Q: Are nurses happy?

No, nurses are not happy. According to a study from Pennsylvania's School of Nursing, nurses' unhappiness stems from stressful working conditions, staffing levels, and unsatisfactory benefits packages.

Q: Can I become a nurse online?

Yes, you can become a nurse online. Online majors for nursing can allow aspiring nurses to obtain associate's, bachelor's, or even master's degrees in nursing. Many different colleges offer online nursing degree programs. Some schools are strictly online, while others are associated with major public universities and other institutions.

Question 1

Dental Hygienist vs. Nurse

Accepted Answer

A dental hygienist provides basic dental care to patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist, while a nurse work alongside doctors and physicians to provide quality medical care to patients.

Question 2

Medical Assistant vs. Nurse

Accepted Answer

A medical assistant is a professional who focuses on scheduling, clerical, and billing tasks, while a nurse is more focused on patient care.

Medical assistants may work in doctors' offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Their job centers around many administrative duties. They may be tasked with reaching out to patients to schedule appointments or follow-up care. Medical assistants also have a role in bookkeeping and billing. Most of their duties are performed at a desk in a medical facility.

Question 3

Nurse vs. Doctor

Accepted Answer

A nurse is a medical professional that has a wide array of duties in patient care, while a doctor is a more senior medical professional who is informed by patient information gathered by nurses.

Question 4

How long does it take to become a Nurse?

Accepted Answer

It takes 5 years of professional experience to become a nurse. That is the time it takes to learn specific nurse skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 8 to 10 years years to become a nurse.

Question 5

Are nurses happy?

Accepted Answer

No, nurses are not happy. According to a study from Pennsylvania's School of Nursing, nurses' unhappiness stems from stressful working conditions, staffing levels, and unsatisfactory benefits packages.

Question 6

At what age can you become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

You can become a nurse when you are 18, but the specific age requirements for a nurse can vary depending on your country and the nursing program you pursue.

It is worth noting that you must attend nursing school in some form to become a nurse. You can unlikely become a nurse right when you turn 18 because most nursing students start their nursing education at 18 or older.

Question 7

CNA vs Nurse

Accepted Answer

A CNA is a certified nursing assistant and works under registered nurses, while a nurse works under the direction of head registered nurses and doctors.

A CNA provides direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and home care.They help patients with a wide range of basic needs, including eating, bathing, grooming, mobility and more. CNAs report to and take orders from registered nurses, doctors and other higher-level hospital staff.

Question 8

Can I become a nurse online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a nurse online. Online majors for nursing can allow aspiring nurses to obtain associate's, bachelor's, or even master's degrees in nursing.

Many different colleges offer online nursing degree programs. Some schools are strictly online, while others are associated with major public universities and other institutions.

Question 9

Can I become a nurse with a GED?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a nurse with a GED, however, the educational requirements vary from state to state. Most nursing programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED to get accepted into a nursing program.

Question 10

Can a medical assistant become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a medical assistant can become a nurse, but they must first obtain additional education and training. Some courses might even be able to be transferred over from your medical assistant associate's degree, making the educational path to becoming a nurse slightly shorter.

Question 11

Can a paramedic become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a paramedic can become a nurse if they complete an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. Paramedics have the potential to make excellent nurses given the skills and traits in both careers have considerable overlap.

Question 12

Can anyone become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anyone can become a nurse. Relative to other jobs in the medical field, becoming a nurse does not require an advanced medical degree. While the coursework and NCLEX exam are science heavy and can be difficult, it is something that can be achieved with enough hard work, determination, and grit.

Question 13

Can you become a nurse with a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a nurse with a DUI, although it does create additional challenges. It is important to note that this is related to a misdemeanor DUI; if there are additional charges, you could be disqualified from working as a nurse. It is dependent on your specific case and circumstances.

