Where Do I Start?

Ayvah, RN · Dec 9, 2014

Yes, you can go to any college which has a nursing program (tons do so you shouldn't have a problem finding one). You don't have to get a bachelors degree, you can become a RN with an associates(you can also go the quicker LPN route but the job opportunities are more limited). Start by looking at the colleges close to where you are going to be living. Look at their website which will list their programs and the requirements.

VampyrSlayer, CNA · Dec 9, 2014

Also check out accreditation and NCLEX pass rates

erica.andrews4721 · Dec 9, 2014

Ayvah,

Thank you very much for this!

erica.andrews4721 · Dec 9, 2014

VampyrSlayer,

What is a NCLEX pass rate?

RunBabyRN · Dec 9, 2014

Take a look at the job market in WA. I know here in CA, you need a BSN for most positions. I believe a lot of places in WA are the same way.

An NCLEX pass rate is the percentage of graduates from a given program that passed the NCLEX, which is the licensure exam you will need to take in order to be a RN.

You can start out taking prerequisite courses at any community college, and transfer to wherever you end up going into a nursing program. You can even take some of those general ed and prereq courses while you're still here in CA and then more in WA and have the transcripts all forwarded to wherever you apply.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Dec 9, 2014

Have you looked into becoming a CNA? Some employers offer free CNA training. You can get a taste of basic nursing, and decide if it's really what you want to do. Some facilities will even pay for you to become an LPN or RN.

allnurses Guide · Dec 9, 2014

You become a "nurse" by completing your degree (associate or bachelorss), you then take the licensing exam (NCLEX) in order to register with the state as having proved your knowledge with the test and your degree. Your license to practice as a nurse is then issued by whichever state you took the exam in, and the license is then "registered" with the state Board of Nursing. Hence, RN. Each state sets its own standards, but most will let you transfer your license to another state. If you are from a state with low standards, a state with higher ones may deny you a license if your scores were too low.

As Not-a-Hat said, very few schools accept you straight into a nursing program. You have to take quite a few classes, such as anatomy/physiology, math, English, chemistry, biology, (and a lot more for Bach!). There are entrance exams such as TEAS or HESI that indicate if you are likely to be able to pass nursing courses as well. Nursing schools look at your pre-requisite class grades and exam scores, as well as your high school GPA, to decide who to accept into the program (often called SON, for School of Nursing).

Most schools have admission counselors that are more than willing to make an appointment with you that will go over what it takes to get a nursing degree from the school; and help you with registration, etc.

VampyrSlayer, CNA · Dec 9, 2014

Although you can become an LPN with a diploma from a college :)

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2014

I would add...go to a hospital where you may want to work and ask the HR people what they look for when hiring nurses. Do they only hire BSNs? What can you do to make your resume stronger? Do not go by rumors. You will hear people say there are either to many or not enough nurses. Do your own research. Be proactive. Also go talk to schools and ask about the application process. Classes...schedules... be proactive.