4 answers
alomdra
Student
Bronxville, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How can I become a nurse? How can I better help myself at getting into a nursing program?
I am in the 11th grade. I favorite career interest at the moment is Registered nursing. I like doing any hands on activities and I am a fast learner. I also really like biology.
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4 answers
Gina Cabrera
EC
130
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
To become a registered nurse (RN), you will need to follow these general steps:
1. Complete High School: Graduating from high school or obtaining a GED is the first step towards becoming a nurse. Focus on taking science courses, such as biology and chemistry, to build a strong foundation.
2. Research Nursing Programs: Look into different nursing programs, including associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. Consider factors such as program reputation, accreditation, curriculum, and clinical opportunities.
3. Meet Admission Requirements: Each nursing program will have specific admission requirements. Common requirements include a minimum GPA, completion of prerequisite courses (such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy), and standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT).
4. Gain Relevant Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings. Consider volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes to gain exposure to the field and demonstrate your commitment to nursing.
5. Prepare for Standardized Tests: Many nursing programs require standardized test scores as part of the admission process. Prepare for tests such as the SAT or ACT to improve your chances of admission.
6. Apply to Nursing Programs: Once you have identified the nursing programs you are interested in, complete the application process. This typically includes submitting an application form, transcripts, standardized test scores, and any additional requirements specific to the program.
7. Complete Nursing Program: Upon acceptance into a nursing program, you will need to complete the required coursework and clinical rotations. ADN programs typically take around 2-3 years to complete, while BSN programs generally take 4 years.
8. Obtain Licensure: After completing your nursing program, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed RN. The exam tests your knowledge and competency in nursing practice.
9. Consider Further Education: While not mandatory, pursuing a higher degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can open up advanced practice nursing roles and career opportunities.
To better help yourself at getting into a nursing program, consider the following:
1. Maintain a Strong GPA: Nursing programs are often competitive, so strive for academic excellence. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA, especially in science and math courses.
2. Seek Out Leadership Opportunities: Engage in extracurricular activities or community service that demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to helping others.
3. Gain Healthcare Experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings. This can include volunteering, shadowing, or working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant.
4. Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in nursing. Work on developing your communication skills, both written and verbal, as they are essential for patient care and collaboration with healthcare teams.
5. Research Scholarships and Financial Aid: Look into scholarships and financial aid options specifically for nursing students. Many organizations and institutions offer scholarships to support aspiring nurses.
Remember, becoming a nurse requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Stay focused, continue to explore your interests, and seek out opportunities to gain experience in the healthcare field. Good luck on your journey to becoming a registered nurse!
1. Complete High School: Graduating from high school or obtaining a GED is the first step towards becoming a nurse. Focus on taking science courses, such as biology and chemistry, to build a strong foundation.
2. Research Nursing Programs: Look into different nursing programs, including associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. Consider factors such as program reputation, accreditation, curriculum, and clinical opportunities.
3. Meet Admission Requirements: Each nursing program will have specific admission requirements. Common requirements include a minimum GPA, completion of prerequisite courses (such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy), and standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT).
4. Gain Relevant Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings. Consider volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes to gain exposure to the field and demonstrate your commitment to nursing.
5. Prepare for Standardized Tests: Many nursing programs require standardized test scores as part of the admission process. Prepare for tests such as the SAT or ACT to improve your chances of admission.
6. Apply to Nursing Programs: Once you have identified the nursing programs you are interested in, complete the application process. This typically includes submitting an application form, transcripts, standardized test scores, and any additional requirements specific to the program.
7. Complete Nursing Program: Upon acceptance into a nursing program, you will need to complete the required coursework and clinical rotations. ADN programs typically take around 2-3 years to complete, while BSN programs generally take 4 years.
8. Obtain Licensure: After completing your nursing program, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed RN. The exam tests your knowledge and competency in nursing practice.
9. Consider Further Education: While not mandatory, pursuing a higher degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can open up advanced practice nursing roles and career opportunities.
