How Can I Become a Nurse?
Nurses are in high demand. Hospitals need nurses to help with the influx of patients, and clinics need nurses to work with patients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses are projected to grow at a rate of 15 percent, which is higher than the national average.
Becoming a nurse requires a combination of education and hands-on experience. Nurses attend accredited schools that meet the requirements for the Florida Board of Nursing as well as national standards for nursing knowledge and skill.
A nursing education
The good news is that becoming a nurse usually only takes around two years, so that you can start your career as an entry-level nurse as soon as possible. Many nursing courses are offered online; however, clinicals will need to be done in-person. The clinicals provide hands-on experience with simulated patients before the nurse begins working with actual patients.
Applying the knowledge that you learn in school is invaluable before taking the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse. Students learn about nursing and medicine in the classroom, but they learn how to apply this knowledge from clinicals in both simulated and real-life situations.
The skills and knowledge needed for nursing
The courses for the Associate of Science in Nursing at HCI include nursing theory courses and medical knowledge classes that equip you with the science and anatomy needed to help patients. You learn about drawing blood, taking vitals, reading medical machines, administering medications, explaining diagnoses to patients, and more.
Student nurses learn about and gain introductory experience in professional nursing, emergency room nursing, pediatric nursing, and geriatric nursing. These topics are covered in Nursing I, II, and III. Students also learn about psychiatric nursing.
By the time students finish the nursing program, they should understand the principles of nursing and patient care, as well as the medical knowledge needed to treat patients. Labs and clinicals place student nurses in a medical setting for applying their knowledge.
The final step in becoming a nurse is taking the NCLEX. Once you have passed the NCLEX, you are officially a Registered Nurse and able to begin looking for employment as a nurse. Learn more by contacting us today about becoming a nurse in Florida.