Question 14

Can you become a nurse with a GED?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot become a nurse with only a GED. You will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing to become a nurse. Nursing programs include classroom instruction as well as clinical experience. Clinical training will allow you to gain hands-on knowledge, ask questions in real-life scenarios, and connect with nurses.

Question 15

Can you become a nurse with a biology degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a nurse with a biology degree. If you have a biology degree, a BSN degree program is an ideal opportunity to become a nurse. These programs will improve your job prospects and career salaries.

Question 16

Can you become a nurse with a felony?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a nurse with a felony; however, the process can be a lot more difficult. There are a number of factors that go into whether or not you can become a nurse with a felony, such as the nature of the crime, when it was committed, and what your judicial sentence was.

Question 17

Can you become a nurse with a health science degree?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot become a nurse with only a health science degree. Those who complete a bachelor of science degree in health science can still become registered nurses; however, they will likely need additional training.

Question 18

Can you become a nurse with a misdemeanor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to become a nurse with a misdemeanor on your record. However, the exact requirements vary by state, so it is important to research the specific requirements of the state where you are interested in becoming a nurse.

Question 19

Can you become a nurse with a psychology degree?

Accepted Answer

No, you can become a nurse with a psychology degree, however, you can choose to continue your education to become a nurse once you have your psychology degree. Some courses might even be able to be transferred over from your psychology degree, making the educational path to becoming a nurse slightly shorter.

Question 20

How can I become a nurse fast?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way to become a nurse is to become a licensed nurse practitioner (LPN). Programs to become an LPN typically last around one year and cost under $50,000.

However, to become a registered nurse (RN), you need an associate's degree, which typically takes about two years. This educational path generally consists of 60 credits of coursework and supervised clinical hours.

Question 21

How fast can I become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

You can become a nurse in two to four years, depending on the type of nurse you want to become. Nursing school is four years long if you are seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, but there are nursing roles you can obtain by getting an associate's degree in nursing from a community college, and this normally takes around two years.

Question 22

How hard is it to become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

It isn't all that hard to become a nurse. While it does require completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, becoming a nurse is not as difficult as many people think.

Question 23

How many hours do nurses work?

Accepted Answer

Nurses work eight, ten, or twelve-hour shifts and typically have work weeks in the 36 to 40-hour range. A nurse's shifts can vary depending on whether they work in a hospital, medical clinic, physician's office, school, office, or other facilities.

Question 24

How many types of nurses are there in the US?

Accepted Answer

There are seven main levels of nurses in the United States, with a wide variety of specialties. This means there are many avenues a person can choose to pursue a satisfying nursing career that caters to their interests and aptitude.

Question 25

How many years does it take to become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

It takes between one and four years to become a nurse. This wide range is because there many levels within nursing that all have different educational requirements.

The simplest route to be considered a nurse is to become a licensed nurse practitioner (LPN). This typically requires a one-year program, which is about 60 credits plus clinical hours.

Question 26

How to become a nurse without a degree?

Accepted Answer

You need a bachelor's degree to become an RN, but you can become a licensed practical nurse by completing certification. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is referred to as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in California and Texas. Both require certification, which can be completed in various ways.

The certification for LPNs and LVNs is a non-degree diploma that is offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and sometimes through hospitals. It is a more extensive program than that of a CNA, and after completion, many LPNs and LVNs supervise the work of CNAs.

LPN and LVN programs prepare you to work under the supervision of RNs. You will complete tasks such as taking vital signs and assisting with tests, sample collection, and procedures. Many LPNs choose to work while they complete nursing school and eventually transition into full-time RN positions.

Question 27

How to get a job as a new grad nurse

Accepted Answer

To get a job as a new graduate in nursing, you will need to do the work of finding open positions, interviewing for jobs, and then accepting the position that is a good fit for you. It is always exciting to graduate from school, but now you have to move on to the work part. Luckily, there are lots of options out there for you.

It is important to know where you want to go, both geographically and in your career, so that it can guide you in finding positions. After that, you can contact your school's advisor, and they will most likely have information regarding current hospitals and offices seeking new graduates. You can also use online job postings or university career fairs to find available positions.

