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What can I do to help my chances at becoming an RN ?
To be completely honest, my school is not the greatest. it is not a school that I can say will help me achieve my full potential.
I am a Sophomore in high school and am well aware that this school might not help me achieve my goals of working in healthcare.
I need some guidance. I don't know any programs or internships in NY, what can I do to better my chances when applying to college? Should I transfer or is it too late?
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Updated
Doc’s Answer
WHILE IN HIGHSCHOOL
TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES
Nursing schools set high standards for admission. Therefore, if you want to prepare for nursing school while in high school, one of the most important things you can do is take the essential classes to prepare you for nursing studies. The state school systems has a list of required highschool courses you must complete, including the number of Science, Math, and English courses. If your school offers advanced courses like statistics, chemistry, or anatomy and physiology, consider taking them, as this will help you prepare for nursing school.
CPR & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION
All nursing students must be CPR and First Aid certified at some point, while you may not have to get certified while in high school, doing so is an excellent way to get some exposure to health-related information before beginning nursing school.
HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEERING
A great way to prepare for nursing school while in high school is to volunteer. Even in high school, you can volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, senior center, or many other health-related facilities. Volunteering in healthcare gives you a feel for the atmosphere of healthcare. It also creates opportunities for you to meet healthcare professionals who may later become mentors while you are in nursing school.
PART-TIME HOSPITAL OR
DOCTORS OFFICE JOB
One of the best ways to prepare for nursing school while in high school is to get a part-time job at a hospital or doctor’s office. Granted, there are things you cannot do in a healthcare facility without a license or certification. However, there is much more to working in a healthcare facility than giving medications or performing procedures, and those are things you can do.
PREPARE FOR THE HESI EXAM
The HESI is a standardized, computerized test that most nursing schools require prospective students to take as part of the admissions process. The test, which is comprised of 326 questions, is used to assess vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, reading comprehension, biology, understanding of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, and basic math skills.
TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES
Nursing schools set high standards for admission. Therefore, if you want to prepare for nursing school while in high school, one of the most important things you can do is take the essential classes to prepare you for nursing studies. The state school systems has a list of required highschool courses you must complete, including the number of Science, Math, and English courses. If your school offers advanced courses like statistics, chemistry, or anatomy and physiology, consider taking them, as this will help you prepare for nursing school.
CPR & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION
All nursing students must be CPR and First Aid certified at some point, while you may not have to get certified while in high school, doing so is an excellent way to get some exposure to health-related information before beginning nursing school.
HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEERING
A great way to prepare for nursing school while in high school is to volunteer. Even in high school, you can volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, senior center, or many other health-related facilities. Volunteering in healthcare gives you a feel for the atmosphere of healthcare. It also creates opportunities for you to meet healthcare professionals who may later become mentors while you are in nursing school.
PART-TIME HOSPITAL OR
DOCTORS OFFICE JOB
One of the best ways to prepare for nursing school while in high school is to get a part-time job at a hospital or doctor’s office. Granted, there are things you cannot do in a healthcare facility without a license or certification. However, there is much more to working in a healthcare facility than giving medications or performing procedures, and those are things you can do.
PREPARE FOR THE HESI EXAM
The HESI is a standardized, computerized test that most nursing schools require prospective students to take as part of the admissions process. The test, which is comprised of 326 questions, is used to assess vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, reading comprehension, biology, understanding of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, and basic math skills.
Thank you, Doc!
Rena
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Rena !
Thank you for sharing this with us. Often times there is no choice as to which high school one has to go to due to districting. You are smart to recognize that you need advanced opportunities and I would be happy to give some advice.
My first thought is to research if you could indeed transfer to a different high school for 11th and 12th grade. Complete this year and at the same time, we can explore options for experiences that may be able to help you. The first option I would like to suggest is doing volunteer work. Internships are good, but you may have to wait till the summer. Go to some hospitals near you (you have a large choice in NYC) and ask about their volunteer opportunities for people your age. There is still enough time for you to do independent study until you go to nursing school where you will learn everything needed to be an RN. Volunteer work in a hospital or nursing home will give you a chance to observe nurses in their daily activity.
