Become a Nurse >> Browse Articles >> Step 1: Learn About Nursing
Ten Steps to Becoming a Nurse
THE Nursing Career Advancement Guide for Everyone
Beth Anderson, RN
Do you want to become a nurse but don’t know where to start out? This 10-step guide will help you find your way. You’ll learn about the nursing profession, find out about the educational requirements and certifications, and get tips on how to survive your first year as a nurse. This guide is meant for prospective, current, and second career nurses – everyone can use this valuable information!
Click on the links below to access a comprehensive description for each step.
Step 1: Learn Everything You Can About The Nursing Profession
Step 2: Find Your Path to The RN Title
Step 3: Choose the Nursing School That Fits You
Step 4: Get In To The School of Your Choice
Step 5: Complete Your RN Program – What to Expect
Step 6: Decide on a Specialty
Step 7: Pass the NCLEX
Step 8: Consider Possibilities for Your First Job
Step 9: Get Hired
Step 10: Get Prepared For Your First Year As A Nurse
Still have questions? Check in with the pros and compare notes with students in our Student Lounge forum.
pskordenbrock
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am a 57 year old widow, who has always wanted to be a nurse. Am I too old to begin training, and where do I get started. The funding for school shouldn't be a problem, I'm just not sure if I'm too old to begin something like this.
michellemrukowicz
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am 51 years old and have associate degree in nursing from Poland. I'm working in medical field as an echosonographer. I like my job but nursing is my passion.Can you help me?
mango321
about 1 year ago
2 comments
i am 48 years old and i always wanted to be a nurse now i need your help i do not know what to do i am a high school graduate but i have being in the medical field for the past 20 years as a medical assistant and my only dream before i die is to become a nurse
skogunmokun
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I want to retrain as a Nurse. I have science background and I have been in the Engiineerinig field for about 20 years. I have a passion for the nursing profession now. How do I fit in?
kpac38
about 1 year ago
2 comments
i have a bachelors degree in criminal justice but have recently become very interested in nursing. i dont know what to do thouugh to become a nurse... HELP!?
studgirl
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I'M A STAYHOME MOM.I DECIDE TO GO BACK TO STUDY IN NURSING BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START FOR FINANCIAL SINCE I'M A STAY HOME MOM I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE THE PROBLEM IS THE FINANCIAL.wOULD LIKE TO KNOW ANY OPTION LIKE LOAN OR GRANTS??????????????
johnnygsbabe02
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am 4 prerequites away from starting my nursing coarse, which I was planning on taking this coming summer. But who can I ask for to loan me the money to pay for school. Sallie Mae will not loan it to me. My husband has excellent credit, but they say they will not use him as a co-signer. I have been in the medical field since 1999. My university will not help me.
debswain
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I'm almost finished taking prerequisite courses for the degree program at LaSalle. Although there seems to be a dearth of qualified nurses, I understand the nursing field is highly competitive. What is the likelihood that I will be able to find a job upon receipt of my degree and receiving my certification? I've never worked in healthcare; this is a career change for me. As such, I will not have any practical experience to speak of, but I have invested a lot of time and money into this degree and I really hope it pays off.
parkerpa
about 1 year ago
2 comments
10 steps for nursing--my computer cannot open any of these files!!! How do I read this? Help. Thanks.
the1andonly_8433
about 1 year ago
4 comments
Hi, I am an MA, but I havent got certified yet, but I want to become a nurse. I have tried many places to find work as an MA, but places want 6 months or more years experience. My question should I go ahead and take the certification test and then try to do nursing school or what? I dont want to seem as though I have my associates for nothing. Need advice
ellie
about 1 year ago
6 comments
I am a LVN that got hurt on the job 5 yrs ago and haven't worked since. I want to work again and need to know what to do to stay in medical field and work again. I hate to have went to school, got my license, and the work was for nothing. I worked for 7 yrs before I was injured, it just seems that I should have another chance at my career. I loved my job and miss nursing, but would love to continue my education in admin. field but can't afford the fee. Please help...edb
lyrevebpak
about 1 year ago
4 comments
They have the The college network for online LVN to BSN
kym22
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I m LPN for the past 20 years,I wanted to wait until my baby girl is in high school so ,I can concertate on school and class and pass Today she is in the tenth grade. Now is the time for me.,How do i start and where .I work in a acute care hospital, med/surgery unit. Very exciting and challenging ,I want to advice to RN. Need help .kym
gospellove772003
about 1 year ago
650 comments
If u said it once allow me to say it again hats off go to nurses link for there first-hand information about everything u need to know about nursing and if u weren't considering it by the time u finish searching the website u have already changed ure mind. Nuringlink has really paved my way and showed me the exact steps i need to take to accomplish my goals.
BobbyG
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I am currently an LPN 13 years.I have passed all prerequisits and all RN courses for degree from Excelsior college in Albany NY.I am having trouble passing the clinical for this course.I feel there should be a school out there that would be willing to teach the clinicals alone.Then allow student to sit for boards.Its all about the money not the learning.HELP!