by Ruby Diamond

Created on: September 28, 2007   Last Updated: October 26, 2011

So, how to decide if you are fit for becoming a nurse? This is a question that requires long hours of self-reflection and research about the field of nursing. You should be asking yourself, why nursing? It would be best to research this particular occupation through interviewing other nurses who are presently working in the field of nursing and those who have retired, quit or are in limbo with being a nurse. I can provide you, the reader, an overview of what is involved when the decision is to become a nurse. This article is informational to show the some of the steps in making a nurse.

Let's start with attempting to enter into the nursing program. Students would need to sign up for prerequisite classes in order to qualify for the nursing program. Nothing shows more commitment than students enduring long harsh hours of studying anatomy, physiology, chemistry and other pertinent classes that will guarantee your name to be put on the list, yet, not necessarily admitted into the program. Each school has their way of picking. I am familiar with the lottery system. Ones number/name is pulled out of the bucket. There are a certain number of slots open. Those slots are filled by the number/names that are picked. Pickings are usually instructors from the nursing department.

Once admitted to the program, there are the hours of getting up early like 5:30 am to show up for clinical at 6:30am. Being barely awake for "hands on" nursing experiences, you might be mentored by some seasoned nurses who are compassionate and caring to teach the student. Some seasoned nurses can be negative who will eat the student alive. It is always a gamble who you will get. Being nice isn't requirement although the instructor makes a good attempt to match you with the appropriate mentor but it's never a guarantee. The clinical rotation covers areas of the more common aspects of nursing like medical/surgical (med/surg), geriatrics, mental health and other nursing specialties. You live, breathe and sleep nursing. Just say good-bye to friends and families for the next two to four years.

As mentioned earlier, research the classes that are required before you enter the program, look into classes that are required during the program. After completing the program, studying doesn't stop. There is the NCLEX, the state board nursing examinations. When you pass that examine and become licensed, there are continuing educational units (CEUs) that you would need to complete in order to renew your license.

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