Once you find positions, you will need to begin filling out applications and applying to positions. Then, you will need to go through the interview process. Nursing is a competitive field, so you will want to prepare beforehand to make a good impression during interviews.

You can use online guides as preparation. Then, after you have a great interview, you can wait for an offer to come in and then begin your job post-graduation.

Question 28

How to get a nursing job with no experience

Accepted Answer

To get a nursing job with no experience, use this guide:

Determine what type of nurse you want to be. There are many different kinds of nurses. Their responsibilities, and even salaries, can vary significantly.
It's important to do your research first and determine what line of nursing most suits you personally.
Attend nursing school. Nurses are almost always in high demand, and because of this, there are many nursing schools to choose from.
Make sure the nursing schools you apply to are accredited institutions. The degree you aim for and how long it will take you to earn it depends on what field of nursing you want to get into.
In certain states, registered nurses only need an associate's nursing degree in order to practice. This might fit your needs, but consider getting a bachelor's degree or higher if you want to advance in your nursing career.
Most BSN programs not only give you the knowledge you need but also expose you to hands-on experience as a nurse. This is invaluable because the profession of nursing can be stressful and unpredictable at times. Any real-world preparation is going to benefit you greatly.
Complete and pass the NCLEX exam. After you've obtained your degree, this is the required next step. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, also known as NCLEX or NCLEX-RN.
This exam is designed to test your knowledge in all the critical areas of the nursing field. To obtain state licensure and become a registered nurse, you must pass this exam. If you do not pass the exam, you then have to wait 45 days before you are eligible to take it again.
Just about every role in nursing requires you to pass this exam. If you haven't, you can still apply to nursing positions; however, the medical employer is almost certain to turn you down.
The one position you may seek without passing the NCLEX is a nursing assistant. However, even with this role, you will have to get certification to be considered. In other words, you need to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Get State Licensure. This is another mandatory step. You need to get a nursing license in the state in which you want to practice.
If you want to become a traveling nurse, you need to obtain state licensure in every state you plan to practice in. Certain regions have licenses that can be utilized in multiple states but do your research, as this is the exception, not the rule.
Each state also has its own unique requirements for obtaining a nursing license.
Get advanced training. This is optional; however, it does open you up to a wider range of nursing positions and higher salaries.
There are many different certifications you can seek as a nurse. Some common options include oncology, gerontology, neonatal, pediatrics, and many more.
Alternatively, you could also continue your higher education in nursing and earn a master's degree or a doctorate. Both of these options will give you a substantial increase in terms of salary.

Question 29

Is nursing a good career?

Accepted Answer

No, nursing is not a good career. According to a study from Pennsylvania's School of Nursing, the majority of nurses are unhappy in their careers. Nurses' general unhappiness stems from stressful working conditions, staffing levels, and unsatisfactory benefits packages.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the problems nurses normally have with their jobs. Nurses tend to be overworked, and the pandemic has exacerbated this issue to an almost unprecedented level.

Most nurses can feel overwhelmed on a daily basis, especially if they work in large hospitals or emergency rooms. In these environments, lives often hang in the balance, and mistakes can cause deaths.

This weighs heavily on the nurse population as a whole, and the stress of it can cause anxiety, depression, and other mental issues. The stress of the nursing profession has contributed to many nurses being unsatisfied with their jobs.

There are exceptions to this, of course, as some nurses who work in certain medical environments, such as physician's offices, experience significantly lower stress levels than their colleagues in more fast-paced medical settings. However, in general, nursing is a very stressful profession.

Another study, conducted by Nurse.org, that surveyed 1500 nurses in more than a dozen specializations, found that the majority of nurses are dissatisfied with their current roles.

It also cited that only 12% of nurses said they were happy in their current role. The study also found that about four out of ten nurses would need to see significant changes in their jobs in order for them to stay.

Another key factor in the nursing career being a bad one is burnout. This is a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped with tasks and being overworked. Nurses often experience burnout, even after only working in the field for under a year.

The road to becoming a nurse can also be expensive, long, and difficult in terms of schooling. While there are some nursing positions that don't require as much education, these roles are generally not well compensated.

It should be mentioned that there are nurses who find their careers very fulfilling because they get to help people in critical ways on a daily basis, and there are also nursing positions that can earn decent salaries. However, these are not common reflections of a career in nursing on the whole.

Question 30

Is radiology tech school harder than nursing school?

Accepted Answer

No, radiology tech school is not harder than nursing school. It's a common misconception that Radiology Tech School is harder than Nursing School. In fact, both radiology tech school and nursing school are difficult in their own ways and require different skill sets and knowledge.

Question 31

Nurse vs Pharmacist

Accepted Answer

A nurse is a medical professional that has a wide array of duties in patient care, while a pharmacist is a healthcare professional that focuses on the right way to use, store, preserve, and provide medicine.

Question 32

Paramedic vs Nurse

Accepted Answer

A paramedic is a registered healthcare professional that provides emergency medical treatment to patients in many settings, while a nurse is a caregiver to patients in a hospital setting.

Question 33

Respiratory Therapist vs Nurse

Accepted Answer

A respiratory therapist is a certified medical professional that treats patients that have medical issues with their lungs or breathing, while a nurse is a more broad medical role and helps to manage patient's physical needs, prevent illness, and treat health conditions.

Question 34

What are careers in nursing informatics?

Accepted Answer

Chief information officer and informatics nurse are careers related to the field of nursing informatics. Careers in this field begin with being a registered nurse and advancing your education in the specific area of informatics.

Chief Information Officer
Nursing informatics involves the use of technology to better administer nursing care in hospitals and other medical institutions. Chief information officers oversee employees and technology to achieve productivity and streamline costs.
CIOs in the nursing field typically have a great deal of nursing experience and have worked in multiple management-level positions prior to functioning as a CIO.
Informatics Nurse
Informatics nurses, on the other hand, work directly with nurses and use the information that they gather combined with technology to propose changes in health care protocols and individual patient care plans.
An informatics nurse may see patterns develop when examining data to reveal new ways of achieving an outcome while saving money or increasing the comfort of the patient. The shift from paper to electronic record keeping and patient charting is a key responsibility for informatics nurses.
Making sure that the electronic records kept by multiple different healthcare providers are compatible and able to be accessed easily helps ensure that the patient does not incur any unnecessary delays in treatment or diagnosis.
Informatics nurses typically have a master's degree in nursing informatics. Some employers will hire tech-savvy RNs for informatics positions with the expectation that they will continue to advance their education after being hired.

Question 35

What are the best gifts for nurses?

Accepted Answer

The best gifts for nurses are comfortable and durable athletic shoes, nurse bags, and inspirational books on nursing. Nursing is a stressful and tiring job, so there are many different types of gifts you can get to counteract their demanding job and make their lives easier.

Question 36

What degree do you need to be a nurse?

Accepted Answer

You need an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing to be a nurse. A bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), however, is the nursing degree that most employers prefer, and it provides graduates with the best career opportunities straight out of school.

Question 37

What disqualifies you from being a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Several things can disqualify you from being a nurse including having a felony or criminal record, a history of documented substance abuse, physical or mental health issues, certain forms of unprofessional behavior, and falsified information. Here is a look at each of these things that can disqualify you from being a nurse:

Question 38

What is the career path for a nurse?

Accepted Answer

The career path for a nurse includes jobs as a registered nurse, a practical nurse, and a trauma nurse.

There is a myriad of different career paths for nurses, depending on what type of nursing field they want to enter, and if they choose to specialize in a niche area of nursing.

Question 39

What is the first step to becoming a nurse?

Accepted Answer

The first step to becoming a nurse is to get a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. While this is not a direct step to be a licensed nurse practitioner (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN), it is crucial to determine if a person has the aptitude and personality to pursue nursing certifications and education.

Question 40

What qualifications do you need to become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

The minimum qualifications to become a registered nurse are an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and a license to practice. This can take between two and three years to achieve for most people.

Question 41

What should I study to become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

You should study nursing to become a nurse. You can accomplish this by attending nursing school and obtaining a bachelor's degree in the science of nursing (BSN).

In nursing school, you need to study and complete these classes; nursing fundamentals, physiology, psychology, microbiology, pharmacology, women and infant health, and leadership management.

Question 42

What should you wear to a nursing interview?

Accepted Answer

You should wear business professional attire to a nursing interview. For a nursing interview, you should typically wear business professional attire. Some employers will state that business casual is completely acceptable as well. You want your outfit to speak of your professionalism. Do not wear your scrubs to an interview.

Business professional is the appropriate way to dress for a nursing interview. You should consider solid colors, neutral but matching shirts, with simple and matching accessories.Men should consider a suit, while women should consider a suit or skirt. If you are going for business casual you can eliminate the jackets from the attire.

Limit your jewelry, and don't be overly flashy with any of the attire or accessories. Minimizing the accessories shows an employer that you understand the expectations of the position. It is important to look cleaned up, but conservative. One more notable fact that is mentioned over and over is to look and be clean. Represent yourself for the position, which includes good hygiene.

Question 43

Why become a nurse?

Accepted Answer

You should become a nurse because you get to help people, there are many job opportunities, and earning potential for nurses is good. Here is a closer look at these and other reasons you should become a nurse:

Question 44

What is a good starting salary for a Nurse?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a nurse is $44,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a nurse in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for nurses is $64,861, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a nurse can vary by state.

Question 45

2-year vs. 4-year nursing degree salary

Accepted Answer

A 2-year nursing degree salary averages around $40,250 per year in the United States, while a 4-year nursing degree salary averages around $71,730 per year in the United States.

The holder of a 2-year nursing degree, or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), can become a registered nurse (RN), however, they are almost always more likely to receive a lower salary than those nurses that get 4-year nursing degrees. This is because ADN holders are not able to perform as many nursing tasks as these 4-year nursing degree-holding counterparts.

Question 46

BSN vs. ADN salary

Accepted Answer

The difference between a BSN salary and an ADN salary is that a 4-year nursing degree, or BSN, holder's salary averages around $71,730 per year in the United States, while a 2-year nursing degree, or ADN, holder's salary averages around a $40,250 per year in the United States.

Question 47

Do nurses get good benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nurses typically get good benefits. Nurses typically receive a variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, disability insurance, and many other great employee benefits.These types of benefits are typically reserved for nurses that work full time for a specific healthcare company or organization. Specific benefits can vary in this field.

Question 48

Do part-time nurses get benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, part-time nurses get benefits. However, the specific benefits of a part-time nurse will vary depending on the particular healthcare or medical employer. It is also important to note that many part-time nurses do not receive the same amount of benefits that their full-time counterparts do.

Question 49

What is the lowest salary for a nurse?

Accepted Answer

The lowest salary for a nurse is for licensed nurse practitioners (LPNs). The median salary for LPNs is about $47,000. LPNs are some of the lowest-paid nurses because it has the lowest educational requirements within the nursing field.

Question 50

Why do nurses get paid so much?

Accepted Answer

Nurses get paid so much for many different reasons having to do with helping people, education and training requirements, and the stress of the job. It is important to note that while some nurses do receive significantly high salaries, and others are compensated well, some nurses are not paid a lot of money relative to their field or profession.

Question 51

Why don't nurses get paid more?

Accepted Answer

Nurses don't get paid more due to supply and demand. Nursing salaries vary significantly with education and industry demand. With the minimum required degree and low demand, nursing salaries can be considered low.

