Become a Nurse >> Browse Articles >> Nursing 101
10 Steps to Becoming a Nurse
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.
Would You Pass the NCLEX?
NCLEX Review: Part INCLEX Review: Part II
NCLEX Review: Part III
NCLEX Review: Part IV
NCLEX Vocab Review
NCLEX Math Review
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 into the School of Your Choice
Step 5: Survive Nursing School
Step 6: Decide on a Nursing 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.
Patti59
over 4 years ago
4 comments
I have worked in the medical field for the past 29 years and am now interested in becoming a LPN.
AngelaDawn
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I want to go ahead and get started really soon in becoming a nurse is there any positions available that are entry level til I get my nursing?
dtownnana08
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I have a domestic violence on my record how does this affect me wanting to be a RN?
isabelnduli
over 4 years ago
2 comments
hi
my name is isabel im intrested to be a nurse my problem is i'm not a US Citizen.what should i do?
zarina
over 4 years ago
2 comments
Hi, Yes I want to be a Registered RN nurse, but I don't know how long it will take. At the moment I got Nurse Aid Certificate but still want to complete RN courses and become a very moch graduated nurse.
I would like get to know about my patients feelings and very moch to care about them just like a part of my family.
mirtha691
over 4 years ago
4 comments
i love to become a nurse and i like to moch have very care with th pacient and i love see the nurse with the pacientr
mirtha691
over 4 years ago
4 comments
i like be a nursing i love that profecionality but i love the patient like my family and i like be the nursing for give the care to the patient
tabbybear
over 4 years ago
2 comments
is were school
Rassermere
over 4 years ago
2 comments
what classes or requierments are needed from high school in order t ostart on the path of becoming a RN
mysterysinc
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I graduated from nursing school (LPN) back in 1993 but never took the boards due to a complicated pregnancy. I fully intended on getting back into nursing, but never did. Three kids later and I think it is time.
I am not sure what I have to do, but started the by calling my former school and requesting a transcript. I am not sure of the procedure, but would like to start with something simple and begin by refreshing my memory with some sort of online schooling, and go from there.
Are there any programs designed for people coming back into the workforce after a long hiatus? What steps would I need to take in order to start the ball rolling. I do not work, so I have plenty of time, just not a lot of money. Can someone give me some advice.
antonio17
over 4 years ago
2 comments
how long does it take to become a nurse
lolalorraine
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I want to recieve a nurses aide certificate so that I can work as a Hospice nurse
vijounb
over 4 years ago
2 comments
Hi,
I would love to become a RN. I laready have a Bsc in the Social Sciences from another country. How do i go about getting answers about this field? How long would it take to do an associate degree full time or part time plus other pertinent questions?
kimmer420
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I am a lpn
darla248
over 4 years ago
4 comments
i am only a cerified nurses assistant looking to go on to lpn school trying to work full-time job as a single mother of two girls one at 19 years old going on for her lpn at a community college i atleast wanted to do my prerequistes online getting credits to put towards my lpn. and then go to part-time work(it will be tight for me finacially but want to really become and lpn.)still an active mom with my 9 year old. is there anything i can take online for now until i am able to take night classes.