4 answers
Jack
Student
Lansing, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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Where can I learn more about nursing and hospital-and-health-care?
I want to learn these since I am trying to work in the medical field once I graduate high school. So if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear about them.
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4 answers
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
83
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Jack - If you're thinking about nursing, there are essentially only a few paths to enter the nursing field. The two main options are an associate degree program or a bachelor's degree program. While both have their strengths, when you are starting out, jobs will pay the same regardless of which degree you have as long as you have passed the licensure exam (NCLEX) successfully.
If cost is a consideration for you, then the associate degree in nursing (ADN), which is a two-year program, may be the best option. There's an array of nursing programs offered through state community colleges, and many states offer free tuition for recent HS graduates, so check with your state about opportunities. Larger private or public institutions offering the bachelor's of science in Nursing (BSN) will certainly cost more and take at least four years to complete which delays the ability to start working. In my opinion, starting with an ADN is a smart move. It enables you to secure a license and work in most states, and you can always pursue a BSN or an advanced degree later, and many employers will help with tuition reimbursement. Job opportunities in nursing will be abundant for the foreseeable future given the aging population, and most employers are more interested in your license than your degree level. Interestingly, the pay scale doesn't necessarily favor a BSN over an ADN.
If you aspire to ascend to management or leadership positions, you might need to pursue a BSN or be in the process of doing so. Most employers prefer leaders with advanced degrees. However, as a new nurse, this isn't a requirement since gaining practical experience is crucial before stepping into a leadership role. Additionally, opportunities for advanced degrees like Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist are plentiful. These programs may be competitive, but the rewards are worth it, with significantly higher pay than direct care nursing roles.
Consider what is important to you before you decide. Check out any pre-requisites or co-requisites for different programs and get started on those while you apply to programs so you will be a step ahead.
If cost is a consideration for you, then the associate degree in nursing (ADN), which is a two-year program, may be the best option. There's an array of nursing programs offered through state community colleges, and many states offer free tuition for recent HS graduates, so check with your state about opportunities. Larger private or public institutions offering the bachelor's of science in Nursing (BSN) will certainly cost more and take at least four years to complete which delays the ability to start working. In my opinion, starting with an ADN is a smart move. It enables you to secure a license and work in most states, and you can always pursue a BSN or an advanced degree later, and many employers will help with tuition reimbursement. Job opportunities in nursing will be abundant for the foreseeable future given the aging population, and most employers are more interested in your license than your degree level. Interestingly, the pay scale doesn't necessarily favor a BSN over an ADN.
If you aspire to ascend to management or leadership positions, you might need to pursue a BSN or be in the process of doing so. Most employers prefer leaders with advanced degrees. However, as a new nurse, this isn't a requirement since gaining practical experience is crucial before stepping into a leadership role. Additionally, opportunities for advanced degrees like Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist are plentiful. These programs may be competitive, but the rewards are worth it, with significantly higher pay than direct care nursing roles.
Consider what is important to you before you decide. Check out any pre-requisites or co-requisites for different programs and get started on those while you apply to programs so you will be a step ahead.
Martin Schoen
APRN
282
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
To explore various health care fields, you should volunteer at a health facility. This will expose you to different areas within the sector. Without credentials, experience, or a healthcare background, securing a direct patient care job right after high school can be challenging due to institutional liability and legal obligations. If you're not enrolling in a specific healthcare program, you'll need to start with whatever job you can find. Over time, you can acquire the necessary training and certifications to pursue your desired healthcare career.
Iris L
Registered Nurse
9
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Iris’s Answer
I would suggest looking into volunteering at your local hospital. It is a good way to be in the environment and observe how the healthcare staff operates. Each hospital website should have a section at the top or bottom of the website that includes a link to volunteering opportunities. It helps to volunteer in an area that interests you. Best wishes to you!
Anna Bernal
Recruiter
60
Answers
Oviedo, Florida
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hey Jack,
I would recommend you look at volunteering opportunities such as Good Samaritan Clinics near you that you can get hours working in a clinic and exposure to the collaborating with a medical team. You can also look into internships once you start college that can offer unpaid hours for you to gain more hands on experience.
Once you figure out the path you want to focus on, you can research networking as well as groups to help network jobs within that industry.
Goodluck!
I would recommend you look at volunteering opportunities such as Good Samaritan Clinics near you that you can get hours working in a clinic and exposure to the collaborating with a medical team. You can also look into internships once you start college that can offer unpaid hours for you to gain more hands on experience.
Once you figure out the path you want to focus on, you can research networking as well as groups to help network jobs within that industry.
Goodluck!