How to pursue a meaningful career in nursing

(BPT) - November was National Career Development Month, which means that many students and professionals are in the early stages of exploring new opportunities, skills and certifications in the name of lifelong learning. If you find yourself unsatisfied with your current position, field or career trajectory, now is the perfect time to work toward a more fulfilling future with the new year right around the corner.

Nursing is a rewarding, impactful profession that offers competitive pay, as well as opportunities for career advancement and mobility. If you're motivated, passionate and enjoy helping others, then a nursing career may be right for you.

Education is key

Whether you're looking to enter the field for the first time or to uplevel your existing nursing career, a high-quality education is a vital first step. You can find a variety of career-focused nursing programs at Carrington College, offered at its campuses in California, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon, as program availability varies by campus.

"It's a joy to witness the transformative power of education every day and how it equips our students with the knowledge, skills and professionalism needed to enter or move up in the nursing field," said Jay Brownson, Assistant Dean of Nursing at the Carrington College Reno campus. "With hands-on labs and an evidence-based curriculum, our students gain the confidence they need to take the next step in their careers."

Interested in exploring the field of nursing? Learn about programs and various avenues to jumpstart your career.

Getting started: Vocational Nursing and Practical Nursing

Are you new to nursing, or have you been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? You can prepare for or advance your career with hands-on training through Carrington College's Vocational Nursing program. Students can earn a Vocational Nursing certificate in as few as 12 months, or an associate degree in as few as 15 months, though program availability varies by location.

The Vocational Nursing program provides hands-on training and clinical experience that will prepare you for entry-level employment under the guidance of a Registered Nurse or licensed physician in a variety of healthcare settings. The Vocational Nursing program is available in Bakersfield, Rancho Mirage, Sacramento, Santa Maria, San Jose and Visalia.

Carrington College also offers the similar Practical Nursing certificate in as few as 12 months in Boise and Albuquerque. This certificate offers a quick path to becoming a practical nurse working under the guidance of Registered Nurses and physicians. Upon graduation, you'll be well positioned to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).[1]

As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), your duties may vary depending on the state where you're licensed to practice. Your education will help you learn how to successfully perform typical activities including monitoring patient health, administering basic patient care and keeping patient health records.

Pathways toward becoming a Registered Nurse

Further along the nursing career path, Registered Nurses (RNs) have more authority and need less supervision while they work.

Most RNs work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists, and some RNs also supervise Licensed Practical Nurses, nursing assistants and home health aides. Through one of Carrington College's Nursing Bridge options, students wishing to transition from an LVN or LPN to become an RN can complete a program in as few as 8-12 months. A nursing bridge option is available in Boise, Rancho Mirage, Ontario, Sacramento and Visalia.

You could also complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in as few as 23 months.

To prepare for life as an RN, students are trained to successfully perform a variety of core job duties including assessing patients' conditions and recording patients' medical histories/symptoms, administering medicines and treatments, operating and monitoring medical equipment and much more.

Earning your BS in Nursing

If you are already a licensed Registered Nurse and seeking more career opportunities, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program builds on your existing experience, expanding your skills in leadership, patient care and evidence-based practice to help you grow in today's evolving healthcare field. You can earn your BSN degree in as few as 15 months, and the program is conveniently available online.

How can a BS benefit your career? As an RN with a BSN, your advanced skills and knowledge can open even more opportunities and potentially increase your compensation. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, employers seek RNs with higher degrees for their increased ability to provide exceptional patient care, make complex clinical decisions, and supervise support personnel across a variety of healthcare settings.

How to learn more about nursing

Pursuing a satisfying and enriching career can begin with simply reaching out for more information.

"Helping students achieve their educational and professional goals is our top priority," added Brownson. "Hands-on experience and training in real-world skills from qualified instructors results in students who feel ready and driven to jumpstart their careers in the field of nursing."

Carrington College prepares students to take the appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

Ready to take the first step? Learn more about nursing programs, request information and make an appointment to speak to a representative by visiting Carrington.edu.

Visit carrington.edu/student-consumer-information for important information on program outcomes.