Successful Nursing Career

You and your career counselor should explore the following questions openly and honestly when considering a nursing career:

• What is your level of achievement in high school and/or college?
• Will a part-time or full-time job be necessary while attending school?
• Are you able to move to another location to attend school?
• What are your nursing career goals (i.e. bedside nursing, public health, teaching, research, administration)?
• What are your long-term academic and career goals (masters’ degree, doctorate)?

Trends in health care delivery and health education predict that nursing preparation at the graduate level is necessary in the future.
The following are ideal qualities for pursuing a nursing career:

Academic ability - Nursing education makes intellectual demands on the student. You must be a serious student with proficiency in the health sciences.
Responsibility - When you earn the privilege of using the title “registered nurse,” you also assume legal and ethical accountability for your actions. Nurses must respect confidentiality, use good judgment, and be loyal to patients and to the profession.
Acceptance and Caring - Nurses must respect the rights of all people regardless of age, race, social status, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. Nurses demonstrate unbiased compassion for all.
Eagerness to Learn - Nurses are motivated to keep up with trends and research in the profession and to value life-long learning.
Confidence - Nurses must learn to handle catastrophe and crisis, and everyday challenges, in a confident, efficient, and caring way.