Nursing! The 5000 foot view.

Are you an incoming college freshman with the desire to pursue nursing? This article is the launching pad for you!

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The field of nursing offers numerous career opportunities within the medical and healthcare field. There are three main entry points into a nursing career. After that, the options expand and provide a myriad of possibilities depending on a students’ interest.

Have you heard of the “10,000 foot view”? As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary it is, “a description or view of a situation that provides general information, but no details.” Well, I wouldn’t want to leave you hovering that high, so consider this the 5000 foot view, an overview with enough details to get you started. To dive down to the 100 foot view, follow the links provided by which you will drill down to the nitty-gritty details of pursuing a career in nursing.

Entry Points to Nursing

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

This program takes between 4-16 weeks depending on where students obtain training. Passage of the certification exam at the end of the program is required before the student can begin practicing. Duties of a CNA include, general patient care, such as bathing, dressing, mobility, positioning, eating, and grooming often in facilities like nursing homes.

The 100 foot view: CNA by clicking this link.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

This program takes 1-2 years of training at a trade school, community college or technical school. Duties of a LPN or LVN include, administering medication, taking vital signs, taking blood pressure, set and clean up various medical equipment used by patients. Students must pass the NCLEX exam to begin practicing.

What’s the difference between and LPN and an LVN? Learn more.

The 100 foot view: LPN or LVN by clicking this link.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This program takes between 2-3 years, and the curriculum will include nursing as well as liberal arts. Once a student earns his/her ADN, the student must pass the CLEX-RN. This is usually a stepping stone for students to go further to earn their bachelors degree in registered nursing. Students earning an ADN usually work in hospitals or medical clinics doing bedside nursing; minus administering medications and IV’s. In California, the majority of hospitals and medical clinics only hire RN’s.

The 100 foot view: ADN by clicking this link.

Registered Nurse (RN)

This program takes between 4-5 years, and the student earns a Bachelor degree. RN’s usually work for hospitals or medical clinics, but can also be found working at outpatient facilities, rehabilitation or senior centers. To begin practicing, students who graduate from a nursing program must pass the NCLEX exam. Students earning an RN degree often are paid more, can advance further into management positions, or pursue graduate degrees.

The 100 foot view: RN by clicking this link.

Direct Admit Programs vs. Pre-Nursing Programs

Students can apply to Direct Admit or Pre-Nursing programs at colleges and universities who offer nursing. Not all schools offer both programs. Direct Admit programs are programs where students are automatically enrolled into the curriculum and clinical rotations required to complete the RN degree. These programs tend to be very competitive since programs allow for 30-180 freshman students annually.

Pre-Nursing programs are still competitive, but not at the level of Direct Admit programs. Students admitted in pre-nursing must complete two years of related curriculum. In the Spring of their sophomore year, students apply to the Nursing program, typically at that school they are at, to complete the clinical rotations and remaining academic curriculum. The academic requirements for the Nursing Programs tend to include, completion of all pre-nursing curriculum, maintaining a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and taking a TEAS test.

What is NCLEX?

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized test that must be passed for students to successfully complete an accredited nursing degree. This test is taken by those students earning a CNA, LPN or LVP, and/or RN degree(s). A student may be required to take the NCLEX more than once depending on the educational path taken.

Planning Your Nursing Career

I found this handy website which provides flow diagrams to the variety of nursing careers available. Take a look at the planning guide provided here. Planning ahead!

Recommendations for High School Students

• Volunteer at medical facilities, hospitals and/or clinics to obtain patient care experience. Substantial commitment to volunteering is a critical piece of the college application.

• Take nursing/medical courses or programs during the summer.

• Nursing is a very competitive major. GPA >= 3.7 is recommended, high math standardized test scores critical in application evaluations, and biology and chemistry taken in high school is essential.

Questions to Ask Colleges and Universities

• What hospitals are near the campus for nursing clinical rotation and internships?

• Does the school have a direct admit program or does the student apply to the nursing program after completing pre-nursing curriculum?

• What is the NCLEX pass rate of students from the college or university?

• How is the medical school on campus?

How to become a RN

Watch this overview of how to become an RN published by JNJ Discover Nursing. Enjoy!