A nursing aid can be termed as the key link between a physician and a patient. Without the assistance of a nurse, a medical setting may not be able to provide the needed treatment and care to its patients. Also, a nurse ensures that the patients recover from their condition after their treatments and the needed physical care as well as the mental support is provided. Even under the most challenging situations, nurses perform their duties and are thus known as the frontline warriors of the healthcare system.
For those who are interested in making a career as a nurse, a wide range of professional courses are available. These courses include theoretical understanding and clinical experience. After securing a related degree, you can choose from a number of training diploma courses and specialized degree programs. Qualified nurses can find related jobs in healthcare facilities for bedside care or as a nursing aid providing their services at the patient’s home.
So here are the steps to be followed by aspirants who are looking forward to make a career in nursing:
Step 1: Secure a degree
As the job profile of a nurse may branch out to different directions, it is important to choose between the different career paths available. The roles and responsibilities of a registered nurse and a home nursing aid are different. If you want to work as a medical staff in a hospital, you need to obtain certification through CNA classes. If the role of a home nurse suits you better, you need to acquire the related qualifications. Nursing programs are generally divided into two parts: classroom instructions and clinical experience. While the classroom instructions include the theoretical know-how, the clinical training part will help the aspirants gain hands-on knowledge and experience regarding the nature of the job. To start with, you can get enrolled for a CNA diploma, LPN/LVN certification, associate degree in nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or any similar degree or certification provided by a renowned college or university.
Step 2: Acquire a licence
As soon as your degree is complete, you have to sit for an exam to acquire a licence in nursing. By clearing this exam, your knowledge and nursing skills will be approved after which you can start applying for a job as a professional nurse to start your practice. You need to earn the state licence for the state where you want to pursue your career. Passing a national level certification exam conducted by a certification board or an organization would mean that you are eligible for a job as a nurse practitioner or a licenced nurse in the concerned institution or any such facility.
Step 3: Look out for a job vacancy as a nurse
While doing your nursing degree or diploma, you will get familiar with the different roles, environments and settings in which nurses need to work through the clinical experience part. So you can easily decide what kind of environment will suit you. As per your personal preferences, you can look for job vacancies in various healthcare settings in your area. You need to target certain hospitals, medical offices, community centers, nursing homes, nursing colleges and home healthcare service providing facilities in the locations of your interest.
Step 4: Consider specialized courses and certifications
Thanks to the new technologies and treatment methods, the healthcare industry has become an ever evolving sector. Being a part of this sector, nurses have to stay updated regarding the latest changes in their zone and get acquitted with the latest technologies. Nurses willing to enhance their knowledge and skills are always in demand in the medical and surgical fields. While working as a licensed nurse, you may consider specializing in a certain area to give you more options and opportunities. You can get an advanced degree in a specialized area or a certification to work as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anaesthetist or any similar profile which will ensure a better remuneration as well.
A nurse educator is yet another profile that might interest nurses who are looking for an in-job career switch. For becoming a nursing educator, you would need a master’s or doctorate and apply for the job in nursing colleges or universities. With a doctorate in your field, you can also work as a medical research professional.
Career as a nurse is a rewarding and dependable job with flexibility of timings. However, it can be physically demanding and stressful at times. So choose your specialty wisely and keep learning new skills.