There is an organization called HOSA Future Healthcare Professionals. You should become familiar with them and when you're ready for college, they offer scholarships. But for right now, read up about them and see if you can join them for conferences, opportunities and competitions. I have left a link for the website below. Speaking of websites, you can read a great amount about nursing and health care as well as specific sciences on line. Do a search on a subject you need help with and take advantage of instructional videos, websites and free online classes. This can supplement the classes you're in now that don't seem to measure up to what you want.
Right now you want advanced quality education - more than what you are offered at you current high school. It would be pretty hard to shadow a nurse because patient care is confidential and private, cannot be interrupted. It is hands on care not for instruction. But do not hesitate to ask your parents if you can transfer to a different school for junior and senior year. The question for you is what would you like to do ? Do you know about homeschooling through your school district ? Explore that as an option.
In April, apply for the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program and request to be placed in a hospital. Even if you do data entry or unrelated health care work, you will get the feel of how hospitals are run and see nurses during their work day. The website for NYC SYEP is below. The information is not for this upcoming year, however, but you can get an idea of how the program works and also do additional research on this program. If you do this program, you will receive a paid work experience at a non-profit and you can request to be placed in a hospital for your job assignment. Better yet, call them directly for information about SYEP 2024 at (800) 246-4646. This will be an exciting experience for you and you can do it every summer.
I hope that this has been a help and also something that can let you see that there are current alternatives and things don't have to seem as bad as they do right now. I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do !
HOSA FUTURE HALETHCARE PROFESSIONALS https://hosa.org/
SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM FOR NYC https://application.nycsyep.com/
Thank you for sharing this with us. Often times there is no choice as to which high school one has to go to due to districting. You are smart to recognize that you need advanced opportunities and I would be happy to give some advice.
My first thought is to research if you could indeed transfer to a different high school for 11th and 12th grade. Complete this year and at the same time, we can explore options for experiences that may be able to help you. The first option I would like to suggest is doing volunteer work. Internships are good, but you may have to wait till the summer. Go to some hospitals near you (you have a large choice in NYC) and ask about their volunteer opportunities for people your age. There is still enough time for you to do independent study until you go to nursing school where you will learn everything needed to be an RN. Volunteer work in a hospital or nursing home will give you a chance to observe nurses in their daily activity.
There is an organization called HOSA Future Healthcare Professionals. You should become familiar with them and when you're ready for college, they offer scholarships. But for right now, read up about them and see if you can join them for conferences, opportunities and competitions. I have left a link for the website below. Speaking of websites, you can read a great amount about nursing and health care as well as specific sciences on line. Do a search on a subject you need help with and take advantage of instructional videos, websites and free online classes. This can supplement the classes you're in now that don't seem to measure up to what you want.
Right now you want advanced quality education - more than what you are offered at you current high school. It would be pretty hard to shadow a nurse because patient care is confidential and private, cannot be interrupted. It is hands on care not for instruction. But do not hesitate to ask your parents if you can transfer to a different school for junior and senior year. The question for you is what would you like to do ? Do you know about homeschooling through your school district ? Explore that as an option.
In April, apply for the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program and request to be placed in a hospital. Even if you do data entry or unrelated health care work, you will get the feel of how hospitals are run and see nurses during their work day. The website for NYC SYEP is below. The information is not for this upcoming year, however, but you can get an idea of how the program works and also do additional research on this program. If you do this program, you will receive a paid work experience at a non-profit and you can request to be placed in a hospital for your job assignment. Better yet, call them directly for information about SYEP 2024 at (800) 246-4646. This will be an exciting experience for you and you can do it every summer.
I hope that this has been a help and also something that can let you see that there are current alternatives and things don't have to seem as bad as they do right now. I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
This is incredibly helpful, Thank you!
Rena
You are very welcome, Rena !
Michelle M.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Rena!
Boosting Your Odds of Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) by Switching Schools
If you're feeling like your current high school isn't quite cutting it when it comes to helping you reach your dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), don't worry! There are several steps you can take to boost your chances and set yourself on the path to a rewarding career in healthcare.
1. Dig into Research and Discover Opportunities: Start by looking into programs and internships in the healthcare field right here in New York. Keep an eye out for volunteer roles at local hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Lots of healthcare facilities have volunteer programs that let high school students get a taste of the healthcare world and interact with patients and professionals.
