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How do I pursue a nursing career?

How do I pursue a nursing career with no knowledge in science

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Doc’s Answer

James if your starting to realize nursing might be the career you've been looking for. You can really help people and join an industry with a huge variety of job opportunities. Now all you need to do is find the nursing program that's right for you.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)
Nursing assistants also go by the title of nursing aides or CNAs. While these professionals are not technically nurses, they are on the frontline of contact between medical staff and patients—and the role can serve as a starting point for many aspiring nurses. To become a certified nursing assistant, you must complete a 8-week state-approved education program. A nursing assistant training program will typically take just a matter of weeks to complete. Upon completion of the program, aspiring nursing assistants must pass an exam to earn their CNA (or related) title. After successful completion, CNAs are state-certified.

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
LPNs, sometimes known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), are responsible for a variety of patient support duties. They monitor patient health and administer basic care. LPNs get their start by successfully completing a Practical Nursing Diploma program. These programs can be found at technical schools, community colleges or career colleges and can usually be completed in as few as 12 months. After graduation, you'll be required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN®) to receive your state license and be qualified to work.

REGISTERED NURSE (RN)
Registered nurses (RNs) tend to be the group most people associate with the term "nurse." They assume a wide variety of roles in patient care. RNs are responsible for recording patient medical history, monitoring symptoms and medical equipment, administering medicine, establishing or contributing to a plan of care, performing diagnostic tests and collaborating with doctors. Some RNs can be responsible for overseeing LPNs, CNAs and other healthcare staff, the BLS reports. Specific job titles and duties will vary depending on where you work and the types of patients you care for. There are also opportunities for RNs to limit their work to caring for specific patient populations, such as in pediatric nursing, emergency nursing, neonatal nursing, psychiatric nursing and more.
There are two primary levels of nursing degrees that can lead to a career as an RN: earning an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• ADN (Associate of Science in Nursing)
Becoming an RN through an associate degree nursing program is ideal for those who do not want to attend a four-year program. In the past, these programs were typically offered through community colleges. Now, however, some four-year institutions are offering ASN programs, also known as Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs.
• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
A BSN degree program typically takes four years to complete. Bachelor's degree in nursing graduates receive a well-rounded education that includes courses in nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health. They also gain hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings, allowing them to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Earning your BSN will allow you with greater flexibility to choose from dozens of career options

As with all levels of nursing, different states may have slight variations on the scope of care you're permitted to provide, and the level of supervision required. No matter where you decide to start your nursing degree James, each level of licensure offers various job opportunities and a path to a satisfying career. 
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Martin’s Answer

There's no need to fret if you don't have a background in science courses. As you progress through the prerequisites and mandatory courses for the nursing program, you'll gain a fantastic introduction to all the necessary sciences. The choice to further your studies beyond that point will be entirely up to you. I'd suggest not beginning with an online program, as it's crucial to have hands-on experience with labs, which can be challenging to coordinate online.
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Aleah’s Answer

James,
Begin taking classes in science such as Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, Physiology, etc. through your local college, as well as general education courses. You will get all of the science courses and knowledge that you need between prerequisites and nursing school so don’t let a lack of science education deter you from pursuing a career in nursing! However, you will need to make A’s and B’s in most, if not all, of your college science courses to be accepted into nursing school and remain in the program. Be sure to talk to your college navigator to ensure you take the correct classes required for your program of study. Best of luck to you!
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Anthea’s Answer

Nursing is a profession that requires compassion and critical thinking skills. Science like any other subject requires studying and understanding. Understanding the human anatomy and physiology is instrumental for success along with critical thinking. If you are just beginning to take science courses, study and understand how the science applies to your career, if you intend to pursue nursing.

There are two paths to obtain a Nursing degree. A 2-year degree - Associate Degree in Nursing, and 4 years. More nurses pursue the 4-year degree which is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. There're more opportunities available with the BSN. My recommendation enrolls in a science class that pertains to Human Anatomy and Physiology and see if that interest you. Good luck in pursuing a career in Nursing.
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Rachel’s Answer

James, sciences are required to become a nurse. The human body is a walking, talking, sleeping science machine. There are some sciences that may be daunting but with a tutor or a study group you should be able to succeed. Courses that are generally required are college level biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry. Believe it or not you will use these every day being a nurse.
Most colleges have tutors available to assist you in most classes.
Good luck you can do it!
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Michael’s Answer

Hi James,

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.

According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:

https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty

Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:

- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse

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.

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 2024 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!
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Jamila’s Answer

Also, think about what type of program you want to attend. Many institutions have online Nursing Programs and other have traditional programs.
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William’s Answer

You can start from a non science discipline and switch to a science discipline like Nursing.

Nursing requires sciences, most especially - biology and chemistry, then physics as a clinical science discipline.

You may start by learning sciences at: https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/science-engineering-and-maths-courses

Some colleges offer foundation year for those not from science background during their high school years.
Portage Learning is a good place to start preparation for nursing.
https://portagelearning.edu/courses
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