I Am Thinking About Becoming a Nurse: Is it Right For Me?
Nursing is a popular career path for many people across the country and around the world. Working in the medical field is exciting because you have the chance to really make a difference in people's lives. If you are considering nursing as a career, you are probably wondering if you have what it takes to be successful in this field. Here's what you need to know.
Personal Traits
Some people are better suited to nursing than others, thanks to their innate personality traits. Here are some of the most common skills and personality traits that will serve you well in a career as a nurse:
- Communication - In many cases, you'll be the patient's first point of contact. Although the doctor will have the final say in terms of diagnosis and treatment, you'll often be the messenger who delivers information to the patient on behalf of the doctor. Because of this, you'll need to be adept at communicating with people.
- Calm Under Pressure - In some cases, you'll be working with patients who are in emergency situations. Getting flustered and stressed out won't help anyone and can actually traumatize the patient even further. To do well as a nurse, you'll need to be able to keep your emotions in check so that you can serve as a rock for your patients to lean on in times of crisis.
- Empathy - Depending on the branch of nursing you choose, you may be working with patients who have just gotten the horrible news that their case is terminal or not responding to treatments. These patients are often in very fragile states, so you'll need to be empathetic to their plights so you can approach them with care and compassion.
- Flexibility - We're not talking about physical flexibility here, but rather, flexibility in terms of your work schedule. Like doctors, nurses often work unusual hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. You may also need to work overtime on occasion. Make sure that your lifestyle can accommodate an unusual schedule, taking into consideration any significant other, children, pets and other commitments.
Educational Background
You'll need to gain a formal education in nursing in order to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). You must be licensed in your state to be allowed to practice as a nurse.
At minimum, you'll need a two-year associate's degree in nursing before you can take the exam. This is a popular path for those who wish to specialize in a particular area of nursing. Upon graduation, you'll be able to take the licensing exam. If you pass, you can begin looking for work as a nurse. If not, you may wish to continue your education and complete a bachelor's degree before taking the test again.
There are more advanced degrees in nursing at the graduate and master's levels as well, but they are not required to start working as a nurse. You may decide to pursue further education later on in your career to expand your options into nursing education, clinical research, and more.
Get the Education You Need at ECPI University
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? If you want to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated course of study. For more information on this exciting degree, connect with a helpful ECPI University admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Nursing (RN) - Associate’s
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