Becoming a nurse is a highly commendable career choice, and I congratulate you! Nursing is a profession that brings immense satisfaction, as it enables you to impact the lives of others positively daily. As you begin your journey toward becoming a registered nurse, you must equip yourself with nursing study guide knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in this field.
You must undergo rigorous training and education, effectively communicate with patients and their families, and develop the necessary critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to make informed decisions in high-pressure situations. However, with determination and dedication, you can become an excellent nurse and make a real difference in the lives of those you serve. Explore the key things you need to know to become an excellent nurse.
Educational Requirements for Nursing Study
The first step to becoming a nurse is completing the proper education. There are a few different paths you can take:
Earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing
Many begin their nursing education by earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a community college or technical school. ADN programs take 2-3 years to complete and focus on hands-on clinical nursing training. They provide the basic level of education required to become a registered nurse.
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs build on the ADN curriculum by including more in-depth nursing research, leadership, and community health coursework. These 4-year programs are offered at universities and colleges. Earning your BSN opens up more job opportunities and higher salaries. Many employers are now requiring their nurses to hold at least a BSN.
Earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing
Those interested in advancing their nursing careers can continue their education by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. This prepares you for roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Anesthetist. The time commitment is roughly 2-3 years beyond the BSN.
Pursuing a Nursing PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree is at the pinnacle of nursing education. This advanced program focuses on research and scholarship and takes 4-7 years to complete post-BSN. Those with a PhD often go into academic teaching positions.
Accelerated & Online Options
Many schools now offer accelerated BSN and MSN programs for those who already hold degrees in other fields and want to transition into nursing. More online nursing programs are available, allowing working nurses to advance their education while still working.
Regardless of your educational path, enroll in a state-approved nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure quality standards.
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Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam
After completing your nursing program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive your nursing license. The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a comprehensive test that evaluates your ability to provide safe, effective nursing care.
Be sure to give yourself ample study time to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. On average, new graduates report studying 100-300 hours for the exam. Many test prep resources are available, from practice questions to tutoring services and review courses. Some key topics to focus your studying on include:
- Adult Health
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Mental health
- Maternal and newborn care
- Leadership and management
- Basic care and comfort
- Safety and infection control
It’s normal to feel nervous about taking the NCLEX-RN, but develop a study plan and be confident in yourself! With diligent preparation, you can pass on your first try.
Finding Your First Nursing Job
Once licensed, it’s Time to start applying for nursing jobs! Focus your job search by deciding what patient population and healthcare setting most interests you. Some top specialty areas include:
Medical/Surgical Nursing
As a medical/surgical nurse, you’ll care for adult patients with various general health conditions, often in a hospital setting. This specialty helps build an excellent foundation of nursing skills.
Emergency Room Nursing
ER nurses thrive under pressure and provide urgent care in hospital emergency rooms. You’ll treat patients with traumatic injuries as well as a wide range of sudden illnesses.
Critical Care Nursing
Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) caring for critically ill patients who require close monitoring. You’ll provide care to those with heart conditions, neurological disorders, trauma, and other complex needs.
Pediatric Nursing
As a pediatric nurse, you’ll work specifically with babies, children, and teenagers in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings. You’ll help kids manage illness, injury, and developmental challenges.
Obstetrics and Newborn Nursing
Labor and delivery nurses care for mothers before, during, and after childbirth and closely monitor newborn babies. You’ll split Time between the delivery room, postpartum unit, and nursery.
Oncology Nursing
Oncology nurses work with cancer patients of all ages, administering chemotherapy, managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and assisting with procedures. You’ll work closely with doctors to coordinate patient care plans.
Geriatric Nursing
Geriatric nurses work with the elderly in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare settings. You’ll gain expertise in managing chronic illness, dementia, palliative care, and other aging-related issues.
These are just a few nursing specialties to consider as you start your job search. Identify openings that align with your interests and qualifications. Highlight your clinical rotation experience in your resume and interview. You’ll find the proper nursing role with perseverance and patience.
Continuing Your Nursing Education
Education doesn’t stop once you have your nursing degree and license. To excel in your career, you must commit to lifelong learning through nursing continuing education. There are several reasons why:
- Stay up-to-date on Medical Advances – Healthcare is constantly evolving. Continuing education ensures you have the current knowledge to provide evidence-based care.
- Advance Your Clinical Expertise – Gain new specialized nursing skills through targeted CE courses and certifications.
- Refresh Core Competencies – Prevent knowledge gaps by regularly reviewing foundations of care like pharmacology, assessment, and emergency response.
- Expand Your Job Opportunities – Advance your career by earning CE credits required for new roles and promotions.
- Meet Licensing Requirements – All states mandate nurses complete CE to renew licenses. Requirements range from 15-30 hours per licensure period.
There are many options for earning cheap or free nursing CE credits through your employer, professional associations, conferences, journals, and online courses. Identify knowledge gaps holding you back and find CE to address them. Lifelong learning is essential to being a great nurse!
Joining Professional Nursing Associations
In addition to advancing your education, join professional nursing associations to expand your network and advance your career. Here are some top organizations to check out:
American Nurses Association
As the premier organization representing the interests of the nursing profession, every nurse should consider joining the ANA. You’ll gain access to advocacy efforts, career advice, scholarships, conferences, publications, and more.
