Test your knowledge before you join this fast-growing field
THEY’RE EVERYWHERE: in schools, hospitals, in our homes, at the doctor’s offices, in military installations, and more. They’re nurses, and they belong to one of the fastest-growing job segments in the country.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing industry is expected to grow by 19 percent over the next decade or so as nurses are needed everywhere to treat, educate, and advocate.
As one of the most important occupations for the nation’s health, you surely can’t beat ’em, so if you’re thinking of joining them, take our quiz on what it takes to get a nursing education!
1. Which of the following acronyms refer to nurses?
A) LPNs: Licensed Practical Nurses
B) RNs: Registered Nurses
C) CNSs: Certified Nurse Specialists
D) ARPNs/ NPs: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses/ Nurse Practitioners
E) All of the Above
2. True or False? Many employers require their nurses to hold a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).
3. What is the minimum degree generally required for an entry-level nursing position?
A) Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
B) Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)
C) A diploma from an approved nursing program
D) A Master’s Degree in Nursing
4. True or False? In addition to graduating from an approved nursing program, every state requires nurses to become licensed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN.
5. What governing body sets the exact requirements to become a nurse?
A) Colleges and Universities set the requirements for the surrounding regions
B) The Federal Government sets the requirements for the entire country
C) Individual State Boards of Nursing set the requirements for each state
D) The World Council of Nursing sets the requirements for every country
E) None of the Above
6. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), registered and licensed nurses can hold licensure in ________ state(s).
A) Just one
B) Two
C) Three
D) Multiple
7. Which of the following are qualities required to be successful in nursing?
A) Thinking critically of others, passion, attention to detail, emotionality, organized thoughts, physicality, communications
B) Critical thinking skills, compassion, attention to detail, emotional stability, organization, physical stamina, good communication skills
C) Detailed thinking, passionate about details, organized emotionally, physical communication skills
D) None of the Above
8. Which of the following is a benefit of nursing?
A) The good feelings that accompany helping others and making a difference
B) A projected job market growth of 19 percent, which is faster than the 11 percent average
C) A median pay of approximately $65,000
D) A variety of schedules and career paths
E) All of the Above
9. Which of the following is a career path for a nurse?
A) Getting a higher degree to qualify for an APRN position, such as a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, etc.
B) Focusing on a Nursing Specialty, such as Neonatal Intensive Care nurse or Psychiatry nurse
C) Moving into management roles, like Unit Manager, Director, Chief of Nursing, etc.
D) Moving into a business role, such as managing ambulatory or home-based businesses.
E) All of the Above
ANSWERS:
1. E) All of the Above. All of the acronyms refer to different levels of nurses, with LPNs being the lowest and CNSs being one example of the higher-level Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) designation.
2. True. Holding a BSN will qualify an applicant for many more nursing positions than a lesser degree or diploma.
3. A) Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and C) A diploma from an approved nursing program. There are many different types of degrees and programs, but an ADN or a diploma are generally accepted for most entry-level nursing positions.
4. True. Obtaining a nursing license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-R, is a requirement of all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories.
5. C) Individual State Boards of Nursing set the requirements, which vary from state to state.
6. D) Multiple. The NLC allows nurses to hold a multistate license, which gives them the privilege to practice in both their home states and any of the 24 states that are part of the compact.
7. B) Critical thinking skills, compassion, attention to detail, emotional stability, organization, physical stamina, good communication skills. Nursing is a demanding field.
8. E) All of the Above. Nursing offers many perks and advantages.
9. E) All of the Above. There are many options in the nursing field.
CREDIT
article by ERIKA ALDRICH
Resources: Information provided by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ExploreHealthCareers.org, and www.ncsbn.org.