What to Expect from a Nursing Career
Nursing is an extremely rewarding profession but before you start your journey, take a close look at what nursing careers entail. Jumping in with both feet may work for some students, but those tend to be the students who are well aware of the pros and cons of the career path. They have done their research and are dedicated to making their dream a reality. This extremely rewarding career has a variety of options to choose from under the general umbrella of nursing. Many of these options can fit your specific interests, such as Military Nursing or Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing. Nursing is a very demanding career and your education will lead you through many important experiences and changes. Many nurses find that these changes are well worth it, and they love the experience and feel rewarded and fulfilled after every day on the job. But before you can get to that point, there are many steps you need to take first.
Do your research
Take some time to get to know what a day in the life of a nurse really looks like. What you can expect from a career in nursing depends on where you complete your training. Whether you aim for an associate degree, bachelor degree or doctorate, your experience will vary. Get to know the background, required degrees and other knowledge necessary for your chosen path. Each road may be different, and you might find that becoming a registered nurse is just the beginning of your journey.
In general, nurses help patients cope with illness and they promote overall health. This hands-on job requires an ability to provide personalized care and a strong sense of compassion. A nurse working in an elementary school will have a very different schedule and day-to-day experience from that of a trauma nurse. Explore numerous options to see which could be a possible fit for you. Because there are so many different opportunities in the field of nursing, and they are in such high demand, registered nursing is among the 10 occupations with the largest projected job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Listen to the advice
Getting the inside scoop from professional nurses is the best way to learn what you should expect from the industry and your nursing education. Many nurses will tell you that nursing school takes 100 percent of your dedication. It requires being buried in books, a close bond with fellow students and a strong will to stick with it. This is why it is important to know what you are getting into beforehand. While the workload may feel overwhelming at times, it is very worth it in the end. After all, you will be making a huge difference in the lives of your patients.
Make it happen
Many technical schools like Lincoln Technical Institute offer nursing programs that prepare nursing students for a successful career in a variety of nursing fields. With a dedicated staff of registered nurses, students will have the opportunity to learn in simulated hospital classrooms and laboratories that mimic their real-life counterparts. Unlike many nursing programs, Lincoln aims to maintain a high level of emotional intelligence and promotes wellness. With a high-stress career and intense education process, it is important to the faculty at Lincoln that students are nurtured and able to get the most out of the learning experience.
After completing the curriculum at Lincoln, students will be well prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and to solidify their future career.