How to Become a Nurse: Steps to Start Your Nursing Career

Table of Contents

Learning how to become a nurse isn’t as simple as applying for a single course or earning a single qualification and then applying for a job. As a nurse, you will be directly responsible for providing care to those in need, giving you a real chance to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a rewarding career, but it is also a demanding one. As such, the path to becoming a nurse requires a few steps.

 

Whether you’re just starting your journey towards becoming a nurse or you’re thinking of making a career change, understanding the steps to get into the career can help you map out your career trajectory. Aside from selecting the right education path, learning how to navigate the job market and the different specializations you can aim at can help you greatly, as well.

 

Here, we’re going to look at everything you need to know about how to become a nurse. If you’re ready to start learning how to set off on this meaningful career journey, keep reading and we’ll show you how.

Understanding The Nursing Profession

One of the most important things to understand, upfront, is that nursing is not a single job. It is one of the most respected, vital, and varied fields in all of healthcare. Nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients, advocating for their needs, and educating them on how to take better care of their health. They are often the first point of contact for patients, offering medical care but also offering emotional support and guidance.

 

The responsibilities of a nurse can vary greatly depending on where they work and what their specific job title is, but they can range from administering medicine and monitoring patient health to collaborating with doctors and educating families about the treatment plans that have been prescribed for them.

There’s More Than One Kind Of Nurse

The nursing profession covers a wide variety of roles, each of them with different responsibilities. Here are just a few examples:


  • Registered Nurses (RNs) usually work in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, providing direct care and carrying out patient treatment plans.
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) typically provide basic care, such as checking vital signs and helping with daily living needs.
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) such as Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Anesthetists take on more specialized responsibilities, utilizing advanced training, such as diagnosing illnesses and administering specific medications.

 

Beyond these roles, nurses can choose to further specialize in fields such as pediatrics, oncology, emergency, and more. There is a lot of room to tailor your career to your interests and skills.

The Vital Role Of Nurses

Across the majority of positions, nurses focus on holistic care, addressing not just the medical needs of the patient, but the emotional and psychological needs as well. As such, nurses tend to require empathy, emotional resilience, and communication skills to go along with their medical knowledge. 

 

Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, often acting to bridge the gap between doctors and patients, and providing a level of consistent care that is impossible for doctors. As such, demand for nurses continues to grow, making the profession a stable one, with plenty of room for advancement.

 

Understanding what it is to be a nurse is crucial if you plan to build a career as one For many, it’s more than just a job. It is a calling to care, heal, and make a direct impact on the lives of those in their community.

Educational Paths In Nursing

If you want to become a nurse, then choosing the right career path to fit your career goals is vital. The timeline and resources necessary for different educational paths can differ, as well. There are entry-level options as well as advanced degrees, each with its own requirements.

Entry Level Programs

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):  This is one of the faster paths into the healthcare sector, often requiring just a few weeks to months of training. CNAs provide basic patient care, like feeding, bathing, and monitoring vital signs. While it does not result in one becoming a nurse, many use it to get a foot into the industry, after which they can pursue further education.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): This position requires a one-year diploma or certificate program. LPNs/LVNs offer basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and doctors. Just like a CNA, it offers a faster route into the workforce.

Degree Programs

  • Associate Degree In Nursing (ADN): This two-year program, typically offered at community colleges, prepared graduates to become Registered Nurses (RNs) after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. It is a slightly more cost-effective and time-efficient way to work towards nurse licensure.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A slightly more time-intensive option, this is a four-year degree program from colleges and universities, that provides a wider range of career opportunities, including in leadership and specialty roles. This level of education has become a preferred option for many employers looking for nurses.

Advanced Degrees for Specialized Roles

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): A two-year program, typically completed after a BSN. It readies nurses for more advanced roles, such as Nurse practitioner (NP), Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Ph.D in Nursing: These degrees typically focus on clinical practice or research and academia. Nurses typically apply for these when they are aiming to lead in healthcare innovation, policy, or education.

