Nursing Career FAQs

To become a nurse, you need a combination of key qualities that will help you succeed in this demanding yet rewarding field. These include:

1. Passion and commitment: A strong passion for nursing will guide you through the challenges. Nursing is about helping others, and a genuine commitment to making a difference is essential.
2. Flexibility and adaptability: Nursing offers diverse opportunities, and you may switch roles throughout your career. Being flexible and open to exploring different areas of nursing is important.
3. Problem-solving skills: Nurses often face difficult situations, and the ability to solve problems efficiently and stay calm under pressure is critical.
4. Willingness to learn and grow: Continuous learning is a key aspect of nursing. Whether it’s clinical practices or foundational knowledge, being open to growth and new experiences helps you stay at the forefront of the profession.
5. Resilience and emotional strength: Nursing can be stressful, especially when dealing with critical cases, long hours, or emotional situations. You need to be resilient, prepared to handle stress, and capable of maintaining a strong emotional balance.
6. Networking and mentorship: Surrounding yourself with mentors and building a professional network can help you navigate your nursing journey and provide valuable guidance along the way.
7. Caring and compassionate nature: Above all, nursing is about caring for people, often in their most vulnerable moments. Compassion and empathy are essential qualities that define the role of a successful nurse.

Watch the video below to hear from real nurses about the qualities you need to be a nurse.

People become nurses for deeply personal reasons, often influenced by family or life experiences. Many are inspired by relatives in the profession, like a mother or uncle, who showed them the power of care and calm in difficult situations. Others want to make a difference by building strong relationships with patients, advocating for those who can't speak for themselves, or addressing the need for better care they witnessed firsthand. Nurses choose the profession to offer both physical and emotional support, knowing they can help people overcome challenges every day.

Watch the video below to see what inspired some people to choose nursing as a second career.

Nurses love what they do because their role extends far beyond medical tasks. They build deep, personal connections with patients, learning about their preferences, personalities, and fears. This allows them to provide emotional support, not just physical care. The gratitude and trust they receive from patients—who may be frightened or vulnerable—bring a deep sense of fulfillment. Working with different populations, like children or low-income women, also allows nurses to offer unique support, comfort, and education, making a meaningful impact in ways that medicine alone can't.

Watch the video below to to hear why nurses love what they do.

The length of nursing school depends on the type of nursing program and degree you're pursuing:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Programs usually take 4-12 weeks and include classroom and clinical training.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): These programs typically take about 12-18 months and are offered at community colleges or vocational schools.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): An ADN program usually takes 2 years to complete and is offered at community colleges. Graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A traditional BSN program takes 4 years at a college or university. Accelerated BSN programs for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field can take 12-24 months.
• Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN): For those aiming to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse educators, or nurse administrators, an MSN program typically takes 1.5-3 years after completing a BSN.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing: These programs, aimed at those pursuing advanced clinical or academic roles, can take an additional 2-4 years after an MSN.

In general, becoming a Registered Nurse through an ADN or BSN program takes 2-4 years, depending on the chosen path.

The path to becoming an RN typically involves 2-4 years of nursing school, passing the NCLEX-RN, and obtaining a state license. For those aiming for broader career prospects, a BSN is the preferred route, as it opens doors for future specializations or advanced practice roles.

To become a registered nurse (RN), you’ll follow these general steps:

1. Choose a Nursing Program
Decide which educational path aligns with your career goals and time commitment:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically a 2-year program at a community college.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year program at a college or university. BSN programs offer more comprehensive training and career opportunities.

2. Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
Enroll in and complete an accredited ADN or BSN program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets standards of quality and prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

• After completing your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re prepared for entry-level nursing practice.
• Studying for and passing the NCLEX-RN is essential to becoming licensed as an RN.

4. Obtain State Licensure

• Apply for licensure in the state where you plan to work. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s board of nursing for specifics.
• Typically, you’ll need to submit proof of your nursing education, NCLEX-RN exam results, and background check information.

5. Find Your First RN Job

• Start by looking for entry-level RN positions in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. Networking, career fairs, and your school’s career center can be valuable resources.
• Many hospitals offer residency programs for new RNs to help ease the transition from student to professional nurse.

6. Consider Specializations and Advanced Education (Optional)

• Once you gain experience, you might choose to specialize in areas like pediatrics, emergency nursing, or critical care, often through additional certifications or coursework.
• You may also pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher if you want to advance into roles like nurse practitioner, educator, or administrator.

