4 answers
Aharon
Student
Arizona City, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
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What would be the most preferred nursing school for me to attend in order to peruse my career of becoming a PICU nurse.? Where can I find a full scholarship for my nursing school, if there are any.? Can someone please give me a list of all the licences I will need to acquire before I am a registered PICU nurse.? Would it be a logical decision for me to go to EMT schooling, become an EMT for about six months and then move onto my career job as a nurse.? The reason I am asking this question is because I have been told by many people who apparently worked in that field that it will prepare me for being a nurse.
Since I am only sixteen years old would I be allowed to go to nursing school, or are there age restrictions to the job, because of the stuff one might see.
Just so you guys know I am finished with high school.
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4 answers
Linda Corn
RN, CWOCN
13
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Linda’s Answer
I would check nursing programs near you. Just need to be accredited. Be good to talk to nurses that have been through the program. You will need to focus on the prerequisites required before getting into nursing school. Be good to take a chemistry and biology class while in High school. Also anatomy and physiology if they offer it in HS. All the best to you. Nursing is a Wonderful career to go into with many different areas of expertise. I’ve been a nurse for40 years. 😊
Linda Corn
RN, CWOCN
13
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Linda’s Answer
I would check nursing programs near you. Just need to be accredited. Be good to talk to nurses that have been through the program. You will need to focus on the prerequisites required before getting into nursing school. Be good to take a chemistry and biology class while in High school. Also anatomy and physiology if they offer it in HS. Sorry I just read now that you are out of HS. Getting experience as a nursing assistant or an EMT would be beneficial. Congratulations on your pursuit to become an PICU NURSE. All the best to you. Nursing is a Wonderful career to go into with many different areas of expertise. I’ve been a nurse for40 years. 😊
Thank you so much for the advice.
Aharon
Jessica Pugliese
Career Advisor
35
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Aharon,
The main goal is to find an accredited nursing program and find out the requirements for your state (RN versus BSN needed?). Most nursing programs have pre-requisite and co-requisite classes before you go into nursing classes and clinical so I would suggest researching programs to see if you meet the pre-reqs (like Biology, Chemistry, Math) and find out what classes you can take as co-reqs to best prepare you.
I don't necessarily think you need to go EMT, you certainly can. If you can get a Patient Care position in a hospital or an aide position in a nursing home, that may be more relatable experience to help solidify your decision and/or help with your nursing application.
I hope this helps!
Jessica
The main goal is to find an accredited nursing program and find out the requirements for your state (RN versus BSN needed?). Most nursing programs have pre-requisite and co-requisite classes before you go into nursing classes and clinical so I would suggest researching programs to see if you meet the pre-reqs (like Biology, Chemistry, Math) and find out what classes you can take as co-reqs to best prepare you.
I don't necessarily think you need to go EMT, you certainly can. If you can get a Patient Care position in a hospital or an aide position in a nursing home, that may be more relatable experience to help solidify your decision and/or help with your nursing application.
I hope this helps!
Jessica
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Aharon
Megan Morrison
RN
15
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hello Aharon,
It's absolutely wonderful to hear about your interest in pursuing a career in nursing. I myself was an EMT-B before I transitioned into nursing, and I found that it was a fantastic foundation for working in the emergency department and building confidence in patient care. That being said, it's not a mandatory step. You might also consider becoming a CNA before stepping into nursing, although this too isn't a requirement. If you choose to become a CNA, you'll find that many employers offer partial or even full coverage of your nursing tuition. If this sounds appealing, remember to confirm this benefit with your HR department. As Jessica suggested, your first major step is to find an accredited nursing program. Rest assured, all nurses are taught the same essential curriculum and you'll receive specific on-the-job training tailored to your nursing unit. As a PICU nurse, you'll need to acquire BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. After about two years in your PICU role, you'll be eligible to study for and take the PICU certification exam. Don't forget to do a quick online search for scholarships and grants available to nursing students.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
It's absolutely wonderful to hear about your interest in pursuing a career in nursing. I myself was an EMT-B before I transitioned into nursing, and I found that it was a fantastic foundation for working in the emergency department and building confidence in patient care. That being said, it's not a mandatory step. You might also consider becoming a CNA before stepping into nursing, although this too isn't a requirement. If you choose to become a CNA, you'll find that many employers offer partial or even full coverage of your nursing tuition. If this sounds appealing, remember to confirm this benefit with your HR department. As Jessica suggested, your first major step is to find an accredited nursing program. Rest assured, all nurses are taught the same essential curriculum and you'll receive specific on-the-job training tailored to your nursing unit. As a PICU nurse, you'll need to acquire BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. After about two years in your PICU role, you'll be eligible to study for and take the PICU certification exam. Don't forget to do a quick online search for scholarships and grants available to nursing students.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Aharon