As we approach Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence we continue to provide information and resources to our fellow Jamaicans and the rest of the Caribbean. Today we look at ways to enter the field of nursing in the United States. Nursing is one of the main career paths chosen by people of the Caribbean who migrate to the United States.
Qualified nurses are needed in the United States for more than just bedside care. They also need to be able to lead, educate, and advocate. With increasing patient numbers and aging populations, nurses with compassion and savvy skills have the opportunity to make an impact. Continue reading to find out how to become a nurse.
Steps to Become a Nurse
A solid education is the first step towards becoming a nurse. This applies whether you want to become a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical or vocational nurse, or administrator. To become licensed in any state in the United States, students must graduate from an accredited nursing program.
- Step 1
Choose a nursing path
You can go in many directions as a nurse administrator or certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Consider the work environment that you would prefer when choosing your career path. For example, nurses can work in hospitals and doctors’ offices. However, certified nursing assistants are often found in nursing homes. Which setting is most inspiring to you?
It is important to consider the role you wish to play. A CNA/LVN or LPN/LVN may be the right choice if you are looking to work with a medical staff. A career as an RN/APN is a great fit if you are looking to supervise or manage nurses or assistants.
There are many aspects to healthcare. Nurses often choose to specialize in one area, such as critical care or geriatrics. Consider what type of education is required to become a skilled nurse if you are passionate about a particular type of nursing.
- Step 2
Get a Degree
The type of nursing degree that you need will depend on the career path you are interested in. Nursing programs offer both classroom instruction and clinical experience. You will be able to learn hands-on, ask questions in real-world situations, and interact with nurses. You will also get to see how a hospital runs.
Consider how a nursing program will fit into your daily life before you make a decision. Is it possible to travel to campus for your program? You cannot earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing online. Clinical requirements must be completed in a community setting.
Before you decide on a program, consider how it will fit into your daily life.
An associate’s degree allows you to get a job sooner if you are interested in becoming a RN. But what about the downside? Employers might be more likely to hire nurses with a bachelors degree because they have more education. Many nurses who have ADNs are able to go on to higher education, sometimes with tuition reimbursement from their employers.
These are the various types of nursing degrees:
- Nursing diplomas >> Community colleges or vocational schools
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). >> Community colleges
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Available at colleges and universities
- Master of Science in Nursing (BSN). >> Colleges and universities
- Doctoral degrees (DNP/ND, PhD and DNSc) >> Colleges & universities
- Step 3
Get licensed
After you have completed your education, you will need to pass an exam to prove your nursing skills and knowledge. Nurses must also be licensed to practice . Exams are the prerequisite for licensing.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Pass the state competency exam to earn a state licence
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Completion of a state-approved certificate program, passing the National Council Licensure Examinations (NCLEX-PN), and earning a state license
Registered nurse (RN)
Earn a nursing diploma, ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX RN, and get a state license
Nurse practitioner (NP)
Earn a MSN. Pass the NCLEX RN and a national certification exam administered through a professional organization like the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Nurse midwife (CNM)
Earn a state license by completing an MSN, passing the NCLEXRN and passing the NCLEXRN.
Nurse anesthetist (CNA)
If you matriculate after 1/1/2022, complete an MSN and a DNP; pass the NCLEXRN and the certification exam administered to you by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. Get a state license
- Step 4
Be a Lifelong Learner
Healthcare is always evolving with new treatments and technologies. Nurses who work on the frontlines of healthcare must stay educated and informed to ensure they are able to adapt to changing responsibilities. Nurses who view their career as a lifelong learning opportunity can seize new roles and opportunities that arise.
- Take continuing educational courses: Nurses must complete continuing education courses at least once every two years. For more information, check with your state nursing board.
- Get certified If you are interested in specializing in nursing, it is worth considering getting professional certification. This certifies your dedication to the field and shows employers your skills.
- Get an advanced degree: A master’s degree can prepare you for a career in nurse practitioner, clinical nursing specialist, certified nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife or certified nurse practitioner.
How To Become A Registered Nurse in Jamaica – Interview with a RN
Different levels of nursing
Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers. There are many opportunities to specialize and advance. Nurses can also fill the demand for more specialized nursing approaches by obtaining more education. This often leads to a higher pay scale.
Entry-level Nursing
There are many career options for entry-level nurses. Many bridge programs, including LPN-toRN and RN–to-BSN pathways that allow nurses to use their previous education and experience towards the degree they desire. Consider which one is right for you?
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Job duties:
CNAs assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing or feeding. CNAs answer calls and clean the rooms. They are also responsible for recording information and reporting any issues to a nurse.
Degree required:
Certificate or diploma post-secondary (4-12 weeks).
Average annual income*:
$30,720
You can become a CNA if you are looking to quickly join the nursing profession and gain valuable experience on the job.
Licenced Practical Nurse (LPN)
Job duties:
LPNs, also known as licensed vocational nurses in Texas and California, provide basic care to patients, such as dressing, changing bandages and bathing. LPNs may be allowed to administer medication, but it depends on the state regulations.
