Nursing is a demanding profession that requires dedication and hard work, but the truth is that if you are good at it, you will be rewarded with a great salary. Many people have to decide what type of nursing degree they want to pursue in college. There are many different types of nursing degrees out there, like a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), certified nurse assistant (CNA), or medical-surgical technician (MS). Discussed below are ways to pick the perfect nursing degree for you.
1. Really Think About Your Interests
Which area of nursing do you like? Which area of healthcare are you interested in? If you want to be an RN, there are several different areas of specialization like pediatrics or psychiatric. You can also become a nurse anesthetist if you get further training. Regardless of the type of nursing program you choose, you should always think about which area of the profession you’re most passionate about.
2. Consider Your Future Career Plans
Don’t just think about today; consider your future as well. Do you want to stay in one place or travel? Look into how much money that particular nursing degree will make. Some degrees are offered online or part-time, which may be better depending on your lifestyle. Do you want to work in an office? This can affect the type of degree you end up getting.
3. Look into the Requirements
Each type of nursing degree has its specific requirements. You can find these by looking at the program’s website or calling them directly. These are usually listed online in their website’s “about” section.
4. Talk with Your Family and Friends
You might also want to consider talking with people who have already gone through this process. You can even ask them what the pros and cons of their experience were. This will give you a more hands-on look at what it’s like to go through the program.
5. Talk to Your Professor
If you’re still not sure about which degree is right for you, think about talking with one of your professors or mentors. If they know you well enough, they can give you some insight into what might be the best healthcare degree for you.
As you can see, there is no easy answer as to what the best nursing degree might be. It would help if you always considered your future and the environment you want to work in. Nobody said this would be a simple process, but you will hopefully make a good decision with some research and careful thinking. By thinking about what it is you want out of your career, the length and commitment of the program you want to pursue, and whether you’d rather work closer to patients or the administration side of the industry, you can use these factors to determine how to pick the perfect nursing degree for yourself.
