3 answers
LaRissa
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
13
Questions
Asked
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What classes in high school should I most focus on if I am wanting to start a career in nursing ?
I am a junior in high school who will be a graduating CNA but I'm wondering what classes you would recommend for me to take most seriously for this career.
3 answers
Emily Walther (Hart)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
2
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Emily’s Answer
If you want to be a nurse, focus on these high school classes:
Science: Take Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy if available.
Math: Algebra and Statistics help with medication calculations.
English: Good writing is key for patient reports.
Health & Psychology: Learn about the human body and behavior.
Foreign Language: Spanish can be helpful in healthcare jobs.
These will prepare you for nursing school and a future in healthcare!
Science: Take Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy if available.
Math: Algebra and Statistics help with medication calculations.
English: Good writing is key for patient reports.
Health & Psychology: Learn about the human body and behavior.
Foreign Language: Spanish can be helpful in healthcare jobs.
These will prepare you for nursing school and a future in healthcare!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6510
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Larissa!
Classes to Focus on for a Career in Nursing
To prepare for a career in nursing while still in high school, it is essential to focus on specific subjects that will provide a strong foundation for your future studies and professional practice. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the classes you should prioritize:
1. Science Courses
Biology: This is arguably the most critical subject for aspiring nurses. A solid understanding of human biology, including anatomy and physiology, is vital since nursing involves direct patient care and understanding bodily functions.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemistry is important as it relates to pharmacology, biochemistry, and the chemical processes within the body. Understanding how medications work and their interactions can be crucial in nursing.
Health Science or Anatomy & Physiology: If your school offers specialized courses in health sciences or anatomy and physiology, these are highly beneficial. They provide insights into the human body systems and their functions, which are directly applicable to nursing.
2. Mathematics Courses
Algebra: Proficiency in algebra is necessary for dosage calculations and understanding medical statistics. Nurses often need to calculate medication dosages based on patient weight or other factors.
Statistics: While not always emphasized in high school curriculums, statistics can be incredibly useful for understanding research studies and data analysis in healthcare settings.
3. Social Sciences
Psychology: Understanding psychological principles can help you interact effectively with patients and understand their needs better. It also aids in recognizing mental health issues that may affect physical health.
Sociology: This subject helps you understand social dynamics and cultural differences that can impact patient care. It prepares you to work with diverse populations.
4. Communication Skills
English/Language Arts: Strong communication skills are essential for nurses who must document patient information accurately, communicate with healthcare teams, and educate patients about their health conditions.
Public Speaking or Debate: These courses can enhance your verbal communication skills, which are crucial when interacting with patients, families, and colleagues.
5. Additional Recommendations
Health Occupations Education (if available): Some schools offer programs focused on careers in healthcare that include practical experiences such as internships or clinical rotations.
Extracurricular Activities: Consider joining clubs related to health professions or volunteering at local hospitals or clinics to gain firsthand experience in healthcare settings.
By focusing on these subjects during your high school years, you will build a robust academic foundation that will serve you well as you pursue further education in nursing programs after graduation.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA provides comprehensive resources regarding nursing education requirements and professional standards for nurses across the United States.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
NCSBN outlines educational pathways for nurses and offers guidance on licensure requirements, ensuring aspiring nurses understand what is needed to enter the profession successfully.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed information about job outlooks, educational requirements, and salary expectations for various nursing roles, helping students make informed decisions about their educational paths.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Classes to Focus on for a Career in Nursing
To prepare for a career in nursing while still in high school, it is essential to focus on specific subjects that will provide a strong foundation for your future studies and professional practice. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the classes you should prioritize:
1. Science Courses
Biology: This is arguably the most critical subject for aspiring nurses. A solid understanding of human biology, including anatomy and physiology, is vital since nursing involves direct patient care and understanding bodily functions.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemistry is important as it relates to pharmacology, biochemistry, and the chemical processes within the body. Understanding how medications work and their interactions can be crucial in nursing.
Health Science or Anatomy & Physiology: If your school offers specialized courses in health sciences or anatomy and physiology, these are highly beneficial. They provide insights into the human body systems and their functions, which are directly applicable to nursing.
2. Mathematics Courses
Algebra: Proficiency in algebra is necessary for dosage calculations and understanding medical statistics. Nurses often need to calculate medication dosages based on patient weight or other factors.
Statistics: While not always emphasized in high school curriculums, statistics can be incredibly useful for understanding research studies and data analysis in healthcare settings.
3. Social Sciences
Psychology: Understanding psychological principles can help you interact effectively with patients and understand their needs better. It also aids in recognizing mental health issues that may affect physical health.
Sociology: This subject helps you understand social dynamics and cultural differences that can impact patient care. It prepares you to work with diverse populations.
4. Communication Skills
English/Language Arts: Strong communication skills are essential for nurses who must document patient information accurately, communicate with healthcare teams, and educate patients about their health conditions.
Public Speaking or Debate: These courses can enhance your verbal communication skills, which are crucial when interacting with patients, families, and colleagues.
5. Additional Recommendations
Health Occupations Education (if available): Some schools offer programs focused on careers in healthcare that include practical experiences such as internships or clinical rotations.
Extracurricular Activities: Consider joining clubs related to health professions or volunteering at local hospitals or clinics to gain firsthand experience in healthcare settings.
By focusing on these subjects during your high school years, you will build a robust academic foundation that will serve you well as you pursue further education in nursing programs after graduation.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA provides comprehensive resources regarding nursing education requirements and professional standards for nurses across the United States.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
NCSBN outlines educational pathways for nurses and offers guidance on licensure requirements, ensuring aspiring nurses understand what is needed to enter the profession successfully.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed information about job outlooks, educational requirements, and salary expectations for various nursing roles, helping students make informed decisions about their educational paths.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
387
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
For a nursing career, focus on science classes like biology, chemistry, and anatomy. These will provide a strong foundation for nursing school. Math is also important, especially algebra and statistics. Additionally, taking health-related courses or advanced placement (AP) classes can help build your knowledge and make you stand out.
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