Tips for Starting a Nursing Career

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Tips for Starting a Nursing Career

Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare field. Between the reward of helping people and a lucrative salary of around $77,460 per year as a registered nurse, you could benefit from entering the field, especially as a mother. But where do you start? National Recruiters explains where and how.

Research Your Nursing School Options

Before you begin a career, research your local nursing school options. Think about the size of the class. Would you like a more personal experience with smaller class sizes?

Make sure you choose an accredited school. You should also look at the school’s reputation. Moreover, by performing an online search, you can learn about the experiences previous students had, which can help you decide which school is best for you. 

If you’re a stay-at-home mom or busy as a working mom, look into schools that offer night courses. You could also take as many of your courses online and then transfer into a nursing school to complete any classes that require in-person learning as well as your clinicals. You’ll need to look into the necessary courses for your particular nursing school first. 

Whichever type of schooling you choose, make sure that you can afford the tuition. When calculating how much you can spend, be sure to take into account current debts. If you already owe a considerable amount in student loan payments, you may want to pause enrollment until you can get your debt under control. You can retrieve precise and real-time liability information by using API credit loan software. When you know exactly what you owe on your mortgage, credit cards, and student loans, it’ll be easier to budget for your education. 

Look into School Requirements

Once you choose a school, learn about the school’s requirements. You may need to draft a stellar error-free essay or provide recommendation letters. 

In some cases, you may need to complete and pass certain exams. However, the school may waive this prerequisite depending on your age.

Earn the Proper Degree 

While an associate degree is the minimum required, many jobs will only hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Plus, TNAA Healthcare notes that you have more earning potential and can better address patient needs. 

Keep in mind that once you earn your associate’s degree, you may complete your bachelor’s degree online. Additionally, you could choose to advance your degree even further and earn a master’s, which can be done online as well. At this level, you can specialize.

Take the NCLEX 

In every state, you must complete the National Council Licensure Examination examination. To gain eligibility, you must have at least an associate degree from an accredited school.

Besides studying on your own, you may also want to complete a test preparation course. The test is rigorous to ensure quality standards in nursing. Fortunately, you can retest multiple times within a year, though the exact number depends on your state.  

Search for Employment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 3,080,100 jobs for RNs as of 2020, and it predicts a 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030. As you’re searching, keep in mind that 61% of jobs are in hospitals. However, you can also find opportunities in nursing homes, ambulatory health service facilities, and government and educational establishments. 

Take the Next Step to Better You and Your Family’s Future

As a registered nurse, you’ll have an opportunity to make a difference in your community and family’s future. You’re also setting a good example for your children at the same time, as you go back to further your education.  

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