Source: National Student Nurses Association, www.nsna.org

If you are interested in studying nursing, you can apply to several state-approved and accredited schools of nursing. (link to Nursing Schools). You’ll require a high school diploma and a sound academic standing in your high school English, algebra, chemistry, biology, and psychology. An understanding of computers and technology is a great asset, as well as a compassionate heart, good communication skills, and a capacity to respond quickly to emergency situations. You’ll need good study habits and the ability to analyze and think through problems (critical thinking) to be successful in nursing school. At the end of the nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN ). Click here for information on financial aid.

• When considering a nursing career you should explore the following questions openly and honestly with your parents, the school nurse, guidance counselor, local hospital recruiter and a school of nursing admissions officer:
• What is your level of achievement in middle school and high school; will I meet the entrance requirements for nursing school?
• Are there volunteer opportunities in a local hospital so that I can see what nurses do? Can I spend the day with a RN?
• What is it like to be a RN and what are the opportunities in nursing?
• What are my nursing career goals, immediate (i.e. bedside nursing, public health nursing, critical care nursing), and long-term (nurse practitioner, nurse researcher, college professor)?
• What qualities make a good nurse?

Academic ability- nursing education makes strong intellectual demands on the student. You must be a serious student with proficiency in health sciences.

Responsibility- when you earn the privilege of using the title "registered nurse," you also assume legal and ethical accountability for your actions. You must respect confidentiality, use good judgment, and be loyal to patients and to the profession.

Acceptance and Caring- You must respect the rights of all people regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and social status.

Eagerness to learn- You must be motivated to keep up with trends and research in the profession and to value life-long learning.

Confidence- You must learn to handle catastrophe and crisis, and everyday challenges, in a confident, efficient, and caring way.

Determination- The road to becoming a nurse is not an easy one. You will need good mental and physical health, plenty of stamina and endurance, a sense of humor, and most of all, a determination to succeed.

Educational Pathways to Consider:
Associates Degree, ADN- two- year programs (after pre-nursing courses are completed) offered at community and junior colleges.

Hospital Diploma - two to three-year nursing programs based in hospital settings. Many diploma schools are affiliated with Junior and community colleges where students take basic English and Sciences requirements.

Bachelors of Science, BSN - four-year program, offered at colleges and universities. There are also five-year work-study BSN programs. Advancement opportunities are the greatest for the BSN graduate.

A BSN is required for entry into a master's degree in nursing program.The National Student Nurse's Association has many articles on becoming a nurse, from where to begin to what to do for your first job. Check it out at:
http://www.nsna.org/career/career_ultimate.html

Or visit:
www.aacn.nche.edu
www.virginianurses.com/vna/index.htm