The steps to become a night nurse begin with obtaining an education specifically in the field of nursing. You will also have to obtain a nursing license specific to your region and education level. The role of a night nurse is the same as a nurse working during the day with the only real difference being the work hours. Working during the evening and through the night will require an adjustment of sleep hours and the ability to work consecutive nights without fatigue negatively affecting your judgment or quality of patient care.
Night nurses can be vocational or registered nurses. The education plan to become a night nurse can vary significantly; you may be able to complete a two- or four-year nursing program to prepare for the career. The amount of education will affect the credential and license you can obtain. A program to become a licensed vocational nurse can be completed in two years, but a Bachelors of Science Degree in nursing is required to become a registered nurse and can take four years or longer to complete.
Some students complete a licensed vocational or practical nursing program to prepare to become a night nurse with the goal of returning to school to fulfill additional credits toward a nursing degree. Prior clinic and classroom credit hours may be used toward the completion of a degree in some cases. Nursing programs are often highly competitive, and students must go through a tough application process for admission. Some nursing education programs have waiting lists, thus extending the completion time by a year or longer.
While in a nursing program to become a night nurse, you will be required to take courses in science and mathematics, along with general education courses such as English and history. It is important to be diligent about your studies and achieve the best possible grades. If you decide to complete graduate studies, your grades will be part of the criteria used to determine eligibly for a graduate nursing program.
After completing your chosen nursing education path, you must then seek a nursing license. The requirements will vary based on your location. You will need to contact the licensing board in your area to find out the license required to become a night nurse in your location.
With the appropriate license in hand, you can begin to apply for jobs to become a night nurse. Night nurses can work in a variety of work settings. Hospitals, nursing facilities, and even penal institutions hire nurses to work during the night.
Once you become a night nurse, you will have to work unconventional hours and will need to make adjustments to your sleep schedule. If you work full time, it is likely you will have to work consecutive days. You must be able to provide exemplary medical care and support despite the fatigue that may occur from working through the night.
