The first one is taking Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN. Most aspiring nurses choose this path because it is the most ideal if you want to become a professional nurse. The BSN takes four years to finish and it is lengthier than the other nursing training programs. The best part about this degree is that the training program is complete. This program is very comprehensive and it aims to prepare any nursing student to handle different situations and settings. Students are trained to handle any environment as well. Most employers look for nurses with a BSN degree because these nurses have all the skills needed. Moreover, one can pursue a master’s degree once he has graduated with a BSN.

The next nursing career path to choose is to take the Accelerated BSN degree. This is actually a fast track course to nursing and it will just take a year or a little more. There are certain prerequisites before you can apply for this training program. Prerequisites will depend on the nursing college you plan to enroll. This training program is rigorous because of the compressed time frame. Imagine studying everything in a 4-year BSN degree in just a year. Nonetheless, all the hard work will pay off since you will have your BSN degree afterwards.

The third nursing career path is getting an Associate Degree in Nursing. It will only take 2-3 years to finish this training program. Subjects are less compared to the BSN nursing program. All graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX, which is the ultimate stepping-stone in nursing careers. This is the faster and easier path to starting a nursing career and most schools offer this.

What do you think is the right one for you? If you want comprehensive training, getting the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is the best. If you are planning to shift careers, the Accelerated BSN degree will be best, as it will cut your studying time in half. If you want to start your nursing career earlier, an Associate Degree in Nursing will be best.

http://acceleratednursingsite.com/nursing/three-nursing-career-paths-you-need-to-think-about/

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AbleStock.com | Thinkstock

Practicing as a nurse is a privilege that we all have to earn. We not only have to apply ourselves to a higher standard to achieve the title, but we have to maintain that standard and strive to exceed it. This “standard” I am speaking of is your licensure as a nurse.

The journey we make to become a nurse is based on a universal process, but can traverse a different path depending on your geographical location. This can be the source of confusion and frustration for those who cross a state line (or international border) to practice as a nurse.

The following information is taken from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm).

As nurses, we all have sat for a national certification exam–ever heard of the NCLEX? This exam is the basic building block and requirement to practice as a nurse in any given state. Each state grants licensure to anyone who completes certain requirements that include (but are not limited to) the certification exam. Once we are licensed by the state, we can work as nurses.

Here’s the catch: Each state has its own set of requirements. There is no universal or national state standard. While this can be annoying, it does not limit you and your ability to practice in any state. In laymen’s terms, you may have to jump through a couple additional hoops and even pay more fees, but as long as you have met the national requirements to practice as a nurse, it’s only a matter of paperwork and due process before you can begin practice in another state.

I speak from experience. I have crossed state lines to work as a travel nurse as well as where I live. It can be arduous and time-consuming, but nothing should prohibit your choice to practice in another state.

There is a relatively new movement by certain states to try and alleviate this challenge. As we know, there is a nursing shortage, and time and money is of the essence when job seeking. The “Nurse Licensure Compact” (https://www.ncsbn.org/nlc.htm) is enabling multistate licensure for nurses through a streamlined process that allows a nurse to cross state lines to work without the additional paperwork and fees.

Why is there such a discrepancy between states and their licensure requirements? I’m not sure. I’m guessing it has to do with liability and cost. I do know that a nurse’s scope of practice definitely differs by state.

While the difference is minute in some cases, it also has a lot to do with responsibility and level of education. I know that in some states an LVN/LPN cannot administer certain IV medications, while in others they can. I also know that an LVN/LPN can seek additional certification to address this limit in their practice.

Ultimately, as a nurse you need to be informed of what licensure laws apply to you and your current working scenario. We are regulated by state and national standards for a reason. It is just another step to maintain our patient’s safety.

Disclaimer: These are simply the views of a fellow nurse, for further more definitive information, please contact your state’s licensing board (https://www.ncsbn.org/contactbon.htm).

http://scrubsmag.com/nursing-across-state-lines/

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