What are the general step to becoming a nurse?

[Tomoe]

So im in highschool right now and i kind of been thinking about studying to become a nurse. I live in California and im a sophmore this year in highschool. What are the important classes i should focus on it highschool so i am in shape to get into a school to become a nurse?
Also how many years and documents do i need to become a nurse? (by documents i mean like a GED n stuff, i dont really know much about those things)
(by nurse i dont mean like pediatrician nurse but like a licensed nurse who helps out in all general areas. If theres such a thing.)

[Pookyâ„¢]

http://www.rn.ca.gov/careers/steps.shtml

[Simpson G]

Pooky gave you the most important link you will have for the next 6 years. Bookmark it.

In high school, you take whatever classes will get you into college. You volunteer. You get involved with extracurriculars. You make friends with people who can write reference letters for you and who can potentially find you work upon graduation.

GED documents? If you are in high school, and you graduate, a GED has nothing to do with this. You will have a HSD. The college you attend will require your high school transcripts and probably a copy of your standardized tests (SAT/ACT). Once you are in college, your high school grades become pretty irrelevant.

All nursing students graduate as general RNs.

There are two degrees to become an RN - the BSN (4 years) and the ADN (2.5-3 years). The BSN is going to be the preferred, if not de facto, degree in CA.

In high school, you, personally, are going to need to buckle it down quite a bit. Your English is mediocre. I understand this isn't a formal board or website, but you need to be writing in a more adult style on a regular basis. This will make it easier as you get closer to college and real life. Things like "n stuff" and "i" and "highschool" aren't going to cut it in your college level writing classes. They won't cut it when your potential employer searches your Facebook page. Anything that isn't a text/IM to a good friend or parent is written in fairly proper English. Start training yourself now so that it becomes second nature over the next year.

Good Luck!