3 answers
Prapti
Student
Vernon, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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What kind of passion projects should I do as a junior in high school who is interested in Nursing ?
Hi! I'm a current junior in high school, wanna go to nursing school in college. I have no idea about my passions and I would appreciate if I get to know what extracurriculars could help me for my college applications. I specifically wanna opt for registered nurse anesthesiologists. Thank you!
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Prapti the importance of extracurriculars in high school cannot be understated. Not only are they an integral and often determining factor in college admissions decisions, but also they help to shape your growth as a person. Through extracurriculars, you can develop leadership ability, hone your organization and time management skills, and broaden your horizons through diverse experiences.
FIRST AID/CRP TRAINING
Get a head start on learning basic nursing skills through specialized first aid and/or CPR training is an excellent idea. If your high school doesn’t teach these life-saving tactics in your health curriculum, search for a community-based program that does. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) even offers online CPR certification courses for testing your life support knowledge. Getting a part-time job as a lifeguard or emergency medical technician could also help you fine-tune these skills. Participating in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)-Future Health Professionals program could provide valuable preparation in nursing science too.
VOLUNTEERING
Adding volunteer work to your resume will set you apart from other high schoolers who focused exclusively on academics. Hands-on experience gained through volunteering will provide key insights into whether nursing is indeed the career path for you (please also see, How Do I Know if a Nursing Degree is Right for Me?). During the school year or summer break, take time to volunteer at your local healthcare facilities. Volunteers are often needed at hospitals, nursing homes, residential care centers, and clinics. Not only will you develop valuable skills working with patients, but you’ll also network with on-staff nurses to build solid career connections.
BECOME INVOLVED WITH HOSA
HOSA-Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is a “national career and technical student organization,” which is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division. Its members include students along with professional, alumni, and honorary members working in the professional healthcare field. The organization’s goal is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to improve the overall quality of healthcare. HOSA offers programs geared towards leadership development, motivation, and recognition for students pursuing careers in health professions. The organization also hosts competitive events, national leadership conferences, and state conferences.
NURSING ASSISTANT
After turning 18 years old, high school seniors are qualified to pursue credentials as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Being licensed will exponentially increase your luck in receiving an acceptance letter from your dream nursing program. CNAs work under close supervision to handle various bedside activities, such as monitoring vital signs, bathing patients, changing bedding, and charting conditions. Training classes before the state test are quite minimal, but it could bolster your application greatly.
Preparing for a bright future in nursing must start in high school because competition remains fierce for enrollment in our country’s top-ranked nursing colleges. It’s never too early to begin practicing the communication, problem-solving, clinical, analytical, and leadership skills you’re likely to need as a registered nurse. It’s advised that you develop an organized study plan with your high school counselor and take advantage of these high school activities to get ready for the rigors of nursing.
Hope this was helpful Prapti
FIRST AID/CRP TRAINING
Get a head start on learning basic nursing skills through specialized first aid and/or CPR training is an excellent idea. If your high school doesn’t teach these life-saving tactics in your health curriculum, search for a community-based program that does. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) even offers online CPR certification courses for testing your life support knowledge. Getting a part-time job as a lifeguard or emergency medical technician could also help you fine-tune these skills. Participating in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)-Future Health Professionals program could provide valuable preparation in nursing science too.
VOLUNTEERING
Adding volunteer work to your resume will set you apart from other high schoolers who focused exclusively on academics. Hands-on experience gained through volunteering will provide key insights into whether nursing is indeed the career path for you (please also see, How Do I Know if a Nursing Degree is Right for Me?). During the school year or summer break, take time to volunteer at your local healthcare facilities. Volunteers are often needed at hospitals, nursing homes, residential care centers, and clinics. Not only will you develop valuable skills working with patients, but you’ll also network with on-staff nurses to build solid career connections.
BECOME INVOLVED WITH HOSA
HOSA-Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is a “national career and technical student organization,” which is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division. Its members include students along with professional, alumni, and honorary members working in the professional healthcare field. The organization’s goal is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to improve the overall quality of healthcare. HOSA offers programs geared towards leadership development, motivation, and recognition for students pursuing careers in health professions. The organization also hosts competitive events, national leadership conferences, and state conferences.