Degree required:
Certificate or diploma (1-year)
Average annual income*:
$48,500
Become a LPN if you want to be a nurse sooner than expected and aspire to one day become RN. LPN experience is often accepted into RN degrees.
Registered nurse (RN)
Job duties:
RNs manage patient care, prescribe medication, help doctors with surgeries and exams, teach patients, promote wellness and manage LPNs and nurses. Although you can get a nursing diploma, or an ADN, employers prefer nurses who have a BSN, particularly in acute hospitals.
Degree required:
Associate’s degree (2 years) or Bachelor’s degree (4 years).
Average annual income*:
$77,460
Become an RN if you are interested in a varied work experience, career growth and additional educational opportunities.
Advanced
Students must have a bachelor’s degree in order to enroll in advanced nursing programs. Many students get their BSN from one school, and then go on to another school for their MSN.
Bridge programs enable students to pursue two degrees from one school. Students who are registered nurses can first receive their undergraduate education and then proceed to MSN courses.
CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
Job duties:
To manage pain, nurse anesthetists are available to patients during and after any medical procedure. They decide the type and amount of anesthesia required.
Degree required:
Master’s degree (two years); Students matriculating in a program as a nurse anesthetist after January 1, 2022 must enroll in a doctoral program. A doctoral education is required to practice nurse anesthesia by 2025.
Average annual income*:
$181,040
Become a nurse anesthetist if you are looking to work in a team with doctors or on your own, depending upon the laws in your state.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Job duties:
Prenatal, postpartum and newborn care is provided by nurse midwives. They guide and support women all through their pregnancy. Nurse midwives can also help families and women learn about their health and well-being. You’ll refer women to a doctor if they experience serious complications.
Degree required:
Master’s Degree (2 Years)
Average annual income*:
$108,810
Become a nurse midwife if you may want to become a specialist in the care of infants and women.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Job duties:
NPs are primary care providers for patients from all walks of life. They can diagnose and prescribe medication. They can also teach patients about preventive medicine. In certain states, NPs are allowed to practice independently of physician supervision, allowing them the freedom to open their own clinics.
Degree required:
Master’s Degree (2 years); by 2025, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice will be required.
Average annual income*:
$111,840
Becoming a nurse practitioner if you are interested in providing comprehensive care for patients.
Nursing Informatics
Job duties:
Nursing informatics is not just about training other nurses to use new technology. Additionally, you will spend time developing systems, quality control and discovering new ways to use data. Efficiency in the workplace is important as well as patient confidentiality.
Degree required:
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
Average annual income*:
$96,160 for clinical information coordinators as part of the larger group computer systems analysts
Become a nurse informatics specialist if you are looking to combine your technical skills with advanced nursing careers.
Nurse Leadership / Nurse Administration
Job duties:
Nurse administrators have many responsibilities, including managing finances and creating work schedules. Nursing administrators will not only manage the staff but also analyze the services provided, find ways to reduce costs, and monitor how resources are being used.
Degree required:
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
Average annual income*:
$115,160 to medical and health service managers
Become a nurse administrator if you will be able to improve patient care and manage the business side for a medical facility.
Changes in Nursing Career
Nursing can be both rewarding and challenging. Some nurses are looking for a change of career after years of providing bedside care. Sometimes, it is best to return to school to make a career change.
- You can specialize in A master’s degree lets you choose a specialization such as midwifery. You can also enroll in a certificate program if an MSN is not what you are looking for. This takes less time and is more affordable. There are many specialty certificates that you can choose from.
- Teach If your passion is to help new nurses at work, you may be a good candidate for a job as a nurse teacher. To teach nursing courses at universities and colleges, nurses must have a master’s degree or doctorate.
- Research You can work in medical research as a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD), or Doctor of Nursing Science(DNSc). Your research could make a difference in the nursing profession.
With an Accelerated BSN, you can move to nursing from another career.
Students who already have a bachelor’s in another field can apply for Accelerated BSNs.
It is not necessary that all RNs begin their career in nursing. Some people switch careers because of job dissatisfaction, pay, or any other reason. What if you don’t have the money or time to spend on four more years of school? Get an accelerated BSN.
Students who already have a bachelor’s in another field can apply for Accelerated BSNs.
Although you will need to pass certain science and math prerequisites to become an accelerated BSN student, they don’t have to repeat general education courses. The accelerated program, which usually lasts about 18 months, focuses exclusively on nursing skills. Students should have a BSN to graduate and be ready for the NCLEX RN.
Nursing Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3,096,700 registered nurses in America as of 2019. There is still plenty of room.
According to the BLS, there will be 221,900 new jobs for RNs by 2029. The BLS reports on RNs and includes nurses with ADNs, BSNs and MSNs. This means that there are many opportunities. According to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, opportunities will increase as more than 1,000,000 nurses retire over the next 10-15 years.
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