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Where is a great place to start towards a career in nursing while I'm still in high school?

I am almost 16, and very dedicated in my work. I need an easy place to get introduced into medicine. Thank you for your time. #medicine

nursing
Thank you comment icon An important thing to remember is that you're responsible for your own education. while volunteering get used to asking questions about what nurses are doing & why. when you show that you're interested, people are more likely to involve you and teach you. doctors especially won't bother to teach someone who doesn't appear interested. but if you say to a doctor 'i was reading this journal article about headaches and it said ____. i didn't understand ___, would you explain it to me?', that doctor will go out of their way to teach you a lot. Shannon Kelley
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Doc’s Answer

Dakota, while many of your classmates are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives, you can start planning now to make your career a success. There are many ways high school students can start preparing to earn a nursing degree.

FIVE STEPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER IN NURSING

STEP 1: PREP FOR COLLEGE – To prepare for the rigorous coursework of a nursing degree program, prospective nurses should take plenty of science and mathematics classes while in high school. By choosing the right classes, you can start to learn subjects like biology, psychology and anatomy and physiology even before you graduate. Many high schools also offer some opportunity to learn more about fields like psychology, the study of human behavior. If advanced placement science courses are available your high school you can enroll in other AP courses together ahead in college. Although not all medical schools and colleges have a mathematics requirement, some schools require statistics or calculus, so high school students should take statistics, pre-calculus or calculus.

STEP 2: TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL NURSE
Even if your goal isn't to become a school nurse, don't neglect this excellent professional resource. Most students have easy access to these professionals during the school day and can ask about their experiences. School nurses can share advice and offer tips on how to avoid common mistakes in nursing education.

STEP 3: VOLUNTEERING – Of course, it’s difficult to find even a non-clinical role in a health care facility if you don’t yet have a high school diploma. Volunteering at a hospital or finding a nurse to shadow can be the first step. These options will allow you to become accustomed to working in health care and possibly even give you the opportunity to get to know some patients and see the patient side of the nurse-patient relationship. Though it won’t replace the required clinical work within a nursing degree program, any hands-on health care experience you gain now can be invaluable. You will get to see for yourself what the daily work of a nurse or other health care provider is like. You can make professional connections and perhaps even find a mentor. The experience you have can even help make your application for nursing school stand out from the rest.

STEP 4: BECOME A HOSA MEMBER – Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) provides an opportunity for future health leaders -- including nurses -- to take advantage of professional and academic resources while still in high school. The group offers events, competitions, scholarships, and plenty of resources to help connect learners with the nursing world while still in high school.

STEP 5: RESEARCH DIFFERENT TYPES OF NURSING CAREERS – Many different nursing degrees exist at various levels, making it important for prospective students to get a clear sense of the path that best serves their needs. Those who are unsure about a lifelong nursing career may pursue a licensed practical nurse qualification or an associate degree in nursing. Others who feel confident in their decision may move directly to a bachelor of science program in nursing. RNs have the option of working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician's offices, prisons, from home, as a traveling nurse in hospitals across the country, and in many other specialty roles.

Dakota, It takes a good deal of time and effort to become a registered nurse, but high school students who are serious about their career goals can take steps now to achieve success. Taking and earning high grades in the right classes and programs during high school and devoting time outside of school to forging a path into the health care industry can help you make your dreams of becoming a nurse a reality.

Hope this was Helpful Dakota
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much Dexter for supporting me. We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thanks John, that was really helpful. Dakota
Thank you comment icon You are Welcome Dakota, it was my Pleasure. Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible! Doc Frick
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Suzanne’s Answer

Hi Dakota,

This is such wonderful news that you are interested in this wonderful career. I am a retired nurse and would like to answer from a professional perspective. Here we go:

1. Take a look at the types of nursing degrees that might be of interest to you. You can start by attending a community college that has a nursing program OR attend a university that offers bachelor's degrees in nursing. Either way, you will need to take some basic classes in high school that will allow you to easily apply to either type of program. You will need science, math, humanities, and language core classes in high school. Here is some helpful information: https://www.ic4n.org/become-a-nurse/preparation-for-nursing-school/

2. Volunteer: check your local hospitals and Red Cross for volunteer experiences available to high school students. If you personally know a nurse, ask if they are willing to mentor you through this process. Here are a couple of good references for volunteering in your area: https://www.gphealth.org/about-us/volunteer/ https://www.redcross.org/local/nebraska.html

3. Learn CPR and basic first aid: this will really be an advantage!! Even if this costs a bit and requires extra-curricular time and effort, it will be a great addition to your skill set and wonderful for your resume. https://www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/recreation/healthy-living/certification-training/

4. Start working with your high school counselor and parents early in order to seek out the best RN education. If you can, go to the college in the summer before your senior year. Find out about the application requirements, costs, scholarships etc. Make sure you are on track with all required high school classes. You will be fully ready to apply for college in the fall of your senior year of high school. Needless to say, try to keep your GPA as high as possible.

These are only a few suggestions but I am hoping that you copy and paste the links and find more information. The COVID19 pandemic has caused big disruptions in our healthcare system. I am hoping that our country will find resolution and success in dealing with the multiple crisis within the upcoming months. You have ample time to prepare for nursing school. In the end, I do recommend that you pursue a 4 year, bachelor's degree in nursing as this degree with allow you many more career opportunities.

Let me know if you would like further information!
Best,
Sue
Thank you comment icon Thanks so much Sue, I found this really helpful. Dakota
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Kristin’s Answer

Hi Dakota,

What a great profession you are interested in. My sister is a nurse and loves it. One thing she did in high school is reach out to shadow a nurse for a day. At first, she was able to shadow a nurse in the school system and at the summer camp for a few hours. That lead her to be able to shadow a nurse at the local hospital for a few hours. She was able to see first-hand what it was like working as a nurse and helped her realize it was not all what it makes out to be on TV!