2. Find a Mentor: Think about getting in touch with healthcare professionals, like nurses or nurse educators, to ask about mentorship opportunities or chances to shadow them. Making connections with people who are already working in the field can give you some great insights and advice as you chase your career dreams.
3. Get Your Academics in Gear: Even if your current school isn't perfect, aim to shine academically. Take on challenging courses in science, math, and biology to build a strong base for your future nursing studies. Think about signing up for advanced placement (AP) or dual enrollment programs if they're available.
4. Think About Switching Schools: If you think that moving to a different high school with a better academic and extracurricular program will help you reach your goals, it might be worth looking into. Research other schools in your area or nearby districts that have strong science or healthcare-focused programs.
5. Get Ready for College: Start getting ready for college by looking into nursing programs at different universities and colleges. Look for places with great nursing programs and plenty of support for students aiming for careers in healthcare.
6. Craft a Stellar Application: When it's time to apply to college, make sure your application really shines. Highlight your passion for nursing and your commitment to a healthcare career. This could mean writing a powerful personal statement, getting impressive letters of recommendation, and showing off any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer experiences.
7. Look into Community College Pathways: Sometimes, starting at a community college with a great nursing program can be a fantastic way to become an RN. Community colleges often have more accessible ways into nursing education and can give you a solid base for further academic adventures.
Remember, it's never too late to start working towards your goals. By actively seeking out opportunities, focusing on academic success, and exploring different ways into nursing education, you can boost your chances of becoming an RN, no matter what challenges your current high school might throw your way.
Have a read of my BIO to get some nutrition education which will improve your academic prowess! Would a doctorate be beyond you? No!
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - For info on accredited nursing programs and educational resources.
New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) - For insights into nursing education and career opportunities in New York.
National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) - For resources for aspiring nurses, including info on educational pathways and career development.
These sources helped gather info on nursing education, career pathways, and opportunities specific to New York state.
Wishing you all the blessings in the world!
James Constantine.
Boosting Your Odds of Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) by Switching Schools
If you're feeling like your current high school isn't quite cutting it when it comes to helping you reach your dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), don't worry! There are several steps you can take to boost your chances and set yourself on the path to a rewarding career in healthcare.
1. Dig into Research and Discover Opportunities: Start by looking into programs and internships in the healthcare field right here in New York. Keep an eye out for volunteer roles at local hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Lots of healthcare facilities have volunteer programs that let high school students get a taste of the healthcare world and interact with patients and professionals.
2. Find a Mentor: Think about getting in touch with healthcare professionals, like nurses or nurse educators, to ask about mentorship opportunities or chances to shadow them. Making connections with people who are already working in the field can give you some great insights and advice as you chase your career dreams.
3. Get Your Academics in Gear: Even if your current school isn't perfect, aim to shine academically. Take on challenging courses in science, math, and biology to build a strong base for your future nursing studies. Think about signing up for advanced placement (AP) or dual enrollment programs if they're available.
4. Think About Switching Schools: If you think that moving to a different high school with a better academic and extracurricular program will help you reach your goals, it might be worth looking into. Research other schools in your area or nearby districts that have strong science or healthcare-focused programs.
5. Get Ready for College: Start getting ready for college by looking into nursing programs at different universities and colleges. Look for places with great nursing programs and plenty of support for students aiming for careers in healthcare.
6. Craft a Stellar Application: When it's time to apply to college, make sure your application really shines. Highlight your passion for nursing and your commitment to a healthcare career. This could mean writing a powerful personal statement, getting impressive letters of recommendation, and showing off any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer experiences.
7. Look into Community College Pathways: Sometimes, starting at a community college with a great nursing program can be a fantastic way to become an RN. Community colleges often have more accessible ways into nursing education and can give you a solid base for further academic adventures.
Remember, it's never too late to start working towards your goals. By actively seeking out opportunities, focusing on academic success, and exploring different ways into nursing education, you can boost your chances of becoming an RN, no matter what challenges your current high school might throw your way.
Have a read of my BIO to get some nutrition education which will improve your academic prowess! Would a doctorate be beyond you? No!
