Winning at Student Retention: How to Succeed as a Nontraditional Nursing Student

Nursing student retention is a major question at nursing school programs across the US. What factors help a student stay in or drop out of a program, and how can you stay on the winning side of the retention statistics?

The Surge in Nontraditional Nursing Students

If you’re not coming to nursing school straight out of high school, join the club! The nursing student body is attracting a growing number of what are referred to as “nontraditional students.” According to Marianne R. Jeffreys, author of Nursing Student Retention: Understanding the Process and Making a Difference, nontraditional students tend to fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Age 25 years of age or older
• First-generation college students
• Attend school on a part-time basis
• Members of ethnic or racial minority group
• Speak English as a second language
• Have dependent children
• Have a GED
• Commutes to campus
• Changing to nursing from a former career
• Taking remedial, refresher, or update courses
• Male students

Despite the need for nurses from varied backgrounds to treat an increasingly diverse patient population, nontraditional students face a number of challenges. Quite often, a nontraditional student is driven to drop out owing to time and/or financial constraints, family/childcare responsibilities, work commitments, and other conflicts that interfere with their ability to fulfill course work requirements and achieve academic success.

However, there are a variety of options available to students in such situations. Many programs seek to reactivate lapsed students by offering tuition waivers and make use of special grants to increase student retention and head off the drop-out process. Look for a school that is making use of such grants to create peer-mentoring networks, test prep workshops, and other special activities—measures that have been proven to enhance your experience and increase your chances of success in the program. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help you to meet the challenges of your course-load, reduce stress, give you greater confidence, and increase your chances of passing the NCLEX.

Get the Support You Need—and Deserve

If you are a nontraditional student, keep in mind that your background and situation make you very attractive to the nursing profession! Nontraditional students are in great demand at all levels of nursing education; with your background and abilities you can make a unique and vital contribution.

According to a recent CUNY study, “support by faculty, friends, and family was the key determinant of first semester nursing students’ ability to remain in the nursing course.” Keeping this in mind, take confidence in your value to the profession, don’t be shy, and put yourself out there:

• Make an effort to ask questions in classes and go to faculty for help: it is always better to ask a question than to leave it unasked! If there is something you don’t understand, speak up in class—and if you have more questions than can be managed during a lesson, schedule time to meet with your instructors for help after class.
• Worried about financing your degree? Talk to your financial aid advisor to apply and negotiate for student loans—they’re not just for recent high-school grads. And, if you’re in a BSN program, don’t forget that a nurse externship enables you to collect a salary while gaining hands-on experience with patients—and will also hone your competitive edge in the job market.
• If your school offers a peer mentoring program, take advantage of it. According to the journal Nursing 2020, “students who are peer mentored have better rates of retention and are more successful.” Connecting with a peer mentor can help you to master a challenging course, develop better study habits, bring you closer to your classmates, and increase your self-confidence—all of which can lead to a higher GPA and NCLEX score!
• Make the most of your school’s academic support services. Keep in mind: regular meetings with your faculty advisor can make an enormous difference—for instance, did you know that counseled students have higher retention rates than non-counseled students?

Pursue Success in Your Classes

Nursing is a demanding, rigorous discipline, but those demands can be met. Here are some basic steps you can take toward success in obtaining your degree and license:

• Practice self-efficacy: Self-efficacy reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one’s own motivation, behavior, and social environment. Stanford University’s Albert Bandura says of self-efficacy, “After people become convinced they have what it takes to succeed, they persevere in the face of adversity and quickly rebound from setbacks. By sticking it out through tough times, they emerge stronger from adversity.” Push negative thoughts out of your head and motivate yourself to succeed; form targets and commit to meeting them; be persistent—approach hardships and setbacks as challenges to be overcome with increased energy and efforts.
• Double down on your studying skills (check out the University of North Carolina’s helpful guide, Study Smarter Not Harder). Did you know that time management, organizing, and planning are better indicators of academic success than your total number of study hours? Using your time effectively is the key.
• Attendance is vital. Did you know that your nursing program’s attendance policies may be stricter than the policy of your parent institution? You also need to take into consideration that in a nursing program, in addition to your classroom hours, attendance requirements also include specific nursing course components such as skills laboratory and/or clinical hours.
•  “Attending” while you attend class and read your textbooks and notes is also essential: how involved are you during class and when reading? Speaking of notes, have you developed good note-taking skills? Did you know that most studies indicate it is more effective to take notes by hand instead of using a laptop?
• If you have outside obligations that are making it hard for you to focus, talk to a peer mentor or a faculty advisor—sooner rather than later—about adjustments you can make that will help you to concentrate and remain alert.