Otherwise, all the other advice above is really good and I think you should look into all of their suggestions! Good luck!

Kristin
Thank you comment icon Thanks Kristin, I found this helpful! Dakota
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Phyllis’s Answer

A great place to start is by volunteering at your local hospital or nursing home. When I was 14, I volunteered as a candy striper at my local hospital. When I turned 16, I was accepted into the nurses' aide program and they trained me for that role. While in college, I progressed to the student nurse/nursing assistant position. This will give you a good exposure to what you may or may not want to pursue. As with anything, there are so many facets of nursing and different specialties. You will fine what you love!

Phyllis recommends the following next steps:

volunteer at local hospital or nursing home
apply for nursing assistant program
talk to professional nurses and see how they chose their area of speciality
Thank you comment icon Thanks Phyllis! Sorry for the delayed response. Your answer was very helpful. Dakota
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Katrina’s Answer

All great ideas here - talk to nurses that you know or that your family or family friends know. Volunteer at hospitals or nursing homes or talk to home health agencies about volunteering with them. Watch You Tube videos and read blogs from nurses about their profession. Covid-19 could put some of these activities out of reach right now but the virtual research can be done anytime! Best of luck to you as you research this very noble career!
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Stephen’s Answer

Volunteering in a hospital as l, medical office or clinic would give you an invaluable overview and show your sincerity
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Susan’s Answer

At present due to CoVid many volunteer opportunities are limited within healthcare settings I believe this will be changing Volunteering in Hospitals is a good place to start If anytime be in your family or friends is a healthcare professional ask them to be a mentor and if there are any opportunities where they work to volunteer or be employed I worked filing and reception for Doctors office in High Scool and volunteered at a Children’sHospital in the play room
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Jason’s Answer

Dakota, many hospitals have robust volunteer programs, particularly in assisting nurses. You may want to check out some in your area to see what they offer. It may be a bit different than normal with the current pandemic, but that may also mean that there may be some unique ways to help.
Thank you comment icon thanks, that was helpful Dakota
Thank you comment icon Thanks Jason! That was helpful. Dakota
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David’s Answer

That is such an honorable and important career to be considering. While I am a banker, I have many healthcare professionals in my family. Most hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities are always looking for volunteers or part time workers. A great place to start. You meet people and learn what it is like to work in a healthcare environment. My special niece did this and it got her comfortable with dealing with patients and the elderly. She is no finishing up her residency with a specialty in geriatrics. Good luck to you!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Dakota,

Embarking on a Nursing Career During High School

Choosing to embark on a nursing career while you're still in high school is a laudable decision that can pave the way to a rewarding healthcare profession. Here are some proactive steps to kick-start your journey to becoming a nurse:

1. Discover Healthcare Programs in High School: Numerous high schools provide healthcare-related courses or programs. These can offer an introduction to medicine and nursing. Seek out health science classes, medical internships, or volunteer opportunities at nearby hospitals or clinics.

2. Engage in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training: Enrolling in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is an excellent means to acquire hands-on patient care experience and cultivate vital skills for a nursing career. Many CNA programs cater to high school students and offer training in fundamental nursing tasks.

3. Volunteer at Healthcare Institutions: Offering your time at hospitals, nursing homes, or community health centers can provide invaluable exposure to the healthcare environment. It allows you to engage with patients and healthcare professionals, affirming your interest in nursing and establishing vital connections in the field.

4. Participate in Health-Related Clubs or Organizations: Involvement in health-related clubs or organizations at your school, such as HOSA-Future Health Professionals, can present networking opportunities, educational resources, and the chance to partake in healthcare competitions and events.

5. Shadow Nurses and Healthcare Professionals: Observing nurses and other healthcare professionals offers direct insight into the daily tasks of nurses and the numerous specialties within the profession. Contact local healthcare providers to ask about shadowing opportunities.

6. Look into Dual Enrollment Programs: Dual enrollment programs enable high school students to earn college credits. Seek dual enrollment courses related to healthcare or nursing that can offer a head start on your academic journey towards becoming a nurse.

7. Investigate Nursing Schools and Programs: Begin investigating different nursing schools and programs to comprehend their admission prerequisites, curriculum, and career outcomes. This will aid in planning your academic path and setting goals for higher education in nursing.

By following these steps, you can establish a robust foundation for your future nursing career while still in high school. Stay committed, inquisitive, and proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and grow in the field of medicine.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN offers valuable information on nursing education, career trajectories, accreditation standards, and resources for prospective nurses. Their website provides insights into the latest trends in nursing education and practice.

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA): The NSNA is a premier organization that supports nursing students nationwide. They offer educational resources, networking opportunities, scholarships, and advocacy for student nurses pursuing healthcare careers.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides extensive data on occupational outlooks, including details on job growth projections, salary statistics, educational requirements, and job duties for various professions, including registered nurses.

These sources were referenced to ensure accuracy and reliability in guiding you on starting a nursing career while still in high school.

GOD BLESS!
JC.
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SHONIKA’s Answer

Hi Dakota G. - As a high school student, sometimes the best way to get introduced into medicine is within a Science camp or University program for the summer. Also, if either your parents have friends that are in medicine or if your friend's parents are in medicine, you may be able to job shadow them.

Good luck in your ventures!

SHONIKA recommends the following next steps:

Google "Summer Camps" for Medicine
Ask parents or friends, if they know someone in medicine that you can shadow.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. Dakota
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