What is nursing?
Nursing is a profession that involves providing care for patients and their families. Nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes. They provide a wide range of services, including:
- Assessing patients’ needs
- Administering medications and treatments
- Educating patients and their families about their health
- Providing emotional support to patients and their families
Why become a nurse?
There are many reasons to become a nurse. Nursing is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives. Nurses are also in high demand, so there are many job opportunities available. Additionally, nursing is a well-paying profession with good job security.
Types of nursing degrees
There are three main types of nursing degrees:
- Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in nursing (MSN)
How to choose the right nursing degree for you
The right nursing degree for you will depend on your career goals and personal preferences. If you want to become a registered nurse as quickly as possible, an ADN program may be a good option for you. However, if you are interested in pursuing a more advanced nursing career, such as becoming a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, you will need to earn a BSN or MSN degree.
How to get into nursing school
To get into nursing school, you will need to meet certain admission requirements. These requirements vary from school to school, but typically include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A certain GPA (usually 2.5 or higher)
- Prerequisites such as anatomy, physiology, and chemistry
- A passing score on the Nursing School Admission Test (NSAT)
Admission requirements
To get into nursing school, you will need to meet certain admission requirements. These requirements vary from school to school, but typically include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A certain GPA (usually 2.5 or higher)
- Prerequisites such as anatomy, physiology, and chemistry
- A passing score on the Nursing School Admission Test (NSAT)
How to apply
To apply to nursing school, you will typically need to submit an application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some schools may also require an interview.
Financial aid options
There are a variety of financial aid options available to nursing students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. You should contact the financial aid office at your school to learn more about your options.
What to expect in nursing school
Nursing school is a challenging but rewarding program. You will learn about a variety of nursing topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. You will also participate in clinical rotations, where you will gain hands-on experience caring for patients.
Curriculum
The curriculum for a nursing program will vary from school to school, but typically includes courses such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Obstetrical nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
- Community health nursing
Clinical rotations
Clinical rotations are an important part of nursing school. They allow you to gain hands-on experience caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. During your clinical rotations, you will work under the supervision of experienced nurses.
NCLEX-RN exam
After you graduate from nursing school, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become a registered nurse. The NCLEX-RN exam is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge of nursing practice.
Nursing careers
There are a variety of nursing careers available. Some of the most common types of nurses include:
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Nurse midwives (CNMs)
- Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)
Job outlook
The job outlook for nurses is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of registered nurses will grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth is expected to be driven by an aging population and the increasing