How Family, Children, and Work Affect Student Retention

Marianne Jeffreys remarks, “People have lives that constitute more than nursing school. The reality is that environmental factors can influence student retention, persistence, and success more than academic factors.” When it comes to academic success, personal “environment” plays a key role in student retention. For example, are you living with family or raising children? Working a full- or part-time job? Do you have a long commute to and from school? For the traditional student, college adjustment and social integration into the college residential life-environment play a substantial role in academic success. For the nontraditional student, “environment” is largely composed of off-campus life: where you live (and with whom), the financial constraints you live under, family/work obligations, transportation issues, and other factors that affect your life both on- and off-campus.

One hurdle to look out for is the late-semester crunch. Studies have found that the challenges a nontraditional student faces on a day-to-day basis can be lighter or heavier depending on the time of year. Earlier in the semester, for instance, family, relationship, and work responsibilities can exert a moderate, but manageable pressure on the demands of school. Later in a semester, though—for example, when exams are pending—those same responsibilities can feel a lot more burdensome. This is a good time to seek out faculty and peer mentor guidance for help managing time and juggling the various “hats” you wear while fulfilling responsibilities at home, work, and school.

And what about children? An increasing number of students have dependent children; how do they manage? Research has shown that even single parents are more resilient than might be expected. In one study, almost 60% of students with children reported that they found child care to be supportive of their goals and aspirations in nursing, while others stated that their child-care arrangements did not influence course retention at all. As Jeffreys adds, “notably, all of these students remained in nursing courses throughout the semester and successfully passed the course.”

Working while attending school is becoming a fact of life for both traditional and nontraditional students. Even traditional students now often work 30 hours a week or more. And, once again, the perceived impact of employment responsibilities on schooling can be subject to that late-semester crunch. What may seem manageable earlier in the semester can start to feel increasingly restrictive later on. When setting your hours of employment, also keep in mind that the number of hours you work can have a significant impact on academic achievement and student retention: a 40-hour work week can make school substantially harder than a 30-hour work week. Plan out your budget, and don’t take on more hours than you absolutely need.

The Role of Encouragement and Emotional Support

Families can offer forms of support that can compensate for lack of financial wherewithal. Emotional support and expressions of pride and encouragement regarding your educational and career goals can make all of the hardships worthwhile. In her book, Marianne Jeffreys cites a study of over 1100 culturally and generationally diverse undergraduate commuter nursing students that showed family emotional support was one of the most powerful influences on their ability to remain in a nursing course. If you feel that your family or significant other could be more supportive of your efforts, supplement your own inner resources by talking to your advisor or peer mentor. And remember your friends: the support of good friends can give you a boost during crucial moments.

As nursing schools are becoming increasingly reliant on nontraditional students, the issues such students face are attracting ever more attention from administrators and faculty. In addition to the student retention measures already in place, programs will continue to seek out ways to attract—and retain—nontraditional students and support them in their progress toward their degrees. And, whether you are a nontraditional or a traditional student, make your voice heard! Talk to faculty, administrators, and peer mentors to contribute your own suggestions about ways to pave the path to success to graduation.

 What is Nursing?

21st Century nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in need of care, nurses work tirelessly to identify and protect the needs of the individual.  

Beyond the time-honored reputation for compassion and dedication lies a highly specialized profession, which is constantly evolving to address the needs of society. From ensuring the most accurate diagnoses to the ongoing education of the public about critical health issues; nurses are indispensable in safeguarding public health.

Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity and an intuition for a patient’s needs. This is supported by the mind, in the form of rigorous core learning. Due to the vast range of specialisms and complex skills in the nursing profession, each nurse will have specific strengths, passions, and expertise.