Emergency Nurses Association
If emergency nursing is your specialty, join ENA to stay up-to-date on trauma care protocols through continuing education and network with 20,000+ ER nurse colleagues.
National League for Nursing
Dedicated to nurse education, NLN offers specialized CE courses, faculty development, and valuable connections for nursing instructors and academic leaders.
Oncology Nursing Society
ONS helps oncology nurses deliver quality cancer care through advocacy, education, and research. Join for CE credits and certification and be part of a community of 10,000+ cancer care professionals.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
For ICU nurses, AACN provides advocacy, CE courses, evidence-based protocols, and the chance to connect with 100,000+ acute and critical care nurses.
Don’t go it alone – tap into the knowledge and support of your peers by joining the association aligned with your specialty area and career goals. You’ll open up leadership opportunities while improving your nursing practice.
Maintaining Work/Life Balance
Nursing is demanding, rewarding work, but you must find ways to unplug and recharge outside of your job to avoid burnout. Here are some tips:
- Set Limits – Don’t overcommit to extra shifts. Learn when to say no.
- Take Time Off – Use all your vacation time. Have staycations and weekends away to decompress.
- Get Good Sleep – Make sleep a priority for recovery. Blackout curtains and white noise help.
- Eat Healthy Foods – Pack nutritious snacks and meals to keep your energy up.
- Stay Active – Exercise like yoga reduces on-the-job stress.
- Practice Mindfulness – Try meditating during breaks. Stay centered in the present moment.
- Leave Work at Work – Focus your thoughts on home once your shift ends.
- Ask for Help – Have family and friends pitch in more with household responsibilities.
- Connect with Other Nurses – Lean on peers who understand your challenges.
- Treat Yourself – Take relaxing bubble baths. Get massages. Do things you enjoy.
Caring for yourself helps you better care for your patients. Prioritize work/life balance and learn when to take a break. Your nursing career is a marathon, not a sprint!
Dealing with Challenging Aspects of the Job
For all its rewards, nursing can be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing. It’s essential to be prepared for the realities of the job. Here are some strategies for overcoming the challenges nurses face:
Physical Fatigue
Nurses spend long hours on their feet, doing very active work. Take steps to reduce strain and injury, like stretching, wearing supportive shoes, staying hydrated, and taking breaks. Don’t hesitate to ask colleagues to help with demanding tasks like lifting patients.
Compassion Fatigue
When you’re constantly empathizing and caring for those suffering, it can take an emotional toll over Time. Build resilience through self-care. Also, set emotional boundaries with patients and leave work at work. Debrief with colleagues after complex shifts.
Dealing with Death and Dying
Witnessing severe illness and death is painful but part of the job. Take Time to grieve losses. Reflect on the times you made a patient’s final days more comfortable. Focus on supporting grieving families.
Workplace Violence
While rare, workplace violence does occur in healthcare settings. Take training on de-escalation techniques, self-defense, and responding to active shooter situations. Report all threats and incidents to your supervisor. Your safety is paramount.
Interprofessional Conflict
Tension can arise due to the chaotic, high-stakes nature of healthcare. Communicate clearly and directly with doctors, techs, and other team members. Lead by example in diffusing conflict.
Stress Management
High pressure and making life-or-death decisions are stressful. Control stress by taking breaks, having debriefing sessions with co-workers, and leaving work at work. Don’t take the weight of the world on your shoulders.
The key is being ready for the ups and downs. Take care of yourself, set boundaries, and rely on your team. Nursing has challenges, but the rewards outweigh them.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this nursing study guide provided a helpful overview of how to begin your nursing journey and excel in your career. The key takeaways include:
- Earn your nursing degree, whether an ADN, BSN, MSN, or PhD. Look into accelerated programs.
- Thoroughly prepare to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam on your first try.
- Search for your ideal first nursing job setting and specialty.
- Commit to lifelong nursing CE to stay current and advance.
- Join professional associations to expand your network and knowledge.
- Make work/life balance and self-care a priority to avoid burnout.
- Lean on boundary setting, debriefing, and stress management to overcome the job’s challenges.
Nursing is an endlessly rewarding choice. You’ll make a real difference while constantly growing in your career. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll excel from student to practicing nurse. Now, get out there and start caring for your community!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
A: The quickest path is completing an ADN program, which takes 2-3 years. Earning a BSN takes roughly four years—After graduating, factor in additional Time to study for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Q: What is the most straightforward nursing job?
A: Working in a doctor’s office, school health clinic, or other outpatient setting is often less stressful than hospital nursing. Jobs with weekday daytime hours are considered easier than shift work.
Q: What are the five primary roles of a nurse?
A: The top 5 core roles of registered nurses are:
- Clinical Care – Administering treatments and medications
- Communication – Listening and interfacing with patients, families, and providers
- Patient Education – Teaching self-care skills and health promotion
- Patient Advocacy – Acting in a patient’s best interest
- Documentation – Charting vitals, care plans, procedures, and more in electronic records
Q: What are examples of professional organizations for nurses?
A: Leading national professional nursing organizations include the American Nurses Association (ANA), Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), and National League for Nursing (NLN).
Q: What does BSN stand for in nursing?
A: BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a 4-year undergraduate degree program that confers the BSN degree upon graduation. A BSN is one common way to become eligible for nursing licensure.
