A nurse is a licensed professional who assesses patients, administers medications, performs medical treatments, and cares for patients and their families. Anyone can become a nurse by obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing and passing a state licensure exam. Nursing is a rewarding career that allows one to care for patients, learn new skills, work as part of a healthcare team, earn a good income, and find employment in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health, schools, doctor's offices, and insurance companies.