ADN Requirements: How to Become an ADN Nurse?

Let’s face it, nursing isn’t easy. But in the midst of it all, lives are saved, babies are born and lifelong relationships are created between patients and the medical staff. The rewarding path of being an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) provides the opportunity to care for others at their lowest, save lives, and make a difference. 

You will have the Opportunity to Positively Impact your Patients

All nurses have one thing in common; they are passionate about helping other people. Nurses not only act as caretakers for their patients, but in some cases, they can also be confidants, friends, and trusted advisers. Only a special kind of person can fill all those roles the way nurses can.

What you do Matters

If you want to join a field where you will feel that what you’re doing serves a purpose, you can accomplish that by helping people and saving lives on a daily basis. Whether you’re caring for the elderly, administering exams or prescribing antibiotics, every action you take will matter as all your activities will have an impact on someone’s life.

There’s Room for Advancement

An ADN could be a stepping-stone to becoming a licensed nurse practitioner, or even top-level medical professions. You could go on to earn your bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), and it could take you an two additional years (or less in an accelerated program) to become a licensed nurse practitioner by pursuing a nursing master’s degree.

Requirements to Earn Your Associate Degree in Nursing

An ADN will give you a solid foundation in the healthcare field. Popular among most RNs, this degree could provide you with the opportunity to work in entry-level nursing jobs. Before you jump into anything, you most likely are wondering how long it will take you to obtain your ADN degree.

While an ADN and BSN can pave for you to become an RN, the ADN will take you less time. According to the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, you must have studied chemistry, biology, physiology, and anatomy to successfully apply for an ADN.

Other Basic Requirements to Enter an ADN Program

• A minimum of 2.0 average in high school and 2.5 in college
• A letter of recommendation
• Official transcripts from the schools you have attended
• Personal remarks on future objectives (usually an essay)

Remember that all nursing colleges are different and you should always check requirements before applying to any program.

Important Skills and Qualities to Work in the Nursing Field

Communication

Because a nurse acts as the patient’s advocate and as a link between the family and the hospital staff, you should have the ability to speak and listen to a patient’s or their family’s concerns.

Compassion

All nurses should be drawn to caring for the sick. This means that you should be empathetic for patients in pain, as well as have a strong desire to create a positive hospital experience for your patients.

Critical Thinking

Nurses have to make important decisions on a daily basis. They must be able to think critically when making decisions.

Confidence

You must be confident that you have the skills and knowledge to provide the best care to your patients. You should also be able to work independently with little or no supervision. Self-doubt is very dangerous, especially when you are faced with a critical situation.

What You Should Learn in Your Degree Program

An ADN program blends class work with hands-on training. You can expect to complete courses in:

• Physiology
• Anatomy
• Nutrition
• Biology

You will also spend time in clinical nursing skills clinics and labs where you will get a glimpse of what you’ll do on the job.

Join this Rewarding Field

Interested in becoming a nurse? Your first step might be to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting field, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today for more information.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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