Which Path Is Right For You?

The appropriate education level is determined by your career goals, as well as how much time you are able to put into your education right now. There are online and hybrid options to make many of these more accessible, as well as bridge programs that allow you to start working while continuing with your education.

 

Those looking to immediately get started in the medical field might want to look into an LPN-to-RN bridge program for instance. Regardless, there are opportunities for anyone looking to make a difference at any level.

Meeting Licensing Requirements

Once you’ve finished your education, the next step is to get the license you need to practice. Licensing ensures that nurses meet the minimum standards of knowledge, skill, and professionalism to provide care for patients. Here’s what it entails:

Passing the NECLEX Exam

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the test required for nursing licensure in the US. The different versions determine which job title the holder is qualified for. For instance, Registered Nurses have to pass the NCLEX-RN, while those looking to work as LVN or LPN need to pass the NCLEX-PN.

 

Whichever version you opt for, your knowledge of nursing principles, patient care, and critical thinking will be tested. As a computer adaptive test, the difficulty of questions shifts depending on your answers. There are services and courses that can help you better prepare for the NECLEX.

State Licensing Requirements

Each state or jurisdiction has its own Board of Nursing that oversees licensure and may have additional criteria on top of passing the NECLEX, such as background checks, fingerprinting, completion of certain forms, paying fees, and proof of graduation from an accredited nursing program.

 

Internationally educated nurses seeking licensure in the US need to check with their local Board of Nursing for requirements to practice in the US, which may require passing the NCLEX, demonstrating English proficiency, and completing an evaluation.

Maintaining Your License

You have to meet continuing education (CE) requirements to renew your lciense (usually every two years). This keeps you current with advancements in healthcare and maintains minimum standards of competence. The requirements can vary by state, as well, so it’s important to check them with the local Board of Nursing.

Explore Specializations In Nursing

There are several specializations in nursing that allow you to fit your career to your interests and skills. Aside from giving you specific expertise, they can also open up paths to diverse and lucrative careers. Some popular specializations include the following:


  • Pediatric Nursing: Focusing on care for infants, children, and adolescents, often in pediatric wards, clinics, and schools.
  • Geriatric Nursing: Focusing on the care of elderly patients and addressing age-related health issues, often in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospitals.
  • Emergency Nursing: Providing care in critical situations, such as trauma or sudden illness, in fast-paced environments like emergency rooms.
  • Oncology Nursing: Caring for patients diagnosed with cancer, providing treatment and emotional support, in hospitals and cancer treatment centers as well as in research facilities.
  • Nurse Anesthetist: Administers anesthesia during surgical procedures and monitors patient recovery.
  • Nurse Educator: Trains future nurses in academic and healthcare settings, using both clinical expertise with teaching skills.

 

There are many potential benefits to specializing, such as opening up leadership roles and opportunities to work in niche fields. This can often lead to higher salaries, especially in those roles that require more specialized knowledge and skills. 

 

If you’re considering a specialty, keep in mind your interests, strengths, and career goals. Many people do find better personal fulfillment working in a field that they are more interested in. Those beginning their nursing career should keep an eye out for areas of nursing they enjoy better during clinical rotations or work experience.

 

It’s important to always research the qualifications needed for any specialty you’re interested in, so you can work towards opening the pathway to the career you want.

Navigating The Job Market

After you’ve earned your nursing license, it’s time to earn the position you want, fitting your skills, interests, and career goals. The nursing job market requires preparation, networking, and a good understanding of what employers seek. Here are a few tips to help you manage it.

Build a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

If you want to stand out in the job market, you need a well-crafted resume and cover letter. They should highlight your relevant education, clinical experience certifications, as well as specific skills, like proficiency with electronic health records or patient care techniques. 

 

It’s important to remember to tailor your application to each job. Having a template application with all of the details that you slim down to the most relevant ones every time you apply can help you better match your approach to the role.

