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How do i get in the nursing field?
#nursing #nurse #healthcare #doctor #nursing-education
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6 answers
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Kerrie’s Answer
You can get into the nursing field by deciding what type of degree you want to start with, for example, a 2-year degree or 4-year degree. Check the local colleges in your area, including the community colleges. For instance, I went to a community college for 2 years to earn my A.S. degree and then transitioned to a nursing school to finish my BSN degree. This was a quicker and better financial way for me at the time.
Most schools have a waiting list, so sometimes they require all of the prerequisites to be completed before you are even allowed to apply for the nursing program. This is a great way for the schools to find out which students are serious about the nursing program and who are good fits for the nursing field.
While waiting to get into college or finishing prerequisites, you can also take a CNA class and then apply to work at a local nursing home, hospital, children's home, etc... to gain some experience in the nursing field. This also may be required by the nursing program you are looking into, it depends on their requirements.
Overall it is a lot of information to sort out, but start local and don't get overwhelmed. Start with baby steps and you will do great!
Most schools have a waiting list, so sometimes they require all of the prerequisites to be completed before you are even allowed to apply for the nursing program. This is a great way for the schools to find out which students are serious about the nursing program and who are good fits for the nursing field.
While waiting to get into college or finishing prerequisites, you can also take a CNA class and then apply to work at a local nursing home, hospital, children's home, etc... to gain some experience in the nursing field. This also may be required by the nursing program you are looking into, it depends on their requirements.
Overall it is a lot of information to sort out, but start local and don't get overwhelmed. Start with baby steps and you will do great!
From your adn to your bsn it was in total a span of four years of college? Or was it six?
Justin
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Getting into nursing school will get you into the nursing field. What I would suggest would be the most helpful action would be first getting a job as a CNA. I worked as a CNA while in nursing school and it was a great introduction into the responsibilities nurses posses in their shift. I became aware of many things they do I was unaware of (and very surprised about). Obviously, those things didn't scare my away as I have been an RN for 11 years. I can tell you there were many people in my nursing school who had never set foot in a hospital and never saw the day to day responsibilities a nurse held and some of those students dropped out. Unfortunately, their enlightenment wasn't until after 1-2 years into the program, after spending thousands of dollars on tuition, and MANY hours on coursework, only to find out this was not the right profession for them. Get some experience, ANYWHERE, so that you are fully informed on what you will be doing the rest of your life.
Also, if you are already employed in healthcare, most likely your employer will be anticipating your graduation and take measures to retain and employ you as a RN. SO, it is pretty much a guaranteed job offer once you complete school.
As a side note, nursing schools are more interested in applicants who are already working in the healthcare field. The reason is described above. They want their students to be happy and successful, and for their program to have a high graduating rate.
Good luck in your future endeavors and I hope this advice is useful in your journey.
Also, if you are already employed in healthcare, most likely your employer will be anticipating your graduation and take measures to retain and employ you as a RN. SO, it is pretty much a guaranteed job offer once you complete school.
As a side note, nursing schools are more interested in applicants who are already working in the healthcare field. The reason is described above. They want their students to be happy and successful, and for their program to have a high graduating rate.
Good luck in your future endeavors and I hope this advice is useful in your journey.
But how can I be a student who already works in the healthcare field if the whole reason why I am going to school is to work in healthcare field ?
Justin
Updated
Kaylee’s Answer
You have to go through a nursing program first.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
You could start by shadowing a nurse to make sure it is the right career for you. Next consider becoming an LVN. Or you could pursue a 4 year degree and become a registered nurse.
Updated
Carly’s Answer
You can start by researching nursing schools in the location you would like to attend school. Some schools have an entrance exam you will have to take. Some schools have prerequisites.
You can get started in the nursing field by taking a class to become a nursing assistant and work as a nursing assistant. You can also work as a patient care tech. You could also become a volunteer at a hospital or nursing home.
You also have to make a decision about what type of nursing program you want to attend to start. There are LPN/LVN programs, 2 year RN, 4 year RN and direct entry MSN programs.
research nursing programs in my area
take a position that provides direct patient care ( CNA, PCT, HHA. ect.)
You can get started in the nursing field by taking a class to become a nursing assistant and work as a nursing assistant. You can also work as a patient care tech. You could also become a volunteer at a hospital or nursing home.
You also have to make a decision about what type of nursing program you want to attend to start. There are LPN/LVN programs, 2 year RN, 4 year RN and direct entry MSN programs.
Carly recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Most programs require prerequisites that usually take about 2 years or so if you are not involved in a Bachelors program. After the prerequisites are completed the nursing program is a minimum of 2 years. After you graduate you will sit for your state boards.
Many hospitals have a program available for graduates and students. Often places want employees with experience. With that in mind be open to taking positions and shifts that may not be extremely desirable. However, you will grow and be able to gain that valuable experience and seniority.
I strongly suggest you do some sort of patient care prior to investing the intense amount of time. It’s not a calling for everyone. It’s a good plan to make sure you have a clear understanding of what it entails first. I personally worked on an ambulance for years prior to nursing school. Some programs require you to complete CNA courses and clinical first.
Good luck!
Many hospitals have a program available for graduates and students. Often places want employees with experience. With that in mind be open to taking positions and shifts that may not be extremely desirable. However, you will grow and be able to gain that valuable experience and seniority.
I strongly suggest you do some sort of patient care prior to investing the intense amount of time. It’s not a calling for everyone. It’s a good plan to make sure you have a clear understanding of what it entails first. I personally worked on an ambulance for years prior to nursing school. Some programs require you to complete CNA courses and clinical first.
Good luck!