4 answers
Rina
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
1617 views
How should I start my nursing career ? Where should I go to start??
I am currently 15 in sophomore what should I do if I want to pursued my career and get in the medical field or med-school i don’t know what kind of nurse I want to be I just want to help others and care for them idk what I should do right now and I want to start everything early and I am planning on graduating early so I can see what I need to do while I’m still young and be able to do things by myself right now and help others while I can. So give me an idea of what kind of nurses I should be. Or what I should do.
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4 answers
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Rina,
It is wonderful that you are looking into what to do now to prepare you best for a nursing career.
My advice is to look into doing a job shadow of someone who is a nurse- maybe a family member or someone you know. You can also look to see if local hospitals offer job shadow opportunities.
Look into volunteering in nursing homes, senior centers, hospitals, etc. This is a great way to see careers in nursing and build experience.
Research different nursing careers and school programs to learn what you like. See if your school uses any career exploration programs- you can ask your school counselor.
You can look into becoming a certified nursing assistant. Sometimes you can get certified as young as 16. Typically, it is 18. It is a nice way to dip your toe into the field.
I hope this helps!
It is wonderful that you are looking into what to do now to prepare you best for a nursing career.
My advice is to look into doing a job shadow of someone who is a nurse- maybe a family member or someone you know. You can also look to see if local hospitals offer job shadow opportunities.
Look into volunteering in nursing homes, senior centers, hospitals, etc. This is a great way to see careers in nursing and build experience.
Research different nursing careers and school programs to learn what you like. See if your school uses any career exploration programs- you can ask your school counselor.
You can look into becoming a certified nursing assistant. Sometimes you can get certified as young as 16. Typically, it is 18. It is a nice way to dip your toe into the field.
I hope this helps!
Meghan Meyer
5
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Meghan’s Answer
Some thing I wish I would’ve done is just go straight to a community college after I graduated high school. Community colleges are really great for careers like nursing because they usually have a quicker program and it is so much cheaper. I would research schools near you especially community colleges that have a good nursing program and start looking at the admission requirements.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
342
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Rina,
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 among 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, communications and 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.
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) 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
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
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 among 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, communications and 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.
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) 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
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
TARA NADIA ROSCOE
RN
10
Answers
Kent, Ohio
Updated
TARA NADIA’s Answer
Hello Rina!
I'm so excited you want to know how to become a nurse! To become a nurse you are going to need compassion and self-motivation. Everything will fall into place with hard work and determination. Getting good grades in math and science in high-school are helpful, but are certainly not what defines a good nurse. I would encourage you, regardless of your grades, to keep pursing nursing if you think this is something you really want to do. I recently wrote an article about this very subject and I'm going to attach it for you. I hope this helps. Stay positive and don't give up!
Want to Become a Nurse? Which Path to Nursing is Right for You?
If you are reading this article, you are considering a career in nursing. Many diverse opportunities make nursing a wonderful career choice. You can work in a hospital, nursing home, doctor’s office, or clinic. You can even work from home in utilization review, case management, telehealth, content writing, or nursing informatics. The career goals you want to pursue, how fast you wish to achieve them, and the resources you have will help determine which path is right for you. Let’s explore some options.
Preparing in High School
As a junior in high school, you hold quite the advantage. Consider looking into a career and technical center near you that offer pre-nursing programs for juniors and seniors. Upon graduation, you can become a licensed nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse (LPN), pharmacy technician, or phlebotomist, to name a few. These programs have tuition requirements; however, there are often scholarships available. Applying for as many as you can is highly encouraged. This strategy will require research, filling out forms, and writing essays, but the benefits far outweigh the work involved. These programs will allow you to work in healthcare after high school and carry over credits into a bachelor’s program.
LPN vs. RN
If attending a technical program in high school is not a good fit for you, the next thing to consider is whether to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or a registered nurse (RN).
Becoming an LPN
LPNs and LVNs differ only by geographical location. Texas and California use the term LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse). LPNs take direction from RNs and are directly involved in patient care. They perform essential nursing care, such as checking vital signs, feeding, bathing, and administering certain medications and treatments.
Make sure to apply to an accredited LPN/LVN program, which you can find at many vocational or community colleges. This accreditation will ensure you can take the NCLEX-PN, the required state competency exam allowing you to obtain your state license. LPN school can take anywhere from seven months to two years to complete. On average, the cost of tuition for LPN programs is $10,000 to $15,000 nationally. Applying for scholarships helps to offset tuition. Salaries for LPNs can vary anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on where you live.
Becoming an RN
An RNs role focuses on patient care management. RNs oversee and delegate tasks to LPNs and other healthcare ancillary staff. They perform patient assessments, write care plans, provide teaching, and administer certain high-risk medications and treatments.
You can obtain an associates degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). An ADN program typically takes a full-time student two years to complete, offering significant clinical experience, while a BSN program takes four years to complete and is more research-based but also offers clinical experience. Completion of either program allows you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
On average, the cost of tuition for an ADN program is anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000, and tuition for a BSN program can range from $20,000 to $100,000. Factors affecting salary include in-state and out-of-state tuition or state versus private universities. Attending a main campus versus a university branch can also affect tuition costs. Salaries for RNs can vary anywhere from $61,000 to $129,000 annually, depending on where you live.
