20 Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing
Do you have questions about nursing, becoming a nurse, and life in the nursing field? This career path is a great fit for people looking for job stability as well as professional fulfillment.
Nurses are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster-than-average growth in RN jobs in the next several years. Plus, you could earn an average annual salary between $64,150 as an LPN and $132,000 as a nurse practitioner. If this is appealing, read on as we answer your most common questions about nursing.
Nursing FAQ
1. How long does it take to be a nurse?
It typically takes one to four years, depending on your situation. Both licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) paths require a high school diploma or GED, as well as prelicensure training and education. Once you complete your nursing program, you’ll also need to pass a national licensure exam to earn your credentials.
2. How many years of college to be a nurse?
LPNs don’t need any college courses — they complete a diploma program. RNs need either a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Learn more about nursing school requirements and find answers to other questions about nursing students.
3. Can you be a nurse with an associate’s degree?
Absolutely. ADN-prepared RNs are essential members of the nursing workforce, and have great job prospects. Learn more about whether an Associate Degree in Nursing is right for you.
4. How long does it take to be a registered nurse?
This generally takes two to four years. ADN degrees take less time and are offered at community colleges and technical schools, while BSN degrees include more leadership and research courses and are found in universities and colleges. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
5. How long does it take to be a practical nurse?
LPN programs typically take about one year to complete, and you’ll need to pass the licensure exam afterward to begin practicing. Learn more about the fastest way to become a nurse.
6. What degree do you need to be a nurse?
To be an LPN, you’ll need to complete an LPN diploma program. RNs need either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Learn more about comparing LPN vs. RN career paths.
7. Do you need a bachelor’s to be a nurse?
No. Some workplaces may prefer BSN-prepared nurses, but you can be a great nurse without a bachelor’s degree.
8. What do you have to do to be a nurse?
Whether you are becoming an LPN or RN, these are the general steps you’ll need to take:
- Attend a prelicensure program. LPNs have diploma programs, while RNs need either an ADN or a BSN. Programs include clinical rotations as well as classroom and laboratory learning.
- Apply for state licensure. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll need to provide proof of your degree, pass a background check, and supply other documents in order to apply for a licensure by examination in your state.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN, while RNs take the NCLEX-RN. Your state may have additional requirements before you can begin practicing.
9. What degree do you need to be a nurse practitioner?
You will need at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree on top of a previous BSN or ADN. A longer and more advanced degree option is to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Learn more about comparing MSN vs. DNP degrees, as well as how to become an NP.
10. What are the skills needed to be a nurse?
Nursing requires both soft skills and clinical skills.
Here are some nursing soft skills:
- Listening
- Communication
- Patience
- Empathy
Here are some nursing clinical skills:
- Patient assessment
- Foley catheter placement
- Medication administration
- Documentation
11. Is being a nurse hard?
Nursing can be both emotionally and physically difficult. Becoming a nurse is often a challenging endeavor, and nursing school courses are known for pushing students. Being a nurse can be stressful on the mind and body. Nurses make high-stakes decisions and may face ethical dilemmas. They may also be required to stand for long periods of time, frequently lift patients, and perform demanding procedures.
12. Can a nurse practitioner be a primary care provider?
Yes, and many are. This type of clinician is called a primary care nurse practitioner.
13. Can you have tattoos and be a nurse?
Generally, yes, but this will depend on your facility’s tattoo policy. Tattoos that contain disturbing imagery or words should be covered up at work.
14. Does being a nurse keep you fit?
Some nursing jobs are more active than others. If you’re curious about ways to keep up with physical fitness as a nurse, learn more about practical self-care and awesome hobbies for nurses.
15. Can an LPN be a school nurse?
LPNs can work under the supervision of an RN school nurse, but their scope of practice may limit their ability to manage and run school health programs independently. Learn more about becoming a school nurse.
16. Can you become a doctor after being a nurse?
Absolutely. There are two ways to do this: pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing or transitioning from RN to MD by attending medical school.
17. How old do you have to be to become a nurse?
Most states require that candidates be at least 18 years old before applying for licensure.
18. Is it hard to get into nursing school?
Yes. Unfortunately, nursing schools turn away thousands of qualified students each year due to factors like faculty and clinical site shortages.
19. What’s the best thing about nursing?
There are many reasons to choose this career path — the job stability, earning potential, career growth opportunities, speed of entry, specialty options, and the reward of knowing you made a difference.
20. Why are nurses important?
Nurses provide direct nursing care, educate patients and their loved ones, and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals. They also spend more than double the amount of time with patients as physicians, so they’re key in advocating for patient needs, spotting complications, and improving outcomes in a variety of care settings.
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