Career Advice?

[EMSDude54343]

I am wanting a new career and want to get into nursing, but am wanting to specialize in either the neonatal or cardiac fields. I just dont know where to start. I know I need to go to school but do I choose an AS or BS or start out with something lower than RN? Should I look for a school that offers consentration in the field I want or do I need to become an RN and work in the field for awhile then choose a specialty? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!
(sorry if this is the wrong area to post, first time to this site.)
Thanks for all the help ahead of time!!

[linfieldadp]

Nursing is a rewarding career. How you go about achieving your goal depends a lot on you. If you have the time, money and motivation, you could go straight for your BSN. If you need to work as soon as possible, you may want to start out as an LPN or LVN. You can always go back for your RN or your BSN later. In fact, I have a good friend who is doing this. She passed the NCLEX-RN exam earlier this year and is going to be starting classes next spring for her BSN. Ultimately, you will be caring for patients, whether you are an LPN/LVN, an RN, or have your BSN. Education, responsibilities, opportunities, and salary are some of the main differences.

Best of luck to you as you pursue your career in nursing!

[scottgalvan]

If you are looking to enter the profession as quickly as possible then go for a Associate's degree. You complete it in around 2 years. Then pass the NCLEX-RN exam and start practicing as a nurse. Once you have sufficient experience, you may opt to pursue a BSN which will prepare you for advance positions in nursing.

All the best...

[amygarside]

These days, most hospitals and facilities prefer BSN degree holders. I suggest that you take BSN, so you can further advance your career in the future. If you have to dream, dream big. Good luck!

[richardshelton]

I believe that nursing is a vocation, not just a job, it is almost something that you dont choose to do, it chooses you. I dont think there could be a more rewarding job, it is fast paced, contains a lot of variety, you get to meet so many different people, no two days are the same and the appreciation you get from the patients can be amazing. The money is not great but its not a job that is done for the cash.

[crystly448]

In the present scenario nursing is a booming field. So I will suggest you that if you want to make your career in nursing then you should go for the BSN exam. After clearing this exam you can see your future bright and will achieve a good position in this field.

[Frankreich]

Where to start is first getting a nursing degree and a professional nursing license. You can and will specialize after you graduate, pass the nursing board, get your license, find work and then decide which area of nursing you are interested in.

[kathrynnorcutt]

The wonderful thing about being a nurse is that there is generally a demand somewhere. I do know that many areas suffer from dry spells in staffing, but being a travel nurse is a great way to make income and connections during down time - everything's paid for, including travel and housing, and you receive fantastic tax benefits. This, of course, is only desirable if you can stand being away for long periods (6 months?) at a time. If you can it's worth looking into.