3 answers
Sierra
Student
Kailua, Hawaii
2
Questions
Asked
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How can I best prepare myself for a career of nursing while in college?
I am a hard worker who is not afraid of a heavy workload I havent had the oppurtunity to work in a internship role but I would love to soon.
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3 answers
Sheena Gamonal
Registered Nurse
1
Answer
Merced, California
Updated
Sheena’s Answer
Hey there!
It's awesome to know that you're preparing yourself this early on.
I think the best way to prepare is to immerse yourself in the culture. When I was a nursing student, I worked as a nursing assistant at my local hospital. I loved it even though the work was labor intensive. I worked with my friends which made it more fun and I also did my clinicals for my nursing program in that same hospital so was able to build my network with other nurses and managers. Eventually, I got hired as an RN at the same hospital. By that time, many nurses already knew me so it was easy to get in.
Another way is through internship. When you get into a nursing program, it opens a lot of doors to nursing internship. You'd be surprised to know what internships are available out there! I remember, I did an internship in ER where I lived with a local family about 3-4 hours away from home. I learned so many things through that experience.
Lastly, engage in your community. Attend free health fairs (if that is still a thing nowadays!), like flu shot events, BP screening events, etc. Join a nursing club both in person and find a group on FB.
Goodluck!
It's awesome to know that you're preparing yourself this early on.
I think the best way to prepare is to immerse yourself in the culture. When I was a nursing student, I worked as a nursing assistant at my local hospital. I loved it even though the work was labor intensive. I worked with my friends which made it more fun and I also did my clinicals for my nursing program in that same hospital so was able to build my network with other nurses and managers. Eventually, I got hired as an RN at the same hospital. By that time, many nurses already knew me so it was easy to get in.
Another way is through internship. When you get into a nursing program, it opens a lot of doors to nursing internship. You'd be surprised to know what internships are available out there! I remember, I did an internship in ER where I lived with a local family about 3-4 hours away from home. I learned so many things through that experience.
Lastly, engage in your community. Attend free health fairs (if that is still a thing nowadays!), like flu shot events, BP screening events, etc. Join a nursing club both in person and find a group on FB.
Goodluck!
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
98
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Sierra, thank you for question.
That’s the kind of mindset that makes an excellent nurse! Even without an internship yet, there’s a lot you can do in college to set yourself up for a strong nursing career. Here’s a guide to help you prepare effectively:
1. Focus on Strong Academics
Master your science courses (A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry)—these are your nursing building blocks.
Keep your GPA high for scholarships, clinical placements, and future grad school options.
2. Seek Out Clinical & Volunteer Experience
If internships aren't available, look into:
Hospital volunteer programs (pediatrics, emergency dept., etc.)
Nursing home or clinic volunteering
Red Cross or local health events
These show initiative and help build patient interaction skills early.
3. Get Involved in Campus Organizations
Join pre-nursing or health clubs, or even student government for leadership skills.
If possible, participate in National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) or similar groups.
4. Earn Certifications
CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) – required for clinicals and all nursing jobs.
Look into getting CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certified—some students work part-time as CNAs to gain experience and earn money.
5. Build a Support System
Nursing school is intense—connect with peers who share your drive.
Form or join study groups and talk to upperclassmen for advice.
6. Start a Nursing Portfolio
Keep track of:
Volunteer hours
Certifications
Leadership roles
Personal reflections/essays
This will help with job applications and even scholarships.
7. Stay Informed & Inspired
Follow nursing pages on social media (e.g., @nurselifern or @nursingwithlove)
Watch nurse YouTubers and read about different specialties like pediatrics, trauma, or NICU.
Attend local nursing conferences or career panels if available.
8. Apply for Summer Internships or Externships
Once in nursing school, hospitals often offer:
Nurse Extern Programs (after junior year)
Summer immersion programs in specific units (great for peds or ICU interest!)
Long-Term Goal: Travel Pediatric Nurse
Keep this dream in view! You'll need:
RN license (after BSN)
1–2 years of experience in pediatrics
Then you can apply through a travel nursing agency!
That’s the kind of mindset that makes an excellent nurse! Even without an internship yet, there’s a lot you can do in college to set yourself up for a strong nursing career. Here’s a guide to help you prepare effectively:
1. Focus on Strong Academics
Master your science courses (A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry)—these are your nursing building blocks.
Keep your GPA high for scholarships, clinical placements, and future grad school options.
2. Seek Out Clinical & Volunteer Experience
If internships aren't available, look into:
Hospital volunteer programs (pediatrics, emergency dept., etc.)
Nursing home or clinic volunteering
Red Cross or local health events
These show initiative and help build patient interaction skills early.
3. Get Involved in Campus Organizations
Join pre-nursing or health clubs, or even student government for leadership skills.
If possible, participate in National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) or similar groups.
4. Earn Certifications
CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) – required for clinicals and all nursing jobs.
Look into getting CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certified—some students work part-time as CNAs to gain experience and earn money.
5. Build a Support System
Nursing school is intense—connect with peers who share your drive.
Form or join study groups and talk to upperclassmen for advice.
6. Start a Nursing Portfolio
Keep track of:
Volunteer hours
Certifications
Leadership roles
Personal reflections/essays
This will help with job applications and even scholarships.
7. Stay Informed & Inspired
Follow nursing pages on social media (e.g., @nurselifern or @nursingwithlove)
Watch nurse YouTubers and read about different specialties like pediatrics, trauma, or NICU.
Attend local nursing conferences or career panels if available.
8. Apply for Summer Internships or Externships
Once in nursing school, hospitals often offer:
Nurse Extern Programs (after junior year)
Summer immersion programs in specific units (great for peds or ICU interest!)
Long-Term Goal: Travel Pediatric Nurse
Keep this dream in view! You'll need:
RN license (after BSN)
1–2 years of experience in pediatrics
Then you can apply through a travel nursing agency!
Maureen Komperda
Nurse Practitioner
58
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Sierra,
Excellent question. My answer would be to volunteer or work in a hospital, clinic, or homeless shelter. These experiences will help you decide what you love in nursing and what specialties you want to stir away from. I worked in high school as a volunteer on an inpatient adult surgical unit. My main job was to answer the call lights of the patients. Usually it was patients who wanted pain medication after a surgical procedure.
In nursing school, I worked as a nursing assistant in a very busy Emergency Department (ED) from 11pm to 7am shift on weekends. Boy, did I get to see and do a lot of nursing interventions. The nurses would quiz me on why I was ordering certain X-rays, labs, etc. I then worked there as an RN straight out of nursing school.
Working and volunteering give you exposure to healthcare situations, more knowledge, more experiences to base your career decision. Good luck.
Excellent question. My answer would be to volunteer or work in a hospital, clinic, or homeless shelter. These experiences will help you decide what you love in nursing and what specialties you want to stir away from. I worked in high school as a volunteer on an inpatient adult surgical unit. My main job was to answer the call lights of the patients. Usually it was patients who wanted pain medication after a surgical procedure.
In nursing school, I worked as a nursing assistant in a very busy Emergency Department (ED) from 11pm to 7am shift on weekends. Boy, did I get to see and do a lot of nursing interventions. The nurses would quiz me on why I was ordering certain X-rays, labs, etc. I then worked there as an RN straight out of nursing school.
Working and volunteering give you exposure to healthcare situations, more knowledge, more experiences to base your career decision. Good luck.