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I’m in ninth grade and I don’t know what path to take in high school if I want to be a nurse. What classes should I take?

Who can I talk to this in my school? What resources can I use?

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Michael’s Answer

Hi Zola,

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.

There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.

RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.

According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:

https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty

A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:

https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/

- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland

U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
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Joan’s Answer

Hi Zola!

I'm thrilled to hear about your interest in the nursing profession. This field is both fulfilling and challenging, demanding a blend of dedication, empathy, and expertise.

Here are some crucial steps you can take while you're still in high school to get ready for nursing school and boost your chances of success:

1. Choose the right classes: To meet the high academic standards of nursing schools, you need a solid foundation in science and math. Classes like biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and algebra are recommended. If you can, sign up for advanced placement (AP) or dual credit courses for college credit and added learning challenges.

2. Join HOSA-Future Health Professionals: HOSA is a group that advocates for career opportunities in healthcare and offers training, competitions, and networking for students interested in health professions. By becoming a HOSA member, you'll gain more knowledge about nursing, develop leadership and teamwork abilities, and connect with like-minded students.

3. Get certified in basic life support/first aid: You don't need to wait until nursing school to learn life-saving skills. Obtain a certification in basic life support (BLS) and first aid, which are crucial for any healthcare provider. These courses teach you how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and manage common emergencies.

4. Seek out nursing volunteer opportunities: Gaining hands-on experience in the field is an excellent way to prepare for nursing school. You could volunteer at a local hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other healthcare facility to see how nurses operate, interact with patients, and tackle challenges. Volunteering can also enhance your resume, provide references, and show your dedication to nursing.

5. Consult your school nurse: Your school nurse can be a helpful resource for information and advice about a nursing career. You can inquire about their education, experience, specialties, and tips for aspiring nurses. You might also shadow them for a day to understand their job better.

6. Investigate nursing degree types and admission requirements: Nursing degrees vary, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Each has its own pros, cons, and prerequisites. Research the different options to decide which one aligns with your goals and interests. Also, familiarize yourself with the admission requirements of the nursing schools you wish to apply to, such as GPA, test scores, essays, and interviews.

7. Study for nursing school entrance exams: Most nursing schools require standardized tests like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admission Assessment, or the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX). These tests assess your academic readiness and nursing aptitude. Prepare thoroughly for these exams by studying the content, taking practice tests, and reviewing areas you need to improve.

8. Review NCLEX pass rates: The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the final exam you must pass to become a licensed nurse. The NCLEX evaluates your knowledge, skills, and judgment in delivering safe and effective patient care. The pass rate of the NCLEX indicates the quality and rigor of the nursing program. Check the NCLEX pass rates of the nursing schools you're considering and compare them to the national average.

9. Discover nursing specialties and career paths: Nursing is a versatile and evolving profession with numerous opportunities for specialization and growth. You can choose from specialties like pediatrics, oncology, emergency, critical care, mental health, and more. You can also explore different career paths, such as clinical, administrative, educational, or research roles. Explore these options to determine what interests you and what skills and qualifications you need.

10. Connect with other nurses and nursing students: Networking is a potent tool for learning, growth, and career advancement in nursing. You can network with other nurses and nursing students by joining professional associations, attending events and conferences, participating in online forums and groups, and reaching out to mentors and role models. Networking can provide insights, advice, support, and opportunities in the nursing field.

I hope these steps assist you in preparing for your nursing career. Nursing is a noble and rewarding profession that can positively impact the lives of others. Best of luck on your journey! 😊
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Jenna’s Answer

I am a devoted and passionate pediatric RN with acute, rehab, and long term care experience. I feel like my time in palliative/ long term care gave me the time to get to know and love the children I cared for as my own. I had the opportunity to be a surrogate family member in the hospital setting when the children had to be taken to the hospital and their parents were out of town. I got the opportunity to take their place and be that advocate. It gave me a whole new perspective and level of empathy that I would not have had in any other setting. It gives me a better holistic approach to quality nursing care. Moving forward, Rady’s patients and families will have the benefit of a nurse that has been in their shoes although all situations are different.
In regards to education, I want to further my career and earn my acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. I never want to stop learning.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Zola!

If you're dreaming of becoming a nurse, it's a great idea to start paving your way right from high school. Here's a list of classes you might want to consider:

1. Science Classes: Subjects like biology, chemistry, and anatomy are key to building a solid science foundation. They'll help you understand the human body and medical terms better.

2. Math Classes: Nurses often use math in their day-to-day work, like when calculating medication doses. Algebra, geometry, and statistics are all useful subjects to study.

3. English and Communication Classes: Good communication is vital for nurses, who need to talk with patients, their families, and other healthcare workers. English and communication classes can help you develop these skills.

4. Health and Nutrition Classes: If your high school offers health and nutrition classes, these can give you a good introduction to healthcare and wellness.

5. Psychology Classes: Understanding human behavior and mental health is a big part of nursing. Psychology classes can help you understand people's emotions and actions better.

Don't forget to chat with your school guidance counselor or academic advisor about your plans. They can give you useful advice about which classes to take, extracurricular activities, and volunteering opportunities that can help you prepare for a nursing career.

You might also want to talk to your science and health teachers about relevant classes and extracurricular activities. Many schools have clubs or groups related to healthcare or community service that can give you valuable experience.

Think about reaching out to local hospitals or healthcare facilities, too. They might have volunteering or shadowing programs that can give you a taste of what it's like to work in healthcare and help you decide if nursing is the right career for you.

Lastly, there are lots of helpful online resources for students interested in nursing. Websites like the American Nurses Association (ANA), National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), and Discover Nursing have information about education requirements, career paths, scholarships, and more.

Top 3 References Used:

American Nurses Association (ANA)
National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
Discover Nursing

May you be blessed abundantly!
James Constantine Frangos.
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