Question 52

Can a nurse make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a nurse. The chances of earning over $100k for a nurse are actually pretty good because the highest-paid nurse positions typically pay at least $95,000 per year. The average annual salary is $64,861 for nurse jobs. For example, nurses in Alaska whose salaries are in the 90th percentile earn an average salary of $152,000.

Question 53

Is nursing a stressful job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nursing is a stressful job. Most nurses can feel overwhelmed on a daily basis, especially if they work in large hospitals or emergency rooms. In these environments, lives often hang in the balance, and mistakes can cause deaths.

Question 54

What is the easiest nursing job?

Accepted Answer

The easiest nursing job is nurse educator. This job comes with the responsibility of educating the future generations of nurses. The work environment is low-pressure, and the hours are more manageable.

Question 55

What kind of nurses get paid the most?

Accepted Answer

Anesthetist Registered Nurses (ARN) get paid the most of any nurse. An ARN earns a mean annual salary of $181,040 ($88.26 per hour).

ARNs are paid the highest because they are highly skilled in preparing and administering anesthesia to patients in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and similar health professionals.

Question 56

What makes a good nurse?

Accepted Answer

What makes a good nurse is a mixture of hard and soft skills that include expertise, compassion, communication, attention to detail, critical thinking, flexibility, professionalism, patience, and teamwork.

Question 57

How long after NCLEX do you get a license number?

Accepted Answer

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to get a license number after passing the NCLEX exam. This depends on what state you have passed the NCLEX and applied for a nursing license in.

Question 58

How long does a CNA certification last?

Accepted Answer

A CNA certification lasts two years. If an individual wants to continue working as a Certified Nursing Assistant after their CNA certification has expired, they must seek to get it renewed.

Once your CNA certification expires, you should contact the state's health department or your state's nursing department. Who to contact varies from state to state.

One of these entities can tell you how long of a grace period you have once your CNA certification has expired.

Renewal processes can differ according to the state you practice in, some have you pay a fee for renewal, and others don't. Certain states also allow you to renew your certification online, while others do not.

Question 59

How long does an ACLS certification last?

Accepted Answer

An ACLS certification lasts for two years. After which, you will need to complete the renewal process to keep your Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification active. To renew your certification, you must complete continued education. The program can be finished online through the ACLS website, and the cost is $159.

Question 60

How long does the BLS certification last?

Accepted Answer

BLS certification lasts for 2 years. After 2 years, you need to complete a BLS recertification course if you want to renew your license. This course refreshes your memory on basic life support procedures and may give any needed updates. The cost for renewal can be as little as $15, but you most likely need to spend around $60 for a solid course.

Question 61

How long is the NIHSS certification good for?

Accepted Answer

NIH Stroke Scale certification is good for one year after someone initially receives certification. After that initial renewal, recertification is needed every two years. The renewal process after that first year includes completing continuing education courses.

Question 62

How to get a CCRN certification?

Accepted Answer

To get a CCRN certification, you must first meet the eligibility criteria established by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This includes clinical hours, continuing education credits, and the ability to pass the certification exam.

Question 63

Is Kaplan cat harder than NCLEX?

Accepted Answer

Whether the Kaplan CAT is harder than the NCLEX is difficult to say definitively, as different people have different levels of difficulty with both tests. However, the Kaplan CAT is generally considered to be more difficult than the NCLEX. This is because the Kaplan CAT covers a wider range of topics and has more challenging questions than the NCLEX. Therefore, if you are looking to prepare for the NCLEX, you may want to consider taking the Kaplan CAT first.

Question 64

Is NCLEX-RN harder than NCLEX-PN?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NCLEX-RN is harder than NCLEX-PN because it tests for a greater breadth and depth of knowledge. It's for this reason that the NCLEX-RN is usually considered more difficult than NCLEX-PN. However, both exams are challenging and require extensive preparation. Your decision to take either the NCLEX-PN or the NCLEX-RN should be based on your career goals.

Frequently asked questions about nurses

Questions about becoming a nurse