If you are a nursing student interested in lung and respiratory care, why not specialize a nursing degree in pulmonary health? Pulmonary care nurses, often referred to as respiratory nurses, are employed in a broad range of medical facilities to help care for patients experiencing various respiratory issues. However, before you can become a pulmonary health nurse, you will need to complete the steps described below.
Earn Your Nursing Degree
The first step you will need to complete before you can specialize a nursing degree in pulmonary health is to earn a registered nursing degree. This involves earning one of four different degrees: an associate degree in nursing (ADN), an associate of science degree in nursing (ASN), a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), or a master of science degree in nursing (MSN).
If you are a practicing licensed practical nurse, you can also choose to enroll in an accelerated bridge program to earn your RN degree. Keep in mind that if you choose to work towards an ADN or ASN degree, you can always return to school and enroll in a bridge program to obtain your BSN or MSN. While completing the requirements for you degree, make sure that you choose plenty of respiratory health elective coursework.
Study for and Pass the NCLEX-RN
The next step you will need to fulfill before you can specialize a degree in pulmonary health is to study for and pass the NCLEX-RN. This is a national exam that must be completed with satisfactory scores before you will be eligible for RN licensing in your state. As such, it is important that you take some time to study for the test.
There are two parts to the national NCLEX-RN exam: a computerized written portion and a practical skills evaluation portion. Make sure that you are prepared for both parts of the exam. Utilize such valuable study resources as your program’s textbooks, class notes, online study guides, online practice exams, NCLEX study courses, and study groups.
Obtain Critical Care Nursing Certification
To make yourself more attractive to potential employers, it is recommended that you also earn what is known as Critical-Care Nursing Certification. This certification is offered through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, and you can find all of the current requirements for Critical Care Nursing Certification on their website.
While these requirements may vary a bit from one year to another, criteria typically involves completing a certification application, successfully passing a CCNC exam, and paying a small certification fee. However, before you can take your CCNC exam, you may need to accumulate a certain amount of practical working experience as an RN working with acute care patients.
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The field of nursing is steadily growing today, and nursing students who choose to specialize often enjoy more job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater esteem. If you want to specialize a nursing degree in pulmonary health, the steps described above can help you reach your goals.
