5 answers
Riah
Student
Saint Cloud, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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what is the best way to get ahead to getting your BSN?
I'm in the 11th grade thinking about colleges
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5 answers
Karen Spencer DNP ACNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner and College Professor
14
Answers
Waldorf, Maryland
Updated
Karen’s Answer
My answer may be a little different from others.
First, volunteer in a nursing home. This will let you know if you have the stomach and temperament for nursing. We start clinical training in nursing homes very often. I do not recommend being a CNA or LPN first. If being a nurse is the goal set that as the goal and reach it.
When considering schools, review their NCLEX pass rates. You don't have to go to the best school. All you really want is one that can meet your needs and teach you what you need to function in the real world and pass NCLEX.
Not having experience is not an issue. In fact when l was teaching, l found the students who had no experience did as well as if not better than those who did. Sometimes those with experience had a lot of unlearning of bad habits to do. It was a hurdle to jump while they were re-learning to do things the right way. This is the reason l don't recommend being a CNA or LPN. This can be confusing, you'll lean things that are not "by the book" while working in these positions. While l will admit some of those not by the book techniques are not technically incorrect they are not the standard. In school, we focus on teaching standards. Once you graduate and pass NCLEX, it's fine but again, can be confusing for a student.
I hadn't been in a hospital since l was born when l started school.
Right now, focus on learning your sciences. The grade is not your issue. Learn the material. You will need it. When start a 4 year program, you don't get accepted into the School of Nursing until you've completed the almost 2 years of prerequisites.
You're in High School PLEASE don't focus so much on the future that you don't live today! Go to parties, hang out with friends. Learn now how to balance your academic and social life. Get some experience working with a team. Get some leadership experience too. You'll need these skills as a nurse.
I always had my First year students write themselves a letter. They had to state what they want from this career and what area they want to practice. I didn't read them. I just made sure they wrote them. They open them when they graduate. Many did not practice in the area they thought they wanted to. My point with this is don't fret or even try to decide now something so far in your future. You will be exposed to many things. You could miss out or get less benefit from those potentially eye opening experiences if you've already made up your mind.
Once you get to school, ALWAYS GO TO CLASS! Some schools are getting a bit lax on this. Read the assigned materials before you come to class. This is critical. Your time in class is to learn. If you haven't read the material and are hearing it for the first time, you lose the opportunity to ask questions that clarify the concepts. Learn conceptually. Then you will be able to think critically work through assignments.
After 36 years, l still think this career is the best. It's a rollercoaster of emotions but it's fascinating and the possibilities are endless and still growing.
First, volunteer in a nursing home. This will let you know if you have the stomach and temperament for nursing. We start clinical training in nursing homes very often. I do not recommend being a CNA or LPN first. If being a nurse is the goal set that as the goal and reach it.
When considering schools, review their NCLEX pass rates. You don't have to go to the best school. All you really want is one that can meet your needs and teach you what you need to function in the real world and pass NCLEX.
Not having experience is not an issue. In fact when l was teaching, l found the students who had no experience did as well as if not better than those who did. Sometimes those with experience had a lot of unlearning of bad habits to do. It was a hurdle to jump while they were re-learning to do things the right way. This is the reason l don't recommend being a CNA or LPN. This can be confusing, you'll lean things that are not "by the book" while working in these positions. While l will admit some of those not by the book techniques are not technically incorrect they are not the standard. In school, we focus on teaching standards. Once you graduate and pass NCLEX, it's fine but again, can be confusing for a student.
I hadn't been in a hospital since l was born when l started school.
Right now, focus on learning your sciences. The grade is not your issue. Learn the material. You will need it. When start a 4 year program, you don't get accepted into the School of Nursing until you've completed the almost 2 years of prerequisites.
You're in High School PLEASE don't focus so much on the future that you don't live today! Go to parties, hang out with friends. Learn now how to balance your academic and social life. Get some experience working with a team. Get some leadership experience too. You'll need these skills as a nurse.
I always had my First year students write themselves a letter. They had to state what they want from this career and what area they want to practice. I didn't read them. I just made sure they wrote them. They open them when they graduate. Many did not practice in the area they thought they wanted to. My point with this is don't fret or even try to decide now something so far in your future. You will be exposed to many things. You could miss out or get less benefit from those potentially eye opening experiences if you've already made up your mind.
Once you get to school, ALWAYS GO TO CLASS! Some schools are getting a bit lax on this. Read the assigned materials before you come to class. This is critical. Your time in class is to learn. If you haven't read the material and are hearing it for the first time, you lose the opportunity to ask questions that clarify the concepts. Learn conceptually. Then you will be able to think critically work through assignments.
After 36 years, l still think this career is the best. It's a rollercoaster of emotions but it's fascinating and the possibilities are endless and still growing.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
301
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Riah:
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.
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
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).
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
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and 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. College and 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 college and 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 and acceptance to the applied college of choice, 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.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
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
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.
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
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).
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
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and 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. College and 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 college and 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 and acceptance to the applied college of choice, 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.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
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
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
Alishba Kashif
Nursing Student
4
Answers
Buford, Georgia
Updated
Alishba’s Answer
Here are some vital steps to focus on during your high school years to propel you forward in your journey towards earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
Delve into Science and Math Classes: Subjects like biology, chemistry, and math are integral to nursing. Opt for advanced or honors classes if possible to strengthen your academic base.
Maintain a Strong GPA: Aim for a high GPA to shine in your college applications, as nursing schools can be quite competitive.
Serve in the Healthcare Sector: Volunteer at local clinics, hospitals, or with organizations such as the