Build Profesisonal Conections

Networking can greatly increase your chances of finding the job you want. Find mentors such as nursing instructors, supervisors, or more experienced professionals who can offer advice and potentially offer referrals. You can also join professional associations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) to provide events and networking opportunities.

 

It’s important to build relationships as you work on your early career, as workplaces are often the best places to hear about potential job openings.

Where To Look For Jobs

Aside from the regular job boards, you should make sure that you’re looking at nursing-specific job boards, of which there are plenty online. There are nursing agencies that can help find jobs for you, often useful for those looking for temporary work and willing to travel.  You should also regularly check local employers directly, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, public health agencies, and the like.

Prepare For Interviews

Given how important good bedside manner is, it’s important to make a good impression in person. Ensure that you are professionally put together for interviews and practice answering common interview questions, which can easily be found online.

Essential Skills for Succesful Nurses

While highly fulfilling and yet rewarding, nursing is also a demanding profession. People looking to work in the field need to understand that it will test not just their technical expertise, but a variety of skills beyond that as well. As such, let’s look at some of the skills you will need to work on:

Clinical and Technical Skills: 

  • Medical Knowledge: Showing your understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and disease management.
  • Clinical Procedures: Demonstrating proper procedures in tasks like inserting IVs and administering medications.
  • Technology Proficiency: Use of EHR software, medical devices, and diagnostic tools.

Soft Skills

  • Empathy: Showing understanding and care for patients’ emotional and physical needs.
  • Communication: The ability to effectively convey information to patients, families, and colleagues.
  • Active Listening: Listening to and addressing patient concerns.
  • Time Management and Organization: Managing multiple patients and tasks while ensuring a keen eye for detail.
  • Resilience: Remaining calm under pressure and recovering quickly from stressful situations.
  • Collaboration: Teamwork is vital, as nurses work as part of a multidisciplinary team, requiring respect and cooperation.

 

Honing these skills allows nurses to excel in their roles, helping to maintain the quality of care that patients deserve in healthcare settings.

Continuing Education and Growth

As dynamic and varied as nursing can be, those working in the field have to commit to lifelong learning to keep up with advancements in the field. Continuing education (CE) isn’t just a requirement to keep your lciense, however, but offers new opportunities to grow your career, too.

Importance of Continuing Education

Aside from the fact it’s mandated by most state Boards of Nursing, CE keeps you knowledgeable about new treatments that you’re likely to use, as well as changes in best practices and patient safety.

Advanced Certifications and Degrees

There is plenty of room for advancement in the field for those who want it. Credentials like certifications in Critical Care (CCRN) or Oncology (OCN) can offer specialized roles with higher pay. Others, such as a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) can open the doors to leadership and teaching careers.

Professional Development Opportunities

Joining professional organizations like the aforementioned ANA or other specialty-specific groups can give you access to conferences, webinars, and other events that allow you to learn from experts and stay updated on industry trends.

Remaining Competitive In The Job Market

Staying current with the technology and trends, and learning more advanced skills allows you to continue to remain competitive in the job market. It’s not just vital to help you maintain your position, it can also help you stay flexible in your career and open to further opportunities.

 

Continuing education and growth empower nurses to provide exceptional care while advancing their personal and professional aspirations.

Get Started With Your Nursing Journey

Choosing to start your nursing career can be a highly exciting and rewarding decision, but it’s important to ensure that you take the first right step down your path. This begins with researching the different opportunities, roles, and career paths, and finding out what educational and licensing requirements you have to meet.

 

The nursing field is varied, and there is a lot of room to start off on one level before transitioning to another through further education and training. However, if you have career goals in mind, then this guide should have given you an idea of what it takes to reach them.

 

Nursing is always evolving, so it’s important to do further research, as requirements can change over time. If anything, hopefully, this guide has demonstrated the importance of doing your research to build the career you want.