However, nursing has a unifying ethos:  In assessing a patient, nurses do not just consider test results. Through the critical thinking exemplified in the nursing process (see below), nurses use their judgment to integrate objective data with subjective experience of a patient’s biological, physical and behavioral needs. This ensures that every patient, from city hospital to community health center; state prison to summer camp, receives the best possible care regardless of who they are, or where they may be.

What exactly do nurses do?

In a field as varied as nursing, there is no typical answer. Responsibilities can range from making acute treatment decisions to providing inoculations in schools. The key unifying characteristic in every role is the skill and drive that it takes to be a nurse. Through long-term monitoring of patients’ behavior and knowledge-based expertise, nurses are best placed to take an all-encompassing view of a patient’s wellbeing.

What types of nurses are there?

All nurses complete a rigorous program of extensive education and study, and work directly with patients, families, and communities using the core values of the nursing process. In the United States today, nursing roles can be divided into three categories by the specific responsibilities they undertake.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses (RN) form the backbone of health care provision in the United States. RNs provide critical health care to the public wherever it is needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform physical exams and health histories before making critical decisions
• Provide health promotion, counseling and education
• Administer medications and other personalized interventions
• Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of health care professionals

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) hold at least a Master’s degree, in addition to the initial nursing education and licensing required for all RNs. The responsibilities of an APRN include, but are not limited to, providing invaluable primary and preventative health care to the public. APRNs treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease and engage in continuous education to remain at the very forefront of any technological, methodological, or other developments in the field.

APRNs Practice Specialist Roles

• Nurse Practitioners prescribe medication, diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries
• Certified Nurse-Midwives provide gynecological and low-risk obstetrical care
• Clinical Nurse Specialists handle a wide range of physical and mental health problems
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists administer more than 65 percent of all anesthetics

Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), support the core health care team and work under the supervision of an RN, APRN or MD. By providing basic and routine care, they ensure the wellbeing of patients throughout the whole of the health care journey

Key Responsibilities

• Check vital signs and look for signs that health is deteriorating or improving
• Perform basic nursing functions such as changing bandages and wound dressings
• Ensure patients are comfortable, well-fed and hydrated
• May administer medications in some settings

What is the nursing process?

No matter what their field or specialty, all nurses utilize the same nursing process; a scientific method designed to deliver the very best in patient care, through five simple steps.

• Assessment – Nurses assess patients on an in-depth physiological, economic, social and lifestyle basis.
• Diagnosis – Through careful consideration of both physical symptoms and patient behavior, the nurse forms a diagnosis.
• Outcomes / Planning – The nurse uses their expertise to set realistic goals for the patient’s recovery. These objectives are then closely monitored.
• Implementation – By accurately implementing the care plan, nurses guarantee consistency of care for the patient whilst meticulously documenting their progress.
• Evaluation – By closely analyzing the effectiveness of the care plan and studying patient response, the nurse hones the plan to achieve the very best patient outcomes. 

Nurses are Key to the Health of the Nation

• There are over 4 million registered nurses in the United States today.
• That means that one in every 100 people is a registered nurse.
• Nurses are in every community – large and small – providing expert care from birth to the end of life.
• According to the January 2012 “United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card and Shortage Forecast” in the American Journal of Medical Quality, a shortage of registered nurses is projected to spread across the country between 2009 and 2030. In this state-by-state analysis, the authors forecast the RN shortage to be most intense in the South and the West
• Nurses' roles range from direct patient care and case management to establishing nursing practice standards, developing quality assurance procedures, and directing complex nursing care systems.

Associates versus Bachelors: Nursing Program Pros and Cons

Choosing a career is half the battle. Now, you need to figure out which path in that career to take, beginning with your education. You know you want to be a nurse, but can’t decide between getting your ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). You can’t wait to begin working as a nurse, but want to set yourself up for a successful and financially secure future. What do you do?

What’s the Difference?

Associate’s Degree Program (ADN)

An Associate’s Degree in Nursing and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN can have you working as a nurse in approximately 2-3.5 years (including time to study for the NCLEX-RN). While the Nursing component of an ADN program, complete with nursing classes and clinical rotations, may only take 21-24 months to complete, some schools may have prerequisite classes like humanities, communications, and the social sciences that need to be taken prior to enrollment in the program, making your education take a little bit longer. Two-year associate degree programs are offered at private vocational schools and community colleges, so that extra time shouldn’t break the bank like it would at a university.

