Assessments to Gauge True Potential

I am a big believer in the use of assessment tests — but only as a small part of a much broader self-assessment, self-reflection exercise. So, while there are plenty of self-assessments tests (both online and in print; some free, some fee-based), I think you might be better served by spending some time looking at what made you consider nursing, researching nursing careers that interest you, and then if you still want to, taking an assessment test.

Nursing is one of those caring professions, where a big part of who you are must be about helping people — and their families. Besides the technical skills necessary, you must also have strong empathy skills. And even though nurses and other healthcare professionals continue to be in demand, you also need to expect to work long hours in almost any nursing situation.

According to the American Nurses Association: “Nursing has many definitions, but the essence of nursing is that nurses combine the art of caring with the science of health care. Nursing places its focus not only on a particular health problem, but on the whole patient and his or her response to treatment. Care of the patient and a firm base of scientific knowledge are indispensable elements.” Read more.

Is nursing right for you? Make a list of the activities and interests that excite and motivate you. Then make a list of those things you never want to do again. Then review your aptitude for science and medicine. From these activities, you should have a good picture if nursing is right for you. You also need to decide not only the type of nursing specialty you wish to pursue, but also where you want to practice your nursing.

And to help you better understand the specifics of different types of nursing careers, conduct some research. One of the best sources I have found on the many, many facets of a career in nursing is the career section of NurseWeek.com, where you can read details about more than 40 career paths in nursing. These details include things such as career overview, education and certifications needed, job outlook, typical venues, and more. A great resource.

Finally, you can review the types of job postings for nurses and other healthcare professionals by following some of the links we have in this section of Quintessential Careers: Jobs in Health Care, Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Social Work.