NURSING ASSISTANT
After turning 18 years old, high school seniors are qualified to pursue credentials as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Being licensed will exponentially increase your luck in receiving an acceptance letter from your dream nursing program. CNAs work under close supervision to handle various bedside activities, such as monitoring vital signs, bathing patients, changing bedding, and charting conditions. Training classes before the state test are quite minimal, but it could bolster your application greatly.
Preparing for a bright future in nursing must start in high school because competition remains fierce for enrollment in our country’s top-ranked nursing colleges. It’s never too early to begin practicing the communication, problem-solving, clinical, analytical, and leadership skills you’re likely to need as a registered nurse. It’s advised that you develop an organized study plan with your high school counselor and take advantage of these high school activities to get ready for the rigors of nursing.
Hope this was helpful Prapti
Thank You Michelle. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Doc Frick
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
617
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Prapti,
That’s great to hear you’re interested in nursing! As you work toward becoming a registered nurse anesthesiologist, here are some passion projects and extracurricular activities that could help you stand out in college applications:
1. Healthcare Volunteering: Look for volunteer opportunities at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. This hands-on experience will give you insight into patient care and the healthcare environment.
2. Shadowing Professionals: Try to shadow anesthesiologists or other nursing professionals. This will give you a better understanding of their daily responsibilities and the skills needed for the role.
3. Medical Research: Participate in or initiate a research project related to healthcare or nursing. This could involve working with a local university or research institution.
4. Health-Related Clubs: Join or start a health-related club at school, such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or a medical club. These clubs often provide opportunities for leadership and learning.
5. First Aid and CPR Certification: Obtain certifications in first aid and CPR. These are valuable skills for any nursing career and show your commitment to the field.
6. Science Fair Projects: Work on science fair projects related to nursing or healthcare. This can demonstrate your interest in and understanding of medical science.
7. Community Health Initiatives: Get involved in community health initiatives, such as health fairs or public health campaigns. This can showcase your dedication to improving community health.
8. Work Experience: Look for part-time jobs or internships in healthcare settings. Even roles like a medical office assistant can provide valuable experience.
9. Health Education: Create or contribute to educational content about health topics. This could be through a blog, social media, or school presentations.
These activities will help you gain relevant experience, build your resume, and demonstrate your passion for nursing and healthcare.
Best wishes!
That’s great to hear you’re interested in nursing! As you work toward becoming a registered nurse anesthesiologist, here are some passion projects and extracurricular activities that could help you stand out in college applications:
1. Healthcare Volunteering: Look for volunteer opportunities at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. This hands-on experience will give you insight into patient care and the healthcare environment.
2. Shadowing Professionals: Try to shadow anesthesiologists or other nursing professionals. This will give you a better understanding of their daily responsibilities and the skills needed for the role.
3. Medical Research: Participate in or initiate a research project related to healthcare or nursing. This could involve working with a local university or research institution.
4. Health-Related Clubs: Join or start a health-related club at school, such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or a medical club. These clubs often provide opportunities for leadership and learning.
5. First Aid and CPR Certification: Obtain certifications in first aid and CPR. These are valuable skills for any nursing career and show your commitment to the field.
6. Science Fair Projects: Work on science fair projects related to nursing or healthcare. This can demonstrate your interest in and understanding of medical science.
7. Community Health Initiatives: Get involved in community health initiatives, such as health fairs or public health campaigns. This can showcase your dedication to improving community health.
8. Work Experience: Look for part-time jobs or internships in healthcare settings. Even roles like a medical office assistant can provide valuable experience.
9. Health Education: Create or contribute to educational content about health topics. This could be through a blog, social media, or school presentations.
These activities will help you gain relevant experience, build your resume, and demonstrate your passion for nursing and healthcare.
Best wishes!
Lesli Wiita
Registered Nurse
2
Answers
Monticello, Minnesota
Updated
Lesli’s Answer
I would recommend volunteering. In a hospital setting it can help narrow your field of interest. There are other volunteer opportunities in Hospice care, nursing homes, assisted living environments and group homes. Volunteering always looks good on an application.