How to Become a Nurse: My Story

• Understand why one nurse chose this career path and how she was inspired to join the healthcare industry.
• Learn what skills and qualifications are necessary to become a nurse and the benefits the career offers.
• Gain advice and important information from a nurse with over 17 years of experience.

Nursing has always been a dream of mine growing up. As a young girl, I was often sick and hospitalized. During that time, I was fascinated and awe-struck by the nurses who cared for me.

When I was a teenager, I decided to volunteer at my local hospital. I transported patients to various tests and procedures and also provided newspapers, drinks, and snacks to people. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed interacting with patients and staff.

When it came time to apply to college, I chose to major in nursing. I was accepted into a four-year program. However, my path to nursing was not as straightforward as I anticipated.

I arrived at Penn State as a freshman, transported from a small town three hours away. The campus was huge. My classes were huge. I was overwhelmed.

I didn’t want to change my major, and I still wanted to be a nurse. Yet I knew I wouldn’t be successful in such a large university.

Due to this, I transferred to a community college close to home and moved back in with my parents. I was disappointed, but still focused on my dream.

Three years later, I graduated with my Associate’s Degree of Science in Nursing. Then I took the NCLEX and earned my state license.

Qualifications to Become a Nurse

There are various preliminary tests you can take to get into nursing school. If you are a high school student, you will typically take the SAT or the ACT.

If you are an adult student, you may need to take the PAX-RN, which is endorsed by the NLN (National League of Nursing). It is a pre-admission test that evaluates your abilities in math, verbal, and science.

Connect with the guidance counselor at your prospective school to get advice on which test you may be required to take.

TEAS ( Test of Academic Skills) is another common pre-admission test that future nurses may be required to take. TEAS assesses math, language, science, and reading skills. It can be taken in person or online.

Each nursing school may have different pre-admission requirements; therefore, it is important to look at the school’s website or talk to a guidance counselor first.

The exam that students take after they pass their classes and graduate nursing school is known as the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). This exam certifies the student as a qualified and board-recognized nurse. Once a person passes the NCLEX, they can legally sign RN or LPN after their name.

Salary

Starting salaries for new nurses vary between states. For example, a new nurse starting in a hospital in Alabama may earn less than a nurse in Alaska. Nationally, salaries can range from $60,000 to $90,000. It is important to remember that salaries can increase once a nurse gains experience, earns additional certifications, or advanced degrees.

Advice For Potential Nurses

I have been a nurse for over 17 years. My advice is to hang in there.

Nursing school is hard. And it is meant to be hard. Nursing is a demanding profession but more importantly, it is a fulfilling profession.

Your first year as a nurse will be hard but it does get easier, and your confidence will increase. Give it a year. Be patient and kind to yourself. You are saving lives and touching the lives of people every day.

Nurses do not only use critical thinking and nursing skills, but they also use compassion to care for people during their most vulnerable times.

The Bottom Line

My final piece of advice is to remember that there is more than one way to go about becoming a nurse.

This means that not everyone needs (or wants) to go straight for their BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). If you are a high school student, please do not get caught up in the hype of the four-year degree.

If you need smaller classes or need to work while going to school, a community college is a great and affordable option. Everyone takes the same NCLEX, whether you graduated from a community college or a four-year university.

You need to do what will work best for both your learning style and lifestyle. Believe in yourself as you embark on your nursing school journey!

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