What is Entry Level Nursing: How Can I Become a Nurse?
There is no better time than now to embark on the journey to become a nurse. Those who feel the call to become a nurse could tell you that they have found both personal and professional satisfaction from their job. They are the faces patients see the most. Nurses should have the ability to provide unfailing comfort during the most stressful of times.
If you are hearing the call to become a nurse, it is important to know what will be expected of you in this field:
- Promoting treatment and healing of your patients, and their families.
- Discussing your patient's treatment plan with your patient and their family members.
- Notating your patient's medical history, while also monitoring their vitals.
- Assisting doctors in diagnostics and procedures.
What does entry-level look like for an RN?
Everyone starts off somewhere. When it comes to starting your life as a nurse, you will have to start at the very beginning. As an entry-level nurse, you might be in charge of obtaining a complete medical history from either your patient, or their family members. At the same time, you will be monitoring their current vital signs.
As an entry-level nurse, you should be making rounds, administering medication as needed. If you are working in a clinic, you could be responsible for providing first aid and immunizations. You might also be responsible for inserting catheters and feeding tubes. Nurses are also typically in change of discharging patients.
Individuals who are looking to begin nursing in homecare will find themselves with many advantages. Many entry-level nurses gravitate to this opportunity, as it provides flexibility in scheduling. Along with flexibility, it is also more one-on-one. The nurse is able to provide more of an in-depth approach to caring for a patient.
Is an ADN important to obtain if you want to become a nurse?
Absolutely! There are many advantages to obtaining your ADN before pursuing a higher degree. Accelerated learning gives you a further advantage if you don't want to wait long to pursue your dreams. With multiple starts per year, you don't have to wait for fall or spring to start. You also could learn faster, earning an ADN, a two-year degree, in as little as 18 months.
You could be able to sit for your licensing exam sooner. Not only that, utilizing these stepping stones show employers that you are serious about your desire to become a nurse.
How can someone with no experience in the field apply for a degree program?
You have the desire to become a nurse, however, you have no experience in the field. You want to be successful in your program, but you do not know how to go about it. Here are some tips that can help you in your degree program:
- Network with individuals who are currently working in the field: Do you have any friends or acquaintances who are working as nurses? Talk to them about what it takes to become a nurse. Ask them about the good, the bad, and the ugly. What did their programs consist of, and what should you look out for?
- Consider volunteering at a hospital: One of the best ways to get to know this amazing field is by volunteering at a hospital. You will see, firsthand, what a day in the life of a nurse is all about.
- Research what nursing is like: The internet is full of blogs written by nurses, nursing articles, and websites from official nursing bodies. Make sure your sources are solid, but enjoy reading all about being a nurse.
How do I know if nursing is for me?
Nursing is not for the faint of heart; it is a lot of hard work. There are long hours and highly stressful situations. However, those that have the following characteristics have generally been able to overcome these obstacles and become successful nurses.
Nursing may be a great fit for you if:
- You have a ton of compassion
- You have respect for medical patients, their families, and everyone you work with
- You are able to thrive under extreme pressure
- You are an expert communicator
- You pay close attention to detail
- You are knowledgeable about your craft
Are You Ready to Become a Nurse?
Are you excited about becoming a nurse and want to get started today? If you want to earn an Associate Degree of Nursing, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/.