There are definitely benefits to getting your ADN over a BSN. For one, you’ll finish your schooling earlier with an ADN, getting you out on the floor, working with patients, and, more importantly, earning money, sooner. Fewer years of schooling also means spending less on tuition, which is certainly an advantage.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. An ADN may limit your career options in the long run. While most nursing specialties don’t require a BSN, if you’re looking to earn more long term and possibly take on a management or nurse practitioner role, you will need a higher level of education.

Bachelor’s Degree Program (BSN)

A Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN can have you working as a nurse in approximately 4-5.5 years. Four-year nursing programs not only require clinical rotations and nursing classes, but a liberal arts education to supplement and enhance your nursing education. Additional theory-based courses in technology, leadership, and research may be included in BSN programs.

Though it was once the road less traveled, choosing to get a BSN over an ADN has its perks. In addition to getting a more well-rounded education, you can certainly increase your earning potential and open yourself up to a wider range of job opportunities. Specialized areas of nursing, like perioperative, critical care, and health policy, require at least a bachelor’s-level degree. If you plan to become a certified nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner, specialties that require advanced degrees, having a BSN puts you one step closer to achieving your goal.

In all likelihood, you won’t see the immediate benefit of getting a BSN over an ADN because of the additional time and money spent in school. It’s easy to feel like the costs outweighs the benefits, but many hospitals today are requiring nurses to have a BSN. Investing the time and money earlier on is much easier than having to go back to school for an RN to BSN program because your job requires a BSN. At that point, you may have unrelenting responsibilities like children, work, or a mortgage, which can make school difficult to squeeze in.

How Do You Choose?

With so many options out there, it’s hard to narrow down a school. Maybe you start looking at places with high-employment outlook for nurses or places where you could see yourself settling down. Maybe you have family that lives somewhere far away and you would like to be closer to them. In large, metropolitan areas like Las Vegas, nursing programs are easily accessible and you can expect high-employment outlook, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It is also helpful to figure out what kind of nurse you want to be. Take this five-minute quiz to determine the education level required for the nursing specialty that best suits you.

Nursing Conference June 21-22 2019

What Is a Substance Abuse Nurse?

A substance abuse nurse, sometimes referred to as an addiction nurse, specializes in the treatment of patients addicted to drugs, alcohol or other substances. Substance abuse nurses are trained in mental health in addition to general medicine. They provide pain management, education for patients and caregivers about the dangers of substance abuse and emotional support to patients in crisis.

Becoming a Substance Abuse Nurse

As with other nursing careers, the first step in becoming a substance abuse nurse is to complete an Associate's Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to gain a general nursing education. For aspiring addiction nurses, elective courses in mental health will be particularly important. Once a nurse has completed schooling, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. From there, an RN may begin work as a substance abuse nurse. Once a nurse has completed 2,000 hours of professional nursing experience in the substance abuse sector and 30 hours of continuing education related to addictions nursing within the last three years, he or she may sit for the Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) certification exam offered by the International Nurses Society on Addictions. While not required for all substance abuse nursing positions, the CARN certification communicates a nurse's commitment to substance abuse nursing to prospective employers.

A typical job posting for a substance abuse nurse position would likely include the following qualifications, among others specific to the type of employer and location:

• ADN or BSN degree and valid RN license
• Ability to make safe judgment calls in patient care
• Strong communication skills for educating patients and their families about the dangers of substance abuse and their treatment options
• Proficiency in computer programs and data entry for maintaining patient records
• Experience in mental health and/or addiction preferred
• Caring and professional demeanor with compassion for patients struggling with addiction

To search and apply for current substance abuse nurse positions, visit our job boards.

What Are the Education Requirements for Substance Abuse Nurses?

Substance abuse nurses are generally required to have completed an ADN or BSN degree and to hold a valid RN license in the state in which they plan to practice. A higher nursing degree is usually not required, but elective courses in mental health and addiction are critical for nurses interested in pursuing a career in substance abuse nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While not required for most substance abuse nursing positions, RNs who wish to specialize in addiction nursing may consider becoming a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse. The International Nurses Society on Addictions sponsors this exam, which is open to RNs who have completed 2,000 hours of professional experience in substance abuse nursing and 30 hours of continuing education related to addictions nursing within the last three years. This certification offers RNs a competitive edge when seeking employment or advancement as a substance abuse nurse.

Where Do Substance Abuse Nurses Work?

Substance abuse nurses work with patients and their families in a variety of settings, including:

• Mental health clinics
• Psychiatric wards in hospitals
• Inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities

What Does a Substance Abuse Nurse Do?

A substance abuse nurse provides direct patient care to individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. They assist physicians in developing treatment plans, perform patient assessments, monitor a patient's progress and administer medications and pain management services. An important aspect of substance abuse nursing is mental health and emotional support services. Substance abuse nurses often conduct mental health screenings and provide emotional support for patients and their families during treatment. They also educate patients and their loved ones about the dangers of substance abuse and provide resources and information about the various treatment options for addiction.

To learn more, please visit Nursing Conferences 2019 June 21-22, 2019
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Nursing and Midwifery | General Nursing |Nursing Education | Nursing Australia | Nursing Research

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GNM stands for (General Nursing and Midwifery) and focuses on educating nursing students on the topics of general health care and midwifery.

As students develop their education and understanding of general health care over the years they can move on to more specified areas of health care such as pharmacology, childcare, pediatrics, orthopaedics, nutrition, emergency nursing, intensive care and midwifery among other health care fields.

GNM’s may work in a variety of health care settings within both the public and private healthcare sectors and may operate in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, the armed forces, community centers, health care facilities, and college universities among other health care settings.

In addition to the bachelors program GNM’s may also choose to continue their education in a post-graduate program where they can earn their masters degree and find work in more prominent positions such as management and leadership roles within their profession or they can choose to work in areas related to education and research and development.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Midwifery is a relationship based area of health care that focuses on the fields of women health care, pregnancy and child-birth.

Individuals who train in midwifery have a deep understanding of how the female mind and body works, and focus on developing close (family like) bonds with their patients as they go through their pregnancy and child-birth development phases of becoming and being a mother.

This field of nursing blends art, psychology, modern science and safe practice together to provide women with the best possible health care in a personal and professional manner.

CNM’s help their patients through the entire process of child-birth from the first days as a pregnant mother through the first few months of birth where mothers and their partners are likely to have many questions regarding the best ways to care for their newborn child.

Students who wish to become a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) must first complete a registered nurse program from a board approved nurse midwifery program and earn their certification before being able to work as a CNM.

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Advanced Practice Nursing- 53rd Congress on Nursing and health Care

What can I expect from a nursing career?

#Nurses are one of the most trusted groups of professionals in the United States, according to results of an annual survey published by the American Nurses Association.

They represent almost 3 million of the workforce, while there are also more than 700 thousand licensed #practical_nurses (LPN's) in addition to this.

After receiving the required education, #nurses must become licensed in their practicing state and are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure, depending on their state's regulations.

53 World Congress on Nursing and Health Care

Fast facts about #nursing:

• Here are some key points about #nursing. More detail is in the main article.
• #Nursing is one of the most trusted professions in the U.S., polls show.
• #Nurses can choose from a wide range of specialties.
• Qualifications range from a 1-year certificate to a PhD, depending on the role. Most #nurses begin with a science degree.
• Training can take from 1 to 4 years, depending on the desired entry level.
• There is an ongoing need for #nurses, resulting in good job security, a competitive salary, and a range of professional opportunities.

What do #nurses do?

#Nurses work in a variety of settings and specialties. They may choose to practice in hospitals, #nursing homes, medical offices, ambulatory care, occupational health, and community health centers, schools, clinics, camps, and shelters.

Specialties

#Nurses perform many professional tasks which may differ based on where they work or what area they specialize in. The American Nurses Association (ANA) lists #nursing responsibilities to include tasks such as:

• performing physical exams
• obtaining medical/health histories
• providing patients with health promotion, counseling and education
• administering medications, wound care, and other health interventions
• coordinating patient care collectively with other members of the healthcare team
• supervising staff such as LPN's and nursing assistants
• taking part in critical decision making
• research responsibilities

The degree they hold may also dictate which are of specialty they are competent in practicing in. There are over 100 nursing specialties, including:

• Ambulatory
• Burn care
• Camp or school
• Diabetes care
• Emergency #nursing
• Flight/transport
• Forensic nursing
• Geriatrics
• Home health
• Hospice
• Labor and delivery
• Medical surgical care
• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Nephrology
• Neuroscience
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatric care
• Radiology
• Rheumatology
• Telemetry
• Transplant
• Trauma
• Wound, ostomy and continence care

Some specialties and practice settings require certain educational criteria such as an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN or ASN), Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), ), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP,), Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD), or for legal nursing specialties, a Juris Doctor (JD) may be required. A registered nurse can also earn a specialty certification.

Advanced practice nurses

Some #nurses may choose to extend their career by earning a graduate degree to advance their clinical training by going on to receive a master's or doctorate. These #nurses are called Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN's). Some APRN specialties include:

Nurse practitioner (NP): These advanced practitioners work in a variety of specialties and provide comprehensive care to patients. Depending on their state licensing boards, they are able to provide primary and preventative care, diagnose and treat certain conditions, and prescribe certain medications.

#Nurse_practitioner specialties may include acute care, adult health, family health, gerontology, neonatal health, oncology, pediatric or child health, psychiatric or mental health, and women's health. #Nurse_practitioners provide care to patients in settings like hospitals, #nursing_homes, clinics,and private practices.

Certified nurse-midwife (CNM): These advanced practice #nurses are able to provide healthy and non-high risk women with obstetric and gynecologic care. They may practice in settings such as hospitals, birthing centers and patient homes.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA): These #advanced_practice_nurses provide anesthesia to patients for surgery or certain procedures.

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): Experts in an area of #nursing_practice, a CNS may be found working in many settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing home, offices, and within the community.

Becoming a nurse

There are 2 types of nurses, a licensed practical nursing (LPN) or in some states referred to as licensed vocational nursing (LVN) and a registered nurse (RN). Educational requirements vary for each and depend on the degree in which a nurse plans on accelerating their career.

The education that an LPN/LVN or an RN receive differ, as does their scope of practice.

An LPN/LVN receives a 1-year certificate or degree from a vocational or hospital or trade school. They can perform certain #nursing duties, but they are not able to provide the same level of care to patients as an RN. To obtain a license as an LPN, they must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN.

An LPN/LVN may continue their education and pursue either an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through bridge programs. These can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on the chosen degree.

Some RNs choose to obtain an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a 2-year technical skill focused program.

There are many ways to enter into a #nursing_career and become an RN, but the preferred degree to obtain is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

This is a 4-year college program. It includes a curriculum based on coursework, lab time, and clinical skill development through a hospital or other medical experience-based program.

In order to practice as a registered nurse, the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-RN must be taken and passed.

How long does it take to become a nurse?

Becoming a nurse can take anywhere from 1 to 4 years, depending on the level of nursing education planned.

LPN/LVN: 1 year

Associates degree RN: 2 years

Bachelor's degree RN: 4 years

#Nurses seeking an advanced degree will require additional education beyond their basic #nursing_education, which can range from two to five years depending on the degree being obtained.

Benefits of a nursing career

In the U.S., there is a growing shortage of nurses. It is anticipated that over a million nursing jobs will be available from 2014 through 2022, with a 16 percent increase in job growth. The #nursing shortage is expected to continue through 2025.

For nurses, this shortage will offer potential job security, an option to advance or change career paths within the scope of #nursing_practice, and advanced education opportunities.

In addition, #nursing currently offers a chance to work in non-traditional work environments, such as schools, government agencies, parks, and offices.

The wide range of specialties means that nursing can appeal to people with varied interests. They can use their #nursing skills in a multitude of practice areas.

The median #registered_nursing salary is expected to be $66,640, in 2016 to 2017, but there are additional ways to increase earnings as a nurse.

For example:

• working overtime or on-call shifts
• working in higher paying specialties by gaining certifications and advanced degrees
• traveling to other higher paying states
• becoming a nurse educator

#Nursing is a responsible and rewarding career, but it is not always easy. Developing skills such as stress management, listening skills, compassion, and inner strength can help #nurses face the daily challenges of their chosen career path.

For more information on becoming a nurse, visit the American Nursing Association.