SO!

We have discussed a lot! Hopefully, I have given you a lot to think about! Now, here’s something else to think about,  How DO you actually apply? What do you need to consider first?

What Type of Nurse Do You Want To Be?

One of the most critical things to consider is what kind of nurse do you want to be? I don’t mean which department you are interested in working in.

I mean, which LICENSE do you intend to apply for?

For a lot of us, finances are the determining factor here. A 4 year BSN (bachelor’s in nursing science), at a major university will not cost the same as a 2 year ADN (associates degree in nursing science) from a local community college. Shocker, I know.But this has to be the first decision you make.

Note that we have previously discussed that you are earning a DEGREE from nursing school, which will enable you to take the RN LICENSURE exam for your nursing LICENSE. It is possible to have the degree without the license, but you will not be able to work as a nurse without the license.  We will discuss ADN vs. BSN in a future post.

Choosing a Nursing School

After you decide that, then you must pick a school. Again, money usually is the driving force here.

I feel it is important to note that if you are unable to afford a 4 year university, (as I was not), there are MANY local community colleges that offer excellent ADN programs. Some of them even offer LPN (licensed practical nursing) programs, which are shorter in length than RN programs and therefore, less expensive.

Something also relevent to note is that an LPN practices under an RN. There are a few things that LPNs can’t do that RNs can.(One example is IV push medications).

Deciding between LPN and RN licensure is also a must. As I understand it these days, some of the community colleges even offer an option to take an RN program, and then drop down to an LPN program rather seemlessly if the RN program isn’t for you!

Check back here for my twice weekly blog on everything nursing!!!

Nikki