10 Steps to Becoming a Nurse

338 Comments

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 I
NCLEX 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.

Kick-Start Your Nursing Career:

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mango321

about 5 years 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 5 years 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 5 years 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 5 years 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 5 years 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 5 years 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

over 5 years ago

2 comments

10 steps for nursing--my computer cannot open any of these files!!! How do I read this? Help. Thanks.
the1andonly_8433

over 5 years 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

over 5 years 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

over 5 years ago

4 comments

They have the The college network for online LVN to BSN
kym22

over 5 years 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

over 5 years ago

1246 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

over 5 years 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!
MistyB

over 5 years ago

6 comments

I know I want to further my education in the health care field but not exactly sure which way to go as far as the ideal profession for me and where my skills would be best and needed. I am not sure how to get the ball rolling as far as getting started and what steps I need to take or which direction to get started in to make it less stressful and more rewarding and the best I can be.
MistyB

over 5 years ago

6 comments

I know I want to further my education in the health care field but not exactly sure which way to go as far as the ideal profession for me and where my skills would be best and needed. I am not sure how to get the ball rolling as far as getting started and what steps I need to take or which direction to get started in to make it less stressful and more rewarding and the best I can be.