How Can I Become a Nurse Fast: Does it Have to Take 2 Years of School?
A career in nursing is as rewarding as it is challenging. When you're a nurse, chances are that you'll work long hours and change shifts more often than you want to. The erratic schedule and the hectic pace are part of the job. Nevertheless, all of that is worth the effort if it means you can directly help other people at a vulnerable time of their lives. Indeed, not many jobs can make a significant impact other people the same way nursing does.
Are you cut out for nursing?
Not all nursing students are made equal. Technically, anyone can study to become a nurse, but not everyone can be an effective nurse unless they have the necessary patience, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve others. On top of those, an effective nurse also has great communication skills to ensure patients’ needs are met correctly and in a timely manner.
How do you become a nurse?
If you think you have what it takes to be a nurse, the next step is preparing to become one. But it’s not something you can self-study on your own. Formal education is required for nurses.
There's a great way to get a head start into nursing and start working towards your goals. You could earn an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and start working as a nurse once you pass all needed certifications and licensing requirements for your state and your place of future employment. This is a great opportunity, since you can start earning money without putting your life on hold for a degree that could take four or more years to complete.
Better yet, you can always go back and earn more education when the time is right. Just because you got your associates to start doesn't mean you have to stop there. Many nurses elect to become BSNs or MSNs, earning bachelors or master's degree, respectively, in the field of nursing.
What comes next after getting your ADN degree?
To be able to work as a practicing nurse, you need to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is a nationwide test conducted by the National Council Licensure Examination for the licensing of nurses in North America. Once you pass, you should earn your state license and become a registered nurse (RN). At this stage, you’ll already be an employable RN. If you’re an ADN degree holder, you can also choose to pursue a BSN degree after gaining a bit of hands-on experience as a nurse.
There’s so much you can do as a nurse, especially a registered one. You don’t have to limit your workplace to hospitals – you can work at schools, private clinics, outpatient care facilities, etc. You can also work for the government and be stationed at military bases. And given that there is a shortage in healthcare professionals including nurses, you’re sure to find many options once you have your license.
What are you waiting for?
Interested in becoming a nurse? If you want to earn an Associate Degree or Nursing, ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with one of our helpful admissions advisors today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
Gainful Employment Information – Nursing - Associate’s
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.