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.
NursesRGr8t
over 5 years ago
6 comments
I am currently enrolled in a LPN program. That culminates by this summer semester's end. I want to bridge to the RN program.
What colleges have such a bridge proram. I really would rather not continue at the current college as there are many issues. Please don't suggest CCD.
Eric Colorado
BrendaBrown
over 5 years ago
2 comments
I graduated from Bryman's Coillege aboout 2 years ago I have worked for a urgent care center for approximately 8 months and then I work for a home that dealth with the mentally challenged and disabled for approximately 5 months. There has been a lot of health issues and death in my family that required my time so my working has been sparatic. I never took the test for the MA state certification and am now wondering if I could still go to school for phebotomy, or do I need to get my certification before I do that ? I am very skilled with blood draws and I feel that would be a great career for myself. The program that I am looking into is Wagner's, does anyone have any information on that school before I get myself commited finicially? I would appriecate any help and advise ..
N8tivecarebear
over 5 years ago
2 comments
I was in a Nursing Program at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, ND. I only have a semester to do for an L.P.N. License, but I ran into finanical problems I was unable to finish my last semester because of my money situation. But if I were to get a scholarship for nursing, I would be more than happy to finish.
shanie
over 5 years ago
2 comments
I think I may be on the right path according to the ten step guide. I begin my pre-reqs for a nursing program at Henry Ford Community College on 1/7/08. I have been searching for scholarships but alot of them require that the student already be in nursing program and I'm not quite there yet. Any suggestion? Thanks! Shantae from Southfield, Michigan
nelsy
over 5 years ago
2 comments
i looking for sholarship
hot2trot40
over 5 years ago
2 comments
i hve been an gna for 19 years and now i think its time for me to make a change in my life .please help me fin a school in baltimore md where i can move forward on to becoming a nurse.
akeembbll
over 5 years ago
2 comments
i thank u for sending me the 10 paths i can follow if i want to study nursing.Well,i will appreciate if you can give me the name of the school i can go and apply as regards to campus lecture not online.,because i ll like that for real.
montano
over 5 years ago
2 comments
i am a cna/chha have been for over a decade registry accute hospital oriented would like to challenge ca. state board to be lvn any chance please reply with any usefull info need online services now im working 24hr livein
tann
over 5 years ago
2 comments
I need to find the nearest CNA class available, and get paid doing it, even if I sign on to work for the organization. Christiana, TN 37037
elleshor
over 5 years ago
2 comments
hi i want to be nurse , im planning to take the nursing board exam nxt year, what do u recommend the best reviewers should ill take to help me to pass the nursing board here in US.
mrybth_mrgn
over 5 years ago
2 comments
how do get into a nursing program
Bishopdel1748
over 5 years ago
2 comments
Hi my name is Idel and I truly would love to become a nurse because I really love and care about people that are sick and need someone to take care of them, that why I feel becoming a nurse is the future for me.
catherine
over 5 years ago
2 comments
HI I AM A S.T.NA IN OHIO I,VE WORKED IN NURSING HOMES AND HOME HEALTH I,VE BEEN STSTE TESTED IN 4 STATES I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A NURSE. I,M LOOKING FOR A SCHOOL ONLINE THAT WILL HELP ME
fad1988
over 5 years ago
2 comments
Hi i would like to be a cna im looking for a online school so i can take classes to become a cna and get ceritifeid so i can get a job. where i live they always looking for cna's
ra4469
over 5 years ago
2 comments
Hi I already was a CNA and I just graduated from school as a medical assistant and I would love to become a registered nurse