Nurses are transforming healthcare every day. Many are at the bedside caring for patients, understanding their concerns, the challenges, and identifying opportunities to provide quality care, while others are innovating as a result of these interactions solving problems at the community, clinical or policy level. Through critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration, nurses lead initiatives that address patient safety, improve care practices, and develop new products, policy and protocols that raise standards across the field. Through collaboration with healthcare teams, they identify and solve issues—such as improving medication management, designing safer patient environments, and advocating for evidence-based changes that reduce risks. By spearheading these types of projects, nurses not only enhance patient outcomes but also establish best practices that can be adopted more widely, demonstrating their essential role in advancing healthcare quality and safety.

Nurses’ salaries depend on many factors. The median annual RN salary in the United States is $81,220, per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, making it a stable, well-paying job. That figure spans all types of nurses and geographic locations, including the lowest and highest-paying nursing jobs, with some of the highest-paid nurses earning over $200K.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in nursing by providing guidance, support, and encouragement to new nurses. Experienced mentors help navigate the transition from theoretical learning to real-world practice, especially in high-stress environments like the ICU. They offer not only technical knowledge but also emotional support, teaching new nurses how to care for patients holistically. Mentorship fosters confidence, professional growth, and a sense of community among nurses, ensuring that they continue to learn, develop, and offer the best care possible for their patients.

Watch the video below to see why mentorship fosters rewarding relationships that can shape your career, change your life, and be an important part of a successful nursing career.

It's never too late to become a nurse. Nursing is a career that's accessible even if you've already completed another degree, and many programs offer accelerated paths for those pursuing it as a second career. Returning to school as an adult often means you have a clearer sense of purpose and greater self-discipline, making you more invested in your studies. Life experience can be a strong asset, helping you navigate the demands of a rigorous program and ultimately enhancing your commitment to the profession.

In the below video, discover why nursing is a great choice at any stage of your life—it’s never too late to become a nurse.

Nursing has transformed significantly, with nurses today holding roles that extend far beyond following physicians' orders. Advanced practice nurses, for instance, bridge nursing and medicine, blending clinical expertise with compassionate care. Nurses now also impact public health by informing public policy, advocating for communities, and using their firsthand knowledge to guide policymakers.

The profession requires continual learning as nurses stay up-to-date with medical advancements and patient safety standards. Positioned as primary caregivers, nurses are often the first to recognize and respond to health complications, ensuring attentive, responsive, and empathetic care at every stage.

Today’s nurses are independent leaders, driving change in the healthcare system. Learn more in the below video.

Nurses can engage in various types of volunteer work that make a significant impact on communities. Locally, they might participate in back-to-school drives, offer health screenings, or provide patient education on topics like healthy eating, blood pressure management, and BMI. Nurses also join medical mission trips, such as providing medical, vision, and dental care to underserved populations in countries where resources are limited. Additionally, some work with charity organizations to teach healthcare practices in developing regions, such as safe childbirth techniques, which can help lower maternal and infant mortality rates. These volunteer activities allow nurses to fully leverage their skills in service to those in need.

In the below video, hear from nurses about the different ways nurses volunteer, including giving back to their local communities or traveling to different parts of the world to help others in need.

Being a nurse innovator requires problem-solving skills, a systems-thinking approach, and strong communication abilities. Nurse innovators are team-oriented and quick to respond to challenges, often finding solutions that improve patient outcomes. This role also demands enthusiasm, adaptability, and a drive to make meaningful changes in healthcare practices, using their on-the-ground experience to create impactful innovations that benefit both patients and healthcare systems.

Watch the video below to hear from these nurses about what nurse innovation means based on their experiences.

Nurse innovation is pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare by driving real-time, practical improvements to patient care. Nurses are uniquely positioned to innovate because they interact closely with patients, witnessing immediate needs and areas for improvement firsthand. This proximity means they can’t wait for lengthy decision-making processes; they’re motivated to develop solutions on the spot. As avenues for implementing their ideas continue to expand, nurse-driven innovations will increasingly transform healthcare, making it more responsive and effective for patients.

Watch the video below to hear from these nurses about why nurse innovation is the future.

Innovation matters in nursing because nurses are uniquely positioned at the intersection of human connection and care delivery. Nurses observe patient needs firsthand, often noticing gaps in care that others might miss. By addressing these needs, they help design solutions that honor human dignity and improve lives, whether it’s developing tools to ease new mothers’ anxieties, supporting fathers’ involvement, or creating systems to aid communities during crises. Nurses can lead in reshaping healthcare, using their insights to drive patient-centered innovations that strengthen both clinical outcomes and healthcare systems.

Hear why innovation matters in nursing from speakers at a Plenary Session during the National Student Nurses' Association annual conference.

Becoming a nurse can take anywhere from 1 to 8 years, depending on the type of nursing role and education level you pursue:

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): 4-12 weeks. CNA programs are often the quickest route into nursing, focusing on basic patient care. After training, students must pass a state certification exam.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): 1 year. This program is available at community colleges or vocational schools, and graduates can work under RNs or doctors in healthcare settings.
3. Registered Nurse (RN): Becoming an RN typically requires either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
   
   
   • ADN: 2 years. ADN programs are offered at community colleges and allow graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as an RN.
   • BSN: 4 years. BSN programs at colleges or universities offer more comprehensive training, leading to greater job opportunities and career advancement.
4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator: Requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which takes about 1.5-3 years beyond the BSN.
5. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing: Requires an additional 2-4 years post-MSN. These programs are suited for advanced clinical practice or academic research roles.

Typical Timeline Examples:

• Quickest Route (CNA): About 4-12 weeks.
• Basic RN Route (ADN): About 2-3 years total.
• BSN Route: About 4 years total.
• Advanced Practice Nurse: About 6-7 years total (BSN + MSN).

In general, it takes 2-4 years to become a registered nurse (RN), depending on the degree.

Learn more about becoming a nurse in our Nursing Degrees & Programs Guide here.

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with specialized education and training, enabling them to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive healthcare services. NPs often work independently or collaboratively with physicians, focusing on patient-centered care and health promotion in various healthcare settings. NPs are integral to the healthcare landscape. NPs are highly skilled professionals who bridge gaps in healthcare access, provide holistic patient care, emphasize patient education, advocate for sound healthcare policies, and significantly improve healthcare outcomes.

Learn more about the steps to becoming a nurse practitioner in our career guide.

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) both play vital roles in patient care, but they differ in responsibilities, education, and autonomy. RNs provide essential care, monitor patient conditions, administer treatments, and support overall well-being. They focus on direct patient care, working closely within a team to ensure patient needs are met. In contrast, NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who hold specialized education and certification, allowing them to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, axnd offer a broader range of healthcare services, often independently or in collaboration with physicians. While both roles are foundational to healthcare, NPs have a greater scope of practice, enabling them to function as primary or specialty care providers, often leading in patient diagnosis, treatment planning, and health education.

Explore our guide to the various Nursing Degrees & Programs to help you on your path to become an RN or advanced practiced nurse such as a nurse practitioner.

One of the draws to becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is the flexibility in being able to change the focus or direction of your career, but knowing where to start can be a challenge. A common question soon-to-be students ask themselves is: What do I want to specialize in? According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), NP specialties correspond to a specific patient population and/or concerns, like adult-gerontology or psychiatric mental health. Level of acuity is also a factor since NPs can be certified to provide either primary (non-urgent) or acute care.

There are at least six different licenses that NPs can obtain. Among them Family Practitioner (FNPs), who make up the majority of nurse practitioners — nearly 70%, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); Psychiatric / Mental Health (PMHNP); Acute Care (ACNP); Adult Gerontology (AGNP); Pediatric (PNP); and Women’s Health (WHNP).

Other subspecialties include immunoclogy, oncology, orthopedic, gastroenterology, cardiology, and radiology.

To find your potential pathway, use AANP's survey here.

There are various types of nursing, each with its own distinct focus and requirements. Different types of nurses include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Nursing specialties can range from pediatrics to oncology and require specialized training and education to provide expert care in their respective areas.

Explore what nursing specialty might be right for you here.

There are numerous nursing schools and programs throughout the country, providing a wide range of nursing classes, degrees, and certifications to choose from. Use our guide to explore the best programs, colleges, and universities based on your needs and career goals.

Explore our Nursing Programs & Degrees Guide to find the program and location that best fits your needs.

Whether you're pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing, there are a variety of ways to cover tuition and find financial support to help you achieve your academic goals. There are scholarships, work study programs through colleges, grants, tuition reimbursement through hospital systems, and lastly, if you have to, there are student loans available. Nursing scholarships and grants can be found through a variety of sources, including professional organizations, government agencies, and private foundations.

Visit our Paying for Nursing School directory to explore our nursing scholarships, grants, as well as the variety of financial aid programs and student loans available to you.

After exploring the nursing program that is best for you, make sure to talk to your school counselor, mentor, or admission advisor to ensure a good fit. Learn about the nursing school’s accreditation, the entrance exams requirements, and prepare a strong nursing school application.

Learn more about these considerations here.

Depending on the path you choose to enter into the profession and after obtaining the required licensures, certifications, and training, getting a full-time nursing job is the next step. While nurses are in demand as a profession, getting a nursing job—as with any job—requires patience, focus, preparation and, at times, a bit of luck to get there.

From applying for a position to following-up after an interview, here are some tips to help make your job search a success.