To better help yourself at getting into a nursing program, consider the following:
1. Maintain a Strong GPA: Nursing programs are often competitive, so strive for academic excellence. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA, especially in science and math courses.
2. Seek Out Leadership Opportunities: Engage in extracurricular activities or community service that demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to helping others.
3. Gain Healthcare Experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings. This can include volunteering, shadowing, or working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant.
4. Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in nursing. Work on developing your communication skills, both written and verbal, as they are essential for patient care and collaboration with healthcare teams.
5. Research Scholarships and Financial Aid: Look into scholarships and financial aid options specifically for nursing students. Many organizations and institutions offer scholarships to support aspiring nurses.
Remember, becoming a nurse requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Stay focused, continue to explore your interests, and seek out opportunities to gain experience in the healthcare field. Good luck on your journey to becoming a registered nurse!
April Farris
Nurse
1
Answer
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
April’s Answer
Hello, I am excited that you are considering pursuing a career in nursing. Nursing is a noble and rewarding profession that offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others every day. As a nurse you will directly impact the well-being of individuals and communities by providing essential healthcare services and support. Whether you are interested in working in hospitals, clinics, schools, or even research settings, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and specialization within the field. The demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, making nursing a stable and secure career choice. The great thing about joining the nursing career is that you have the option to start at the Associates degree level if starting at the Bachelors degree level is not an immediate option for you. Reach out to your local junior colleges along with any bachelors program that you may be interested in and ask them to send you information on how to apply. Work hard in high school and keep your focus. You can do it!!! Best wishes to you.
Martin Schoen
APRN
142
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Great query, and commendable indeed! To embark on a journey towards becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), you'll need to enroll in an RN program. These are typically bachelor's level courses, but there are also 2-year programs available. Given the competitive nature of the field, your entire high school record, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and coursework, will be scrutinized. Some programs allow students to dive straight into the RN curriculum, while others require completion of prerequisites and basic coursework first. However, remember that while some RN programs may be considered "superior" to others, what truly matters in the end is passing the RN boards, which doesn't take into account where you graduated from or your academic performance.
Nursing is a fantastic career choice, offering a multitude of specializations that require an RN. These can range from bedside nursing to research sciences, industry, business, insurance, and more. Your foundational knowledge and personal interests will guide your career trajectory. If you're inclined towards hands-on work, you might focus on direct patient care, counseling, or research. For instance, an RN working for a manufacturer might assist a patient receiving a spinal stimulator, ensuring the patient meets the necessary criteria, providing evaluation and education, and collaborating with the doctor during the trial and follow-up. Such roles are often overlooked as they're typically within a company rather than a healthcare facility.
There are countless other possibilities, but rest assured, as far as healthcare is concerned, becoming an RN is one of the most flexible and rewarding career paths you can choose.
Nursing is a fantastic career choice, offering a multitude of specializations that require an RN. These can range from bedside nursing to research sciences, industry, business, insurance, and more. Your foundational knowledge and personal interests will guide your career trajectory. If you're inclined towards hands-on work, you might focus on direct patient care, counseling, or research. For instance, an RN working for a manufacturer might assist a patient receiving a spinal stimulator, ensuring the patient meets the necessary criteria, providing evaluation and education, and collaborating with the doctor during the trial and follow-up. Such roles are often overlooked as they're typically within a company rather than a healthcare facility.
There are countless other possibilities, but rest assured, as far as healthcare is concerned, becoming an RN is one of the most flexible and rewarding career paths you can choose.
Sheila Young RN BSN MSN FNP - BC
NP
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Fantastic! The world is always in need of dedicated nurses, and the field is vast with numerous areas that could pique your interest. Your passion for biology is a great asset, as it will provide you a solid foundation in the sciences. While you're still in high school, don't hesitate to talk to your counselor. There are countless programs and universities offering full or partial scholarships. Stay focused on maintaining good grades and you can definitely achieve your goals. I'm incredibly proud of you!