The field of nursing welcomes people of all ages and from every different educational and career background. Whether you are a high school student or a career-changer who has been in the workforce for years, the process of deciding to become a nurse is the same. You may have first thought of nursing as a potential career when you saw a nurse in action or when you read about the exceptional job security or sense of reward that nurses enjoy. Regardless of what sparked your interest in nursing, the decision to pursue a particular career should always involve the following questions:
- Is the career the best choice for me? To answer this question, you must examine your own goals and circumstances, and you must learn about the many career options available to you so that you can find the best match. Nursing is an excellent choice for many people because it has so much to offer and its benefits are universally appealing. Go to Nursing as a Career: Endless Possibilities and Many Rewards if you are still in the process of answering this question. You should answer this question before you consider the questions that follow.
- What will I need to do to get started in this career? Almost all careers require a certain amount of educational and personal preparation. This preparation will cost you both time and money. There are many different ways to get into nursing, one of which may be more ideal for you than the others. Go to How to Get from Here to There to learn more about the various pathways to becoming a nurse.
- What resources are available to help me get started and succeed in my new career? Because of the high demand for nurses, there is a wealth of resources available to help you get started as a nurse. Therefore, you should not let the educational, financial, or personal costs of becoming a nurse prevent you from doing so. Go to Resources: People to Help You With Every Step of the Process for a list of people, organizations, and publications that can help you overcome any obstacles you may encounter.
