Become a registered nurse

Typical day
Nurses carry out physician orders; serve as client advocates; administer medications, IVs and injections; care for patient wounds; change dressings and managing the total care of their patients. Schools, factories, hospitals, physician offices, wellness centers, community centers and hospice programs all employ nurses. You can work with children in a pediatrician’s office, with the elderly in a long-term care facility or with teens in a high school. You can even take your skills to the military.

“Nurses need to be willing and able to take charge in difficult and challenging situations,” says Capt. Nicole Candy, who joined the Army Nurse Corps after earning a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree (BSN).

“[Nurses] must be able to express their ideas and solutions in a clear and concise manner. They are often looked to for input and opinions on patient care and hospital policy from peers and physicians.”

Is it for you?
Nurses must be compassionate and be able to communicate well with patients and families. As a nursing student, you’ll take classes in health ethics, biology, pharmacology, psychology, chemistry, nutrition and leadership.

There has been a recent shortage in nurses, so pursuing a career in the field might mean you’ll have an easy time finding a job after graduation.

Education
One way to become a registered nurse (RN) is to pass a licensing exam after completing a four-year BSN. A licensed practical nurse (LPN, also known as a LVN in some states) has completed an accredited practical nursing program at a vocational school or community college. An LPN also must pass a licensing exam. Get a bachelor’s degree in nursing if you want to be eligible for careers in administration, graduate school, specialization or other advancements, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends.

To discover other careers, visit nextSTEPmag.com/careers.