Questions for nurses or anyone else knowledgeable about nursing

Question

I'm basically wondering the steps to becoming a nurse? What should I be majoring in college? I have to move onto graduate school afterward I take it. Can someone please explain in detail the pathway to becoming a registered nurse?

Answer 1

There are a few choices.  In any of them, you need to major in Nursing (that's actually a major).

-Associate's degree - many community colleges and even some hospitals teach a 2 or 3 year program to become an RN.  You will want to complete your BSN at some point, however, if you want any advancement.

-Bachelor of Science (BSN) - This is the standard for most nurses these days.  You attend a traditional 4 year college where you get a more rounded education (humanities, etc) besides your nursing education.  I'm not sure, but some hospitals may require this level to be hired, or at least for certain nursing jobs such as ER or a specialized ICU.

-Master's Degree - Most nurses I know & work with don't do this right away, they do it after working in nursing for a few years.  You can study specialties, such as Nurse Practitioner which is a nurse with additioal skills meant to assist a physician (in some states they can even write prescriptions).

Bottom line - like many other jobs, there is a minimum amount of education required, but to be truly good at your job, you need more.

Answer 2

Can only answer for UK.

University entrance is now essential. You can do diploma or degree in most places, so can gain entry with GCSE's or A Levels. Most will also accept NVQ level 3 with Care assistant experience