Start a Career of Caring: Make a Difference as a Nurse

Anyone who has experienced medical treatment understands how vital nurses are in providing professional care and meeting patient needs. Nursing is a career of devotion and commitment to helping others achieve better health. And after the last year, we’ve seen what kind of heroes nurses are. Enough that many people have entered the field.

In his conferences and educational seminars, Aaron Smith, Ph.D., frequently encounters people who want to better themselves and help others. Often, this means pursuing higher education in a specialized field such as nursing. If you are not sure how to get started, consider the following guidance.

Career Paths in Nursing

People who pursue a nursing career have a spectrum of employment options available to them. Whether you are interested in providing care for patients early in their lifespan, such as a pediatric nurse, or for patients nearing the end of life in senior care, there are many areas to choose from. Some nursing students also elect to pursue specialized fields such as oncology or opt to work in outpatient clinics, serving the general population’s needs. Surgical and post-op nurses, and psychiatric nurses, are also in high demand.

Many nurses advance to the master’s degree or doctorate levels to fulfill expanded patient treatment or administrative management. The direction you wish to pursue as a nurse will help you determine which degree to pursue and the path to get there.

Educational Needs and Learning Options

Most nursing positions require a bachelor’s degree, enabling you to earn credentials as a Registered Nurse. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to earn, but some students find they need more or less time, depending on their circumstances.

If you’re making a significant career leap, online learning is a great way to earn your nursing degree while still bringing home a paycheck. Taking online courses can help you complete your education around your current work schedule and personal life.

Be Prepared to Study

Your educational pursuits will require dedication to learning and understanding the material. Your journey can be enhanced when you use Aaron Smith’s advice on note-taking and study skills, which can also serve you for your clinical rotations and even once you’re working as a nurse.

Studying for your board exam for licensure will also require a lot of focus and attention. Prepare yourself for this test well in advance and make sure you are well-rested before exam day.

Applying for Your First Nursing Job

There are a plethora of nursing jobs available across the country. A quick search through an online job board can show thousands of open positions, many of which are urgently seeking nurses. Before applying for your first job, put together a resume that outlines your work experience, educational accomplishments, and employment goals. Try to keep it brief, as prospective employers look for the most important details and would rather not wade through pages of past employment.

Obtain letters of reference from your professors, advisors, and any internship supervisors you may have worked under. Practice interview skills with a friend or colleague, and think about recording yourself so you can learn areas you may need to improve upon. Remember to ask your prospective employer questions about the position, responsibilities, and anticipated hours.

You will invest a lot of time and energy into earning your credentials, and it will pay off quickly when you begin your rewarding career as a nurse. Start your journey, and see where you can go when you put your mind to it!

To learn more about tackling your educational goals and making your dreams come true, check out Aaron Smith, Ph.D. today!