5 answers
1
Question
Asked
833 views
What classes/course of actions should i start taking right now to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, or a registered pediatric nurse ASAP?
I am currently a sophomore, and I have already asked my counselors to allow to take an after school college credit Psychology class through SAC. I do not have a chemistry or a history; which bums me out bc i could've done AP world or chem honors. I am also in a magnet school arts program for instrumental music and trying to simultaneously take on CTE classes, such as Health Sci. Theory. Next year, ill be able to sign up for a CNA program at my school; furthermore, i also taking a medical assistant certificate for my senior year, which will allow me to log in for clinicals!!!! I am so excited to be as qualified as i can be. As of this beginning of the year, my lowest grade is a 97, and I wish to have as much college credit and honors to up my GPA and get noticed. Please, someone tell me what else i can do to stand out even more!!
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
Take a moment to recognize how much you're already handling. As a sophomore, you're earning college credits, keeping up your grades, participating in the music magnet program, and planning for your CNA and medical assistant certifications. You're doing great.
If you want to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, focus on doing a few important things well:
- Maintain strong grades, especially in math and science.
- Continue with your CNA and Medical Assistant training for valuable clinical experience.
- Volunteer in places where you can work with kids, like children's hospitals or clinics.
- Try to shadow a pediatric nurse if possible.
- Stay involved in music and clubs; leadership skills are important.
- Build good relationships with your teachers for future recommendation letters.
Here's a typical path: High school, then a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), pass the NCLEX to become an RN, gain experience with kids, and complete a graduate PNP program.
Don't worry too much about AP World History or Chemistry Honors. Nursing programs value your overall record, field experience, and genuine care for people. You've already shown you have these qualities.
Keep up the great work. Thinking about this now puts you ahead of the game.
Take a moment to recognize how much you're already handling. As a sophomore, you're earning college credits, keeping up your grades, participating in the music magnet program, and planning for your CNA and medical assistant certifications. You're doing great.
If you want to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, focus on doing a few important things well:
- Maintain strong grades, especially in math and science.
- Continue with your CNA and Medical Assistant training for valuable clinical experience.
- Volunteer in places where you can work with kids, like children's hospitals or clinics.
- Try to shadow a pediatric nurse if possible.
- Stay involved in music and clubs; leadership skills are important.
- Build good relationships with your teachers for future recommendation letters.
Here's a typical path: High school, then a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), pass the NCLEX to become an RN, gain experience with kids, and complete a graduate PNP program.
Don't worry too much about AP World History or Chemistry Honors. Nursing programs value your overall record, field experience, and genuine care for people. You've already shown you have these qualities.
Keep up the great work. Thinking about this now puts you ahead of the game.
I support Mr. Tran's advice.
James Hanson
Leila Abdel, M.Ed
Associate Director of Placement Operations
5
Answers
Updated
Leila’s Answer
It sounds like you are well on your way to an amazing future as a pediatric RN and ultimately a pediatric nurse practioner! I would say my biggest piece of advice is to continue getting good grades and complete your extra curriculars, but don't overwhelm yourself. Sometimes adding too much to your plate can lead to burn out, or become overwhelming. Make sure you find time to enjoy your high school career, extra curriculars, and have fun along the way!
I would recommend looking for good nursing programs, whether that is an Associates Degree in Nursing or Bachelors of Science in Nursing. That will be the first step to becoming a pediatric RN. You will need to pass your NCLEX in order to become a registered nurse. Once you get your ADN or BSN, you can apply to work on a pediatric nursing floor. Don't be discouraged if you don't get that role right away! You may need to work on a different unit and gain experience as a nurse before moving into pediatrics. You can then look into Master's of Nursing programs, with your goal of being a Pediatric Nurse Practioner.
Allow yourself to learn and change along the way! You may find that you like a different specialty (or not) and that's totally okay. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
I would recommend looking for good nursing programs, whether that is an Associates Degree in Nursing or Bachelors of Science in Nursing. That will be the first step to becoming a pediatric RN. You will need to pass your NCLEX in order to become a registered nurse. Once you get your ADN or BSN, you can apply to work on a pediatric nursing floor. Don't be discouraged if you don't get that role right away! You may need to work on a different unit and gain experience as a nurse before moving into pediatrics. You can then look into Master's of Nursing programs, with your goal of being a Pediatric Nurse Practioner.
Allow yourself to learn and change along the way! You may find that you like a different specialty (or not) and that's totally okay. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Good inquiry for an aspiring pediatric nurse.
Ideally you need to have good grades in you senior grade in science and maths..like biology, chemistry, maths, English and even physics if possible as these prepare you well to the medical career field,and increases you chances of securing a good medical college to study nursing either at bachelor or associate bachelor level.
And upon completion of your nursing college you need to proceed for internship which takes like 1 year then get licence.
You can thereafter proceed for specialization in pediatric nursing or get employed and gain some experience with paediatric as you build you pediatric nursing passion.
Specialization take about 1 to 2 year before completion then you can be registered and practice as a specialist pediatric nurse.
It a worth journey indeed wish you well
Ideally you need to have good grades in you senior grade in science and maths..like biology, chemistry, maths, English and even physics if possible as these prepare you well to the medical career field,and increases you chances of securing a good medical college to study nursing either at bachelor or associate bachelor level.
And upon completion of your nursing college you need to proceed for internship which takes like 1 year then get licence.
You can thereafter proceed for specialization in pediatric nursing or get employed and gain some experience with paediatric as you build you pediatric nursing passion.
Specialization take about 1 to 2 year before completion then you can be registered and practice as a specialist pediatric nurse.
It a worth journey indeed wish you well
Updated
Jessa’s Answer
Wow, wow, wow, Natalie! I can see your ambition and initiative and I admire it! We need more nurses!
I agree with Johnson's answer on the usual path: High school, then a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), pass the NCLEX to become an RN, gain experience with kids, and complete a graduate PNP program.
An associates in nursing could get you in the field faster, but you will likely still need a BSN to progress to a PNP program. A lot of hospitals have their own schooling/training programs and many of them will help pay for your tuition to go from an associates to a BSN so that's something else to consider.
All in all, sounds like you're doing everything you need to do as a Sophomore. Keep working hard, depend on your college advisors when you get there, and take it one step at a time.
I agree with Johnson's answer on the usual path: High school, then a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), pass the NCLEX to become an RN, gain experience with kids, and complete a graduate PNP program.
An associates in nursing could get you in the field faster, but you will likely still need a BSN to progress to a PNP program. A lot of hospitals have their own schooling/training programs and many of them will help pay for your tuition to go from an associates to a BSN so that's something else to consider.
All in all, sounds like you're doing everything you need to do as a Sophomore. Keep working hard, depend on your college advisors when you get there, and take it one step at a time.
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Once you have your BSN and some RN experience, consider pursuing an advanced degree like a Pediatric NP. Many schools offer online Master's NP programs with support for clinical placements. If you aim to become a Pediatric NP, gain experience working with children. You can do this by volunteering at local organizations or working in hospitals and clinics. Any experience with kids will be valuable and help you decide if this path is right for you. Be open to working in different departments as you begin your nursing career.
Find a school with a reputable RN and/or BSN program
Mike recommends the following next steps: