General Nursing Career Roadmap
Nursing is one of the best and most versatile professions globally. A nursing career provides a diverse range of opportunities including working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private homes, and schools. It allows individuals to apply themselves as problem solvers, caregivers, patient advocates, and educators.
Step One: Making the big decision!
Choosing an ideal career path is never easy, make sure a career in Nursing is right for you. Here are a few questions to help you put things into perspective:
1) What classes fascinate you?
2) What is/are your dream job(s)?
3) What do you naturally do well?
4) What local, societal, or world issues interest you?
5) What is the most gratifying thing you’ve ever done?
6) What experiences turned out to be most dissatisfying to you?
7) If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do?
8) What’s something you are doing when you lose track of time?
If after career self-reflection nursing remains your number one career option then keep reading.
Step Two: Ticking off your major pre-requisites.
CXC/CSEC – Attain CXC grades 1, 2 or 3 in the following subjects
1) Mathematics
2) English A
3) Chemistry
4) Two other subjects of your choice
CXC/CSEC Alternative
Don’t have the prerequisite CXC/CSEC? Luckily the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College through the Pre- College Unit offers prospective students the opportunity to pursue access courses in:
1) Biology
2) Fundamentals of Chemistry Series
3) Mathematics
Upon completing your access courses, the next step is easy!
Step 3: Submitting Your College Application
Having checked off all your pre-requisite courses, it is now time to consider your application to the Sir
Arthur Lewis Community College.
Within the Department of Health, Wellness and Human Performance you will be able to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in General Nursing over a period of Four (4) years. This combines coursework on campus with guided clinical experiences in various health care agencies.
Upon successful completion of the programme the graduate is able to:
1) Apply the nursing process in the provision and management of safe and effective nursing care to individuals, families and communities
2) Function as a member of the nursing profession and multidisciplinary health team in a variety of health care settings.
Step 4: Regional Examination for Nurses’ Registration (RENR)
Upon successful completion of the General Nursing Program graduates become eligible to take regional and international licensing examinations for entry into professional nursing practice both here and abroad. In this case your qualifying exam will be the Regional Examination for Nurses’ Registration (RENR).
Don’t worry too much, students are guided carefully through this process to ensure that they perform at
their very best.
Step 5: Serving as a Nursing Professional
Once you’re credentialed and licensed, you’re almost there, you just have to find a job!
It is a good idea to get a head start on finding employment by applying for positions and building your network while still in school. Some activities that can help you secure a job include volunteering and networking with nursing professionals through a local nursing association. You can also make valuable connections during your clinicals while still in school, possibly opening up job opportunities for you after graduation.
Average Salary for Nurses:
Average Annual Salary in Saint Lucia- $25,560 XCD
Average Annual Salary in The United States – $82,750 USD
Average Annual Salary in the United Kingdom – £34,671 Pounds Sterling
Find jobs in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean and across the world by visiting www.hiredcaribbean.com