Nursing is more than a profession. It’s a commitment to helping others during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Nurses combine medical skill with compassion, guiding patients through treatment and recovery while supporting families along the way.

Today, the need for skilled nurses is greater than ever. The United States continues to face a nationwide nursing shortage as experienced professionals retire and healthcare demands grow. This shortage means new nurses have opportunities to step into vital roles and make an immediate impact in hospitals, clinics, and community care settings.

If you feel called to help people and have an interest in healthcare, becoming a registered nurse (RN) could be a strong fit. Here’s what to expect from the job, how to prepare, and what skills matter most in this essential field.

What It’s Like to Be a Nurse

Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Their responsibilities vary by setting, but the heart of the role stays the same: caring for people who need it most.

The work is meaningful

Many nurses find purpose in their daily work. They help patients recover, educate families, and provide comfort during stressful times. Nursing has consistently ranked among the most trusted professions, and for good reason: nurses make a difference every single day.

The job can be demanding

Nursing takes focus, stamina, and empathy. Shifts can be long, and patient needs can change quickly. Nurses manage medication schedules, monitor vital signs, and coordinate with doctors and specialists. The emotional side of the work can be challenging, but teamwork and support from colleagues help keep it manageable.

The responsibility is significant

Nurses are a vital link in the healthcare system. They’re often a patient’s main point of contact, noticing early changes in condition and communicating with the care team. Because the job carries so much responsibility, education and preparation are essential before stepping into the role.

How to Get Started in Nursing

Becoming a nurse takes time, dedication, and the right training. While everyone’s path may look slightly different, most nurses follow these five main steps.

1. Choose your path

Decide what kind of nurse you want to be. Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, assist with procedures, and often specialize in areas such as pediatrics, cardiology, or critical care.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) usually complete shorter programs and often continue their education later to become RNs.

2. Enroll in an accredited program

To become an RN, you’ll need to complete an approved nursing program. The most common starting point is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which usually takes about two years.

ADN programs blend classroom learning with clinical training. Students can expect to study topics such as

• Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding how the human body functions and responds to illness or injury.
• Pharmacology and Dosage Calculations: Learning how medications work, how to calculate correct doses, and how to administer them safely.
• Foundations of Nursing Practice: Exploring basic nursing concepts, patient care techniques, and the role of professional ethics.
• Pathophysiology: Studying how diseases develop and affect body systems.
• Medical-Surgical and Acute Care Nursing: Gaining experience in caring for adults with complex health conditions in hospital settings.
• Maternal and Newborn Nursing: Learning how to support mothers and infants before, during, and after birth.
• Pediatric and Family Health Nursing: Understanding child development and family-centered care.
• Mental Health Nursing: Developing skills to support patients coping with emotional and psychological challenges.

Clinical placements give students hands-on experience in real healthcare settings under professional supervision.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

After graduation, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. The exam measures your ability to apply nursing knowledge to real situations, covering topics like patient safety, infection control, and care management.

4. Find your fit

Once you’re licensed, you can explore different healthcare environments. Some nurses prefer fast-paced hospital settings, while others enjoy long-term care, rehabilitation, or community health. You might discover a specialty that fits your personality and strengths.

Nursing offers flexibility and opportunities to grow. As you gain experience, you can move into leadership, education, or advanced practice roles.

5. Keep learning

Nursing is a lifelong learning profession. Many RNs later complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which can open doors to management, research, and specialized practice. Continuing education also helps nurses stay current with new treatments, technology, and patient care standards.

What You Gain from a Nursing Education

Nursing education builds the foundation for your professional life. It teaches how to think critically, communicate clearly, and care for patients safely. These are the skills you’ll develop and use throughout your career.

• Patient assessment: Learning how to observe, ask questions, and record accurate information about physical and emotional health.
• Clinical judgment: Applying knowledge to identify symptoms, spot risks early, and choose the right response.
• Care planning: Creating step-by-step plans that address each patient’s needs and set clear goals for recovery.
• Implementation: Practicing how to carry out treatments, give medications safely, and work as part of a healthcare team.
• Evaluation: Checking progress and adjusting care plans when results change or new issues appear.
• Communication: Building trust with patients and families through clear, respectful conversation.
• Collaboration: Coordinating with doctors, therapists, and other nurses to deliver consistent care.
• Technology use: Learning how to manage electronic health records and use modern medical equipment.
• Ethical decision-making: Understanding professional standards and how to handle sensitive situations responsibly.
• Cultural awareness: Respecting differences in background, language, and belief when caring for diverse patients.

Together, these core skills help nurses balance science with empathy. They form the basis of good judgment, confident practice, and lifelong professional growth.

A Career in Caring

Nursing is both a science and a service. It takes skill, focus, and compassion to care for people when they need it most. Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities to make a difference.

For those who feel drawn to help others, nursing offers a career filled with purpose and connection. With the right education and hands-on experience, you can build a future that makes a lasting impact in the lives of patients, families, and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an RN?
Most students earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in about two years, then pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN. At ECPI University, it can be completed in as little as 18 months.

What is the NCLEX-RN?
The NCLEX-RN is a national exam that measures whether you’re ready to practice safely as a registered nurse. 

Where do nursing graduates work?
Graduates can pursue opportunities in hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and other places that need their care.

Is the NCLEX-RN difficult?
It’s a challenging exam that tests both knowledge and critical thinking, but strong preparation makes a big difference. ECPI University’s hands-on nursing program includes NCLEX-RN preparation to help students feel confident to tackle the exam.

Can I advance my career after becoming an RN?
Yes. You can complete an RN-to-BSN program or earn advanced degrees to become a nurse practitioner, educator, or manager.

How long does an RN-to-BSN program take?
At ECPI University, it can take as little as 12 months to complete an RN-to-BSN program all while continuing your work as an RN.