Hands-On Experience
Many hospitals or nursing homes offer tuition reimbursement for part-time and full-time staff. Working in an ancillary staff position allows you to observe the nursing role and gain hands-on experience while receiving financial assistance for your education. Your dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and the right strategy.
References
Helena College University of Montana. (n.d.). Nursing Programs. Retrieved August 13, 2023, from https://helenacollege.edu/academics/programs/nursing/default.aspx
Ko, N. (2023, May 3). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) vs. Registered Nurses (RN). NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/lpn-vs-rn-roles/
Nurse.org. (2023, March 31). How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). https://nurse.org/resources/licensed-practical-nurse-lpn-lvn/how-to-become-an-lpnlvn
Practicalnursing.org (2023, March 15). Cost of LPN Programs & Schools. https://www.practicalnursing.org/cost-lpn-program-school
St. John, M. (2023, May 2). What Is The Cost Of Nursing School? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/nursing-school-cost/
Trumbull Career & Technical Center (n.d.). Industry-Recognized Credentials and Certifications. Retrieved August 13, 2023, from https://www.tctchome.com/page/credentials-and-certifications
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022 29-2061 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022: 29-1141 Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
Tara Nadia Roscoe, RN
8/13/2023
I'm so excited you want to know how to become a nurse! To become a nurse you are going to need compassion and self-motivation. Everything will fall into place with hard work and determination. Getting good grades in math and science in high-school are helpful, but are certainly not what defines a good nurse. I would encourage you, regardless of your grades, to keep pursing nursing if you think this is something you really want to do. I recently wrote an article about this very subject and I'm going to attach it for you. I hope this helps. Stay positive and don't give up!
Want to Become a Nurse? Which Path to Nursing is Right for You?
If you are reading this article, you are considering a career in nursing. Many diverse opportunities make nursing a wonderful career choice. You can work in a hospital, nursing home, doctor’s office, or clinic. You can even work from home in utilization review, case management, telehealth, content writing, or nursing informatics. The career goals you want to pursue, how fast you wish to achieve them, and the resources you have will help determine which path is right for you. Let’s explore some options.
Preparing in High School
As a junior in high school, you hold quite the advantage. Consider looking into a career and technical center near you that offer pre-nursing programs for juniors and seniors. Upon graduation, you can become a licensed nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse (LPN), pharmacy technician, or phlebotomist, to name a few. These programs have tuition requirements; however, there are often scholarships available. Applying for as many as you can is highly encouraged. This strategy will require research, filling out forms, and writing essays, but the benefits far outweigh the work involved. These programs will allow you to work in healthcare after high school and carry over credits into a bachelor’s program.
LPN vs. RN
If attending a technical program in high school is not a good fit for you, the next thing to consider is whether to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or a registered nurse (RN).
Becoming an LPN
LPNs and LVNs differ only by geographical location. Texas and California use the term LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse). LPNs take direction from RNs and are directly involved in patient care. They perform essential nursing care, such as checking vital signs, feeding, bathing, and administering certain medications and treatments.
Make sure to apply to an accredited LPN/LVN program, which you can find at many vocational or community colleges. This accreditation will ensure you can take the NCLEX-PN, the required state competency exam allowing you to obtain your state license. LPN school can take anywhere from seven months to two years to complete. On average, the cost of tuition for LPN programs is $10,000 to $15,000 nationally. Applying for scholarships helps to offset tuition. Salaries for LPNs can vary anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on where you live.
Becoming an RN
An RNs role focuses on patient care management. RNs oversee and delegate tasks to LPNs and other healthcare ancillary staff. They perform patient assessments, write care plans, provide teaching, and administer certain high-risk medications and treatments.
You can obtain an associates degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). An ADN program typically takes a full-time student two years to complete, offering significant clinical experience, while a BSN program takes four years to complete and is more research-based but also offers clinical experience. Completion of either program allows you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
On average, the cost of tuition for an ADN program is anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000, and tuition for a BSN program can range from $20,000 to $100,000. Factors affecting salary include in-state and out-of-state tuition or state versus private universities. Attending a main campus versus a university branch can also affect tuition costs. Salaries for RNs can vary anywhere from $61,000 to $129,000 annually, depending on where you live.
Hands-On Experience
Many hospitals or nursing homes offer tuition reimbursement for part-time and full-time staff. Working in an ancillary staff position allows you to observe the nursing role and gain hands-on experience while receiving financial assistance for your education. Your dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and the right strategy.
References
Helena College University of Montana. (n.d.). Nursing Programs. Retrieved August 13, 2023, from https://helenacollege.edu/academics/programs/nursing/default.aspx
Ko, N. (2023, May 3). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) vs. Registered Nurses (RN). NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/lpn-vs-rn-roles/
Nurse.org. (2023, March 31). How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). https://nurse.org/resources/licensed-practical-nurse-lpn-lvn/how-to-become-an-lpnlvn
Practicalnursing.org (2023, March 15). Cost of LPN Programs & Schools. https://www.practicalnursing.org/cost-lpn-program-school
St. John, M. (2023, May 2). What Is The Cost Of Nursing School? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/nursing-school-cost/
Trumbull Career & Technical Center (n.d.). Industry-Recognized Credentials and Certifications. Retrieved August 13, 2023, from https://www.tctchome.com/page/credentials-and-certifications
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022 29-2061 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022: 29-1141 Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
Tara Nadia Roscoe, RN
8/13/2023