Most individuals begin their career by finding the right school of nursing at which to begin their education. The shortest route to obtaining employment as a nurse is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN. Typically, acquiring the credentials to practice as an LPN requires only one year of training at a vocational school, technical school, or community college. The most common responsibility taken on by LPNs is that of basic bedside care. This may be in a hospital, convalescent home, or other care facility. They may measure and track vital signs, give injections, and dress wounds, among other tasks. During the year required for their education, the nursing student will take courses in subjects such as pharmacology, first aid, nutrition, and anatomy. In addition to classroom work, the student will also complete clinical practice in which they train for patient care.

Many LPNs will go back to a school of nursing in order to gain credentials to be a Registered Nurse, also commonly called an RN. RNs treat and educate patients, utilizing their increased knowledge to perform the duties of an LPN in addition to performing therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In some cases, RNs are placed in supervisory positions over LPNs and nurses aides. The more educational experience an RN possesses, the better their opportunities for employment, advancement, and salary will be. It is possible to obtain employment after completing an associate degree, which generally involves a two year program if the student attends full time. All classes in pursuit of an associate degree will relate specifically to the study of the science and techniques of nursing. Other students become an RN by earning a bachelor degree. Over a four year course of study, they take all necessary nursing-related courses and augment them with the college’s general education requirements. Once the associate or bachelor degree is complete, the student must take the National Council Licensure Exam, or NCLEX, to obtain the necessary credentials to practice.

Even after obtaining a bachelor degree, many nursing professionals will return to a school of nursing to acquire further education. Interested students may earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree at various accredited institutions. These advanced, post-graduate degrees allow nurses to further specialize in a particular practice area and provide them with the necessary qualifications to take on supervisory roles at hospitals and other health care centers. A few universities also offer students the option of earning a doctorate or PhD in nursing studies. After completion of one of these programs, the individual may decide to teach, perform research, or may accept a supervisory role in a larger health care facility.

Individuals who have a natural capacity for compassion and sympathy typically make good candidates for the nursing profession. It is also essential for nurses to have the ability to remain calm in situations that may become exceedingly stressful. In some cases, the nurse may be called upon to provide support to distraught family members, requiring the nurse to possess emotional stability and a cool, reasonable outlook. Nurses are typically required to have excellent attention to detail and a willingness to continue their educational experiences. Some states require that nurses complete continuing education classes in order to keep their licensure intact. Additionally, advances in medical technology and procedures require that nurse’s maintain flexibility and openness to these changes.

Within the nursing profession, there are often many opportunities for advancement. A new nurse fresh out of nursing school may begin as a staff nurse in a hospital. As the individual gains experience and demonstrates their abilities, they may be promoted to other positions that take on greater responsibility. Nurses may also become involved in more administrative or supervisory roles. Position titles for such roles may be: chief of nursing, vice president of nursing, or assistant director of nursing. Most of these roles will require a post-graduate degree. They each must assume a great deal of responsibility and the salaries typically offered for such positions reflect this.

Nursing is not an easy profession; however, it can be a rewarding one. By choosing the right school of nursing, the student embarks upon a career that can open many doors for them. They have the opportunity of working in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and care facilities. When the student chooses to further their education, and pursues advanced degrees, they may find themselves taking on new responsibilities and new roles in administration and management. Above all, nursing is an excellent profession through which to connect with other people. Nurses help individuals through difficult circumstances with grace, strength, and compassion.