Registered nurses (RNs) are the heart of healthcare. They show up when it matters most, providing hands-on care, emotional support, and clear communication in times of uncertainty. Nurses play a crucial role in patient recovery and education, from monitoring vital signs to administering medication.

1. What It Means to Be a Nurse

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

On any given day, a nurse might:

• Assess patient conditions and needs
• Create personalized care plans
• Administer treatments and medications
• Operate life-saving medical equipment
• Help patients and families understand diagnoses

I still remember the rush of my first shift—nervous, hopeful, and ready to help. Once I connected with my patients, everything clicked: nursing is about showing compassion and competence when people need it most.

Exploring Nursing Specialties

One of the most beautiful things about nursing is the wide range of specialties you can grow into. Whether you’re drawn to kids, emergencies, or mental health, there’s a path for you.

Some popular specialties include:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Critical Care or ICU
• Mental Health Nursing
• Oncology
• Emergency Room (ER)
• Surgical Nursing

Each specialty brings its rewards. I began in the Emergency Room as a Patient Care Technician, and I’ll never forget how deeply meaningful it felt to support families through some of their most challenging moments.

Why Nurses Matter So Much

Nurses don’t just care for patients—they advocate, explain, comfort, and connect. They help make sense of medical jargon and stay with patients long after the doctor’s rounds are over.

Nurses are essential because we:

• Advocate for patient needs and safety
• Translate complex health info into understandable steps
• Offer emotional support during life-changing events
• Improve healthcare through hands-on experience and research

“Nurses are the soul of healthcare. We’re there in people’s hardest hours, offering hope, help, and healing.”

2. How to Start Preparing

High School and Beyond

If you’re in high school and already thinking about nursing—go you! You’re setting yourself up for success. Focus on subjects like:

• Science (Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy)
• Math (especially Algebra and Statistics)
• English and Communication (you’ll need to explain things clearly every day)

I wish someone had told me back then how crucial these classes would be for nursing school—they are your foundation.

Choosing the Right Nursing Degree: ADN vs. BSN

To become an RN, you’ll typically choose between:

• ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) – 2-3 years, faster and more affordable
• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) – 4 years, more opportunities and higher pay

I went the BSN route, and while it was tough, it gave me a strong start with long-term benefits like leadership opportunities and career flexibility.

Picking an Accredited Nursing Program

Accreditation is a must. Without it, you may not qualify for licensing. Look for programs approved by:

• ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
• CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)

Visit schools, chat with current students, and check out job placement stats—that made a huge difference when I was choosing.

Entrance Exam

All nursing programs have different requirements; however, the entrance exam is one requirement across the board.

Here are two of the most up-to-date study resources for the nursing entrance exam. Make sure to verify that your program is using HESI or ATI TEAS. #ad

3. What to Expect in Nursing School

Classes and Clinicals: Where the Learning Happens

Nursing school is no walk in the park, but it’s one of the most empowering experiences ever. You’ll dive deep into:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Health Assessments
• Nursing Ethics and Practice

You’ll also complete clinical rotations, during which your classroom knowledge will be applied in real-world settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and care centers.

Building the Skills That Matter

Beyond learning medications and procedures, you’ll strengthen essential life skills like:

• Critical thinking under pressure
• Clear, compassionate communication
• Time management
• Emotional resilience and empathy

I found that how I connected with people often mattered just as much as what I knew.

Balancing Life and Nursing School

Yes, it’s a lot. But you can make it through. Here’s what helped me:

• Stick to a weekly study schedule
• Join a study group (you’ll lean on each other more than you think)
• Take breaks and care for your body and mind
• Ask for help—professors, classmates, and counselors are there for a reason

4. Getting Licensed and Certified

About the NCLEX-RN Exam

After graduation, it’s time to pass the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that licenses you to practice as an RN. It covers:

• Safety and patient care
• Health promotion
• Psychological and physical integrity

It’s normal to feel anxious; however, consistent studying, practice tests, and understanding the format pay off. Plus, there are now so many resources online, such as NCLEX-Prep boot camps. 

Know Your State’s Requirements

Each state has its nursing license requirements, like:

• Criminal background checks
• Official transcripts
• Application fees

Always check your state’s Board of Nursing to ensure you’re checking every box.

Lifelong Learning: Continuing Ed

Most states require CEUs (Continuing Education Units) to keep your license active. These might include:

• Online health courses
• Workshops or conferences
• Specialized certification programs

Continuing education has been a way to stay sharp, discover new interests, and keep growing.

5. Launching Your Career

Finding That First Nursing Job

Here’s how I landed my first job and what might work for you, too:

• Apply to work as a Patient Care Technician or CNA for experience
• Use your school’s job placement resources
• Connect with people from your clinical rotations
• Apply to new grad residency programs
• Be open to different shifts or settings—you’ll learn from every experience

Your first role might not be “forever,” and that’s okay. It’s your launchpad.

From Student to Nurse: Making the Leap

Becoming a nurse isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about mindset. That first year, you’ll grow so much. Expect:

• More independence and decision-making
• Fast-paced problem solving
• Emotional ups and downs

Having a mentor was my secret weapon. Lean on experienced nurses, be honest about your learning, and give yourself grace.

Long-Term Career Growth

The best part? Nursing evolves with you. You can:

• Specialize in new areas
• Go back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner or educator
• Move into leadership or policy roles
• Work in research, public health, or education

Ultimately, nursing is ever-changing for you.

6. What to Expect: The Tough and the Beautiful

The Hard Stuff

Nursing isn’t always easy. Some common challenges include:

• Long hours and physical exhaustion
• Emotional strain and burnout
• System challenges in healthcare

I’ve experienced them all. Self-care, supportive coworkers, and therapy helped me find balance.

The Emotional Load

This job is deeply personal. You’ll face:

• Grief, loss, and high-stress moments
• Physical fatigue
• Emotional exhaustion from caring deeply

But I promise—seeing a patient smile or a family express gratitude makes it all worth it.

Why It’s All Worth It

Nursing is one of the most meaningful careers out there. You’ll feel:

• Deep satisfaction from helping people heal
• Pride in your skills and growth
• A strong sense of purpose and community

Some days are hard. But every patient I’ve helped, every life I’ve touched—that’s why I’m proud to be in this field.