Getting Licensed As A Nurse
Nursing tends to be a career that appeals to those people with a strong level of compassion and desire to help others.
Once the decision to pursue a nursing career has been made there are several steps to follow in the quest to become a registered nurse.
The first step is education which will lead to gaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
That does usually mean at least four years of college.
There are other options if the four years is too long for you.
There is always the option of an Associate Degree in Nursing, and that only takes two years.
Of course, you likely won't advance nearly as fast as someone whom received their BSN.
Most importantly, you won't earn as much as someone whom received the higher degree of education.
Additionally, a person can choose to attend a certification program within a hospital that offers such.
This provides an on the job training sort of method, but it takes about the same time as the Associates or even a bit longer.
Again, consider that there is a strong chance of not earning the same as someone with the higher levels of education.
Nursing as a career is also a life long commitment to education.
There will be classes when beginning work at a new hospital, there will be certifications that must be maintained, and there will be continuing education that must be attended in order to retain those certifications.
It is a dynamic and ever changing field, and the successful nurses always remain on top of the changes as they happen.
Licensure testing usually happens at a Pearson Venue, and the process is rather simple.
Upon arrival with your ATT (Authorization To Test) form and picture ID you sign in to the testing.
You verify that your information is correct, and you then may begin the testing at the appointed time.
Plan for all day.
The testing is usually about six hours including time for small breaks to be taken.
Once you have passed the test you receive your licensure paperwork, and you may begin working in your chosen field.
The licensure is only good for one year at first, but after that first renewal it may be done every two years.
During the time between testings it is required for nurses to continue their education, and they have a certain number of continuing educational credits (CEUs) that they must have.
This will be different from state to state as each has their own regulations and requirements.
Make certain that you are meeting the requirements for the state you are working in if you wish to continue to work in your field.
With time comes experience, and with experience will come greater responsibility and pay.
Once the decision to pursue a nursing career has been made there are several steps to follow in the quest to become a registered nurse.
The first step is education which will lead to gaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
That does usually mean at least four years of college.
There are other options if the four years is too long for you.
There is always the option of an Associate Degree in Nursing, and that only takes two years.
Of course, you likely won't advance nearly as fast as someone whom received their BSN.
Most importantly, you won't earn as much as someone whom received the higher degree of education.
Additionally, a person can choose to attend a certification program within a hospital that offers such.
This provides an on the job training sort of method, but it takes about the same time as the Associates or even a bit longer.
Again, consider that there is a strong chance of not earning the same as someone with the higher levels of education.
Nursing as a career is also a life long commitment to education.
There will be classes when beginning work at a new hospital, there will be certifications that must be maintained, and there will be continuing education that must be attended in order to retain those certifications.
It is a dynamic and ever changing field, and the successful nurses always remain on top of the changes as they happen.
Licensure testing usually happens at a Pearson Venue, and the process is rather simple.
Upon arrival with your ATT (Authorization To Test) form and picture ID you sign in to the testing.
You verify that your information is correct, and you then may begin the testing at the appointed time.
Plan for all day.
The testing is usually about six hours including time for small breaks to be taken.
Once you have passed the test you receive your licensure paperwork, and you may begin working in your chosen field.
The licensure is only good for one year at first, but after that first renewal it may be done every two years.
During the time between testings it is required for nurses to continue their education, and they have a certain number of continuing educational credits (CEUs) that they must have.
This will be different from state to state as each has their own regulations and requirements.
Make certain that you are meeting the requirements for the state you are working in if you wish to continue to work in your field.
With time comes experience, and with experience will come greater responsibility and pay.
