Now while most will agree that becoming a nurse can be arduous, being able to provide care for those in critical conditions can be very rewarding. It requires a special kind of person with compassion and empathy to care for others on a daily basis, but aside from these personal attributes what exactly are the steps required to get into the field of nursing? Let's take a deeper dive into nursing as well as go into detail on the training stages to become a nurse so you can have a better idea if you should follow this dynamic field.
Overview of the Nursing Career Path
Being a nurse means that you'll be responsible for the constant care of patients going through medical intervention. It involves not only attending to the patient but communicating with all stakeholders such as family members, doctors and other health professionals. You will usually be working with patients who have a variety of backgrounds, ages and health conditions making the role very dynamic as well as working in multiple settings, not just hospitals. Nurses can be employed in places like nursing homes, clinics, at-home agencies or even in schools.
If you want to become a nurse the road is fairly long as you will not only need to attain degrees but also be certified through licensing exams to obtain your license. Depending on what methods you go through to become qualified and how much effort you put into the process it can take anywhere between 2-4 years to become fully qualified. That being said, nurses don't regret taking the plunge because the difficulty of getting the qualification is well worth being in a rewarding field where they can make a difference on a daily basis.
Training Stages for Becoming a Nurse
Professional nurses go through multiple stages before they are able to practice as qualified healthcare professionals. Let's take a deeper look into what this involves so you can be better prepared for your journey towards being fully qualified.
Complete Higher Education Training at a Recognised Institution
The first step once you've decided that you want to become a nurse is to study, which means getting an approved qualification from an institution. You can either start an entry qualification level or move straight to the bachelor's degree. It does depend on the entry requirements and all institutions have different rules and pathways for entry. Most universities offer bachelor's degrees in nursing and cover topics such as anatomy, medical ethics, health and communication. For those aspiring to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing, UTA offers a comprehensive online program that can be explored at Academic Partnerships.
Register with your Nursing Regulatory Authority
After you have finished your studies the important next step is to register with your regulatory authority which is a requirement for every single nurse that wishes to practice, so there is no way around this. These organisations play an important role in ensuring all nurses who practice are qualified and of a high standard, which ensures good care for all patients.
Complete Nursing Placement in a Supervised Environment
The next step is to successfully complete placement which involved a period of supervised experience in the field of nursing. It usually involves at least 12 months of supervised practice in a variety of places, such as hospitals, community health centres or aged care facilities depending on what is available. When you have completed this you must then do an assessment to ensure competency before moving to the next steps.
Become Endorsed as a Nurse and Start Practicing
Once you have completed your supervised experience, you need to become endorsed as a nurse officially which is the final step before you can begin working. To do this you must complete an online application form, paying the applicable fee and providing evidence of your qualifications and experience. This endorsement means you now have everything to start your nursing career.
Participate in Mandatory Professional Development Courses
After you've started on the field you must continuously update your knowledge through professional development if you want to remain accredited. This is so they ensure nurses continue to develop their skills and knowledge and maintain their competency. It can be anything from seminars, courses or self-directed learning activities to help remain up to date.
The Essential Skills for Patient Care
The skills required to become an effective nurse do not only include the qualifications, you must also possess a range of soft skills that aid in patient care. This includes things like being able to communicate effectively, actively listen, and show empathy as well as understanding cultural diversity. These skills may already be present or you may have to spend some time working on them within the roles if they don't come naturally. But almost all roles in healthcare require these kinds of skills and mastering them will not only improve the lives of your patients but also aid in job satisfaction and career growth.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse can seem like an intimidating task but it is achievable, all it takes is some dedication and working through the necessary qualifications. The profession of nursing also offers immense career satisfaction as not only are you helping others, but you can make a real difference in people's lives. So if you think nursing is the right path for you, start your journey today because this in-demand industry will only be growing in the future.
