites.

The role of a LPN (also know as an LVN in certain states) is similar to the role of the Registered Nurse but requires less training (as little as one year) and will usually also pay a little bit less as well. The good news is that you can begin working and amassing experience right away. A quick job overview of the LPN is as follows:

• Works under direction of doctors of RNs
  
• Take vital signs
• Gather patient health information
• Prepare and deliver injections
• Assist patients in personal hygiene tasks
• Collect lab samples and perform routine lab tests
• Help care for and feed infants
• Teach patients and family members about good health habits
• Supervise nursing assistants and aides

Both Rns and LNPs offer advantages in a stable career field. Both positions can be achieved no matter the age (especially with regards to the LNP) and are a lifelong open invitation.

I hoped you enjoyed this hub, if you did, feel free to browse my other "How To Become articles" which are in my profile. Thanks for stopping by!