Nursing School – Get Off to a Good Start
Have you ever considered a nursing career?
It's one of the best careers out there. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it pays a total of $90,220 each year on average! To help you get started in this rewarding career field and make sure your path is a smooth one when beginning nursing school, here are some important tips that will make you more likely to succeed:
1. Start by learning about different types of nurses. Do not just focus on acute care nurses. Know what they do and how they are responsible for patient safety before enrolling in an undergraduate course or majoring in Nursing or Nursing Education at any level.2. Find out about the nursing program, including the entry requirements, curriculum, clinical and classroom experiences and co-curricular activities.
3. Should you get a bachelor in Nursing (BSN) or an associates in Nursing (ADN)? A BSN is the standard for those who want to work as an RN in a hospital setting. An ADN prepares you to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Explore your options. Applying to schools early is recommended, so that if you have any questions or concerns, you can ask the school before doing anything else.
4. Compare nursing schools. Use resources such as BLS's 2016 National Registered Nurse Salary survey and Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates' 2016 Foreign Medical Graduate Salary Survey (which also breaks down each major), to get a better idea of which schools you should apply to. If you have other preferences, make sure that the school will offer what you want.
5. Know about the FAFSA and GI Bill before starting to take classes. The FAFSA is a federal government form that students must fill out before starting classes and gives them a good idea of how much money they will need to pay for tuition and living expenses in school, as well as how much a student can expect to receive after completing an undergraduate program. The GI Bill is a federal government program that offers resources for veterans to pay for nursing school. Check the following websites for more information:
6. The Nursing Credentialing Board (NCBE) provides a list of accredited schools and programs in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico that are recognized by the board as meeting criteria set by it. The NCBE also allows students to register with federal or state boards if they wish to take an exam that will allow them to practice as nurses outside of the United States
7. What works best? Online or traditional? Online courses are designed to communicate better between students and teachers than their on-campus counterparts, but there are still advantages to attending in person courses. Online classes offer students more flexibility to study and learn at their own pace, while on-campus students may take advantage of tuition discounts or residency programs. Online courses do not offer an instructor in person, so students are responsible for getting assignments and specific instructions from the school. 8. Ensure you want to work as a nurse before enrolling in a nursing program. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree that you can earn as an RN, but this program is designed for nurses who have over five years of experience . The DNP is not required to practice as a nurse after graduating, but if it's what you want to pursue, it's recommended that you apply for the DNP well before starting classes. 9. Be a good role model. Talk to your school and professors if you have any questions or concerns about the field of nursing. Know what medicines are available and which drugs you should avoid, know how to help a patient heal, and understand how much effort it takes to make everyone's medical diagnosis and treatment plan. 10. Find out about student life at your chosen nursing school, including chances of financial assistance. Money is often tight for students, so scholarships are a great help in covering the costs of nursing school for many students.
11. Find out about local employers and what they offer as well as courses that can prepare you for their employment needs or make you an attractive candidate for their positions . Additionally, websites such as RegisteredNurse . com can show you a list of schools and programs that are in your area or near major employers, as well as courses that are offered to prepare you for their specific needs. 12. Focus on your strengths. The key to success in nursing school is first and foremost to do the work, whether it be hospital work or continuing education courses outside of the classroom at night while working full time. Make sure you know what type of student you are and where you need help. 13. Find out more on ways to support yourself while in school. Financial aid is always something that can be overlooked, but without it, many students would not be able to attend school as long as they do now. Step outside of the classroom and find out more about scholarships and grants your school has to offer, as well as ways for you to get loans for tuition and other expenses. 14. Cool down. Being a nurse is not always fun, but it's important to remember that most of the time, you will be praised for good work and thanked for your efforts. Stay positive through any struggles you may go through, because every day in nursing school is an opportunity to grow and mature, no matter how tough it may seem at times. 15. Make sure you enjoy the classes you choose to take in nursing school, even if they do not directly apply to your career goals right now. By taking classes with a group of like-minded students, you will be better able to get to know your peers and professors, network with other potential future employers or teachers, and make connections that can help you academically, financially, or personally in the long run. 16. Be committed to learn what you want to learn. Many times there isn't enough time in the day for students to cover everything they need to learn; this is okay as long as you are committed to learning what is expected of you. 17. Find out about community colleges in your area and how they can help prepare you for a four-year nursing school . Many community colleges offer classes leading to associate or bachelor's degrees, and allow students to apply to nursing programs after they complete their community college degree. Perhaps most importantly, community colleges often provide financial aid and scholarships that you may be eligible for. 18. Master the importance of organization . You will need a calendar (preferably digital) on which you can keep track of what is happening at school, both online and off; class assignments; exams and final projects; as well as anything that has to do with working with patients. 19. Take note of all of the websites mentioned in this article , using them as resources should you need more details on the topics covered in this article, or want resources on topics not covered here. This article is intended to be a brief introduction on the topics of nursing school; it is meant to give you an idea of what it takes to apply, succeed, and graduate, but if you need more information on the specific nursing schools in your area or what resources are available in those areas, please refer to the websites for additional details. It is a good idea to get more than just a high school diploma before entering nursing school. It's recommended that you either get your Associate's degree first and then decide on a university or that you take classes specifically designed for nurses . Another option is taking classes during your lunch period at work. These classes may only be required for the one semester when you need them.
Conclusion
The same theory that applies to nursing school also applies to your everyday life. You can only be what you want to be if you've got the guts to fight it out and do the things you need to do. You may not know it yet, but a career in nursing is very rewarding. The satisfaction of helping people get well, or helping them cope with illness and disease, couldn't possibly be matched by doing anything else. Nursing will require hard work and dedication on your part, but you will always come out on top if you push yourself harder than anyone else for what's ahead of you.
Always remember that there is a professional nurse school just for you.