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Where would I even begin to be a registered nurse?
Planning to go to SF State and get into a nursing program.
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4 answers
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Ann’s Answer
If you’re asking where you will work as a registered nurse, there’s no way to know yet. The first step is to get into, and graduate, from a nursing program. During your nursing studies, you’ll start learning what areas interest you and from there start figuring out what type of nursing you want to do after you graduate. Then you’ll start applying to hospitals-or wherever-to start your career. And with nursing, there are so many different areas you can practice, that if you find you don’t necessarily like one area, you can switch to something else. So for now, concentrate on finishing school and going on to the next step-nursing school. It’ll all start falling into place.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Kelly
Updated
Patti’s Answer
Apply to nursing school and complete the program. Apply to jobs at hospital, clinics, public health centers, long term care facilities, schools, or surgical centers and just go from there. Nursing school exposes you to a lot of different job options, but not all of, that a nurse can pursue. Once you have your nursing license after taking your NCLEX exam after school, you'll have what you need to start being a registered nurse.
Hi! Thank you!
Kelly
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Kelly,
My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN), so I commend you for pursuing this career path. While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking and in English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Registered Nurse!
My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN), so I commend you for pursuing this career path. While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking and in English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Registered Nurse!
Thank you! This is very helpful!
Kelly
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Kelly,
First and foremost, you're already on the right track! The best step for preparing for the nursing field is to ask questions. Continue asking questions as time goes on. It not only helps you to gain knowledge about the nursing field, but you can also get encouragement and motivation from nurses along the way. Here's some additional tips....
Pay close attention in your high school science classes. You will have to take additional science classes in college and it will help if you already know the material.
Volunteer at a health facility. This could be a hospital or nursing home. It will help you to get a taste of the real world.
Watch TV shows or movies about the health field. Although they are not always realistic, it helps to give you an idea of how it will be.
Start reading health books and articles. Become familiar with the way the body works. This will help you prepare for nursing school.
Study hard and never give up! Nursing school may be challenging, but it's worth it!
First and foremost, you're already on the right track! The best step for preparing for the nursing field is to ask questions. Continue asking questions as time goes on. It not only helps you to gain knowledge about the nursing field, but you can also get encouragement and motivation from nurses along the way. Here's some additional tips....
Char recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Char!
Kelly