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - For info on accredited nursing programs and educational resources.
New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) - For insights into nursing education and career opportunities in New York.
National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) - For resources for aspiring nurses, including info on educational pathways and career development.
These sources helped gather info on nursing education, career pathways, and opportunities specific to New York state.
Wishing you all the blessings in the world!
James Constantine.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Rena
Updated
Hasnain’s Answer
Rena, it's commendable that you are thinking ahead and seeking ways to enhance your chances of becoming an RN despite challenges. Here are some steps you can take to strengthen your college application and pursue a career in healthcare:
𝟭. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Look for local hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities that offer volunteer opportunities or internships for high school students. Even a few hours a week can provide valuable exposure to the healthcare field.
𝟮. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
If your school offers any clubs or activities related to science, health, or community service, consider joining them. These extracurricular activities can demonstrate your interest and commitment to prospective colleges.
𝟯. 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
Take advantage of online courses or certifications related to healthcare. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer free or affordable courses that can enhance your knowledge and showcase your dedication to learning.
𝟰. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀:
Reach out to local healthcare professionals, including nurses, and inquire about the possibility of shadowing them. Shadowing experiences can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
𝟱. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀:
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs or workshops in your community. These programs can enhance your academic skills and demonstrate your commitment to a healthcare-related career.
𝟲. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
Attend college fairs and information sessions to learn about nursing programs and admission requirements. This will help you make informed
decisions about potential colleges.
𝟳. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:
If your school lacks resources, consider seeking academic support from teachers or local educational programs. Demonstrating improvement in your grades and seeking additional educational opportunities can positively impact your college application.
𝟴. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴:
While transferring is an option, it's essential to carefully assess the benefits and challenges. Research other high schools in your area or nearby districts that may offer more resources for your academic and career goals.
𝟵. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Connect with teachers, counselors, or community mentors who can provide guidance and support. They may be able to assist you in identifying local opportunities and navigating the college application process.
𝟭𝟬. 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗣𝗔:
Focus on maintaining a strong GPA. A competitive GPA is an important factor in college admissions, including nursing programs.
Remember, it's never too late to take steps toward your goals. Take advantage of the resources available to you, seek guidance from supportive individuals, and demonstrate your passion for nursing through your actions. Colleges appreciate dedication and a commitment to personal and academic growth. Good luck on your journey to becoming an RN!
𝟭. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Look for local hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities that offer volunteer opportunities or internships for high school students. Even a few hours a week can provide valuable exposure to the healthcare field.
𝟮. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
If your school offers any clubs or activities related to science, health, or community service, consider joining them. These extracurricular activities can demonstrate your interest and commitment to prospective colleges.
𝟯. 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
Take advantage of online courses or certifications related to healthcare. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer free or affordable courses that can enhance your knowledge and showcase your dedication to learning.
𝟰. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀:
Reach out to local healthcare professionals, including nurses, and inquire about the possibility of shadowing them. Shadowing experiences can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
𝟱. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀:
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs or workshops in your community. These programs can enhance your academic skills and demonstrate your commitment to a healthcare-related career.
𝟲. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
Attend college fairs and information sessions to learn about nursing programs and admission requirements. This will help you make informed
decisions about potential colleges.
𝟳. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:
If your school lacks resources, consider seeking academic support from teachers or local educational programs. Demonstrating improvement in your grades and seeking additional educational opportunities can positively impact your college application.
𝟴. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴:
While transferring is an option, it's essential to carefully assess the benefits and challenges. Research other high schools in your area or nearby districts that may offer more resources for your academic and career goals.
𝟵. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Connect with teachers, counselors, or community mentors who can provide guidance and support. They may be able to assist you in identifying local opportunities and navigating the college application process.
𝟭𝟬. 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗣𝗔:
Focus on maintaining a strong GPA. A competitive GPA is an important factor in college admissions, including nursing programs.
Remember, it's never too late to take steps toward your goals. Take advantage of the resources available to you, seek guidance from supportive individuals, and demonstrate your passion for nursing through your actions. Colleges appreciate dedication and a commitment to personal and academic growth. Good luck on your journey to becoming an RN!
Thank you very much!
Rena