How to Gather Information About Becoming a Nurse

Hello,
 
My name is Claudia and I would like to become a nurse. The problem is, I am about to turn 28 years old and I have no idea how or where to begin.
 
I was thinking about taking online courses, which would be very convenient, but I read that it might not be the best idea.
 
Help.
 
Claudia

 
Dear Claudia

For most people, the best place to begin is to write a list of all the questions that you would like answered for you to definitively decide on whether you wanted to be a nurse or not. Your future success will increase if you spend time gathering information about becoming a nurse. Here are some example questions to ask:

1)    How much money does a nurse get paid? (Check out PayScale’s data on registered nurses.)
2)    What are the educational needs for becoming a nurse? How much does school cost?
3)    What are the typical work hours for a nurse?
4)    What kind of things do nurses do?
5)    What’s a typical day like for a nurse (pace)?
6)    What do people like about the job?
7)    What are some challenges with the job?

The next step is to get the answers through reading, researching, or talking to some folks. There are lots of great online sources that you could post your questions on, blogs you could read, or ways to find folks to chat with.

Once it feels like a rational step, then you could perhaps volunteer to get more information. For some, they learn more by doing so you may want to forgo the first step all together and go directly to learning by doing. I found this information about becoming a candy striper using a web search. It may be helpful for you to get started: http://www.ehow.com/how_2081876_become-candy-striper.html.

Best wishes,

C.J.