Nurses are always in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is set to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. So, if you decide to embark on this career your long-term employment opportunities will be very positive.
You could be involved in patient care, education, advocacy and leadership. In any of these jobs, you will be making a positive difference to individuals and to society as a whole.
To become a practicing registered nurse, you will need an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and you will be required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. If you wish to progress to earning a higher-level degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing, you will also need to pass specialty certificate examinations too.
Think about your career path
There are many directions you can take within the nursing profession. Before you start, it’s a good idea to consider whether you wish to specialize in any particular area, so you are aware of the kind of education you will need in the long term to achieve your goal. Talk to healthcare professionals and college admissions advisors and research the market by reading relevant publications. Of course, you may gain experience and knowledge during your studies that will give you insights into other roles within the nursing profession, so just because you begin with a particular direction in mind, it doesn’t mean you can’t change, but it can be helpful to set you on your way.
Think about developing your soft skills
A career in nursing is not simply about medicine, it is about people and how you deal with them, so considering what you need to do to enhance your communication skills, for example, is a good idea. What about critical thinking and problem solving, the ability to work as part of a team and conflict resolution? All are vital to whatever role you pursue and have an enormous impact on your patients and your colleagues.
Choose the right course
Once you have decided to become a nurse, you need to find the course that meets your needs and is held in a suitable location. For some people, earning a degree that they can combine with work and other commitments is the right route for them. For those who want to complete their degree more quickly, the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a unique online program which is intended for full-time study that will prepare you to become a nurse in 15 months. The hybrid model combines 100% online coursework and in-person placements plus two on-campus residencies. The clinical placement team works closely with students to ensure rotations meet university and national guidelines.
The university’s dedicated enrolment advisors are available to answer any questions and guide students through the application process, so you can begin your journey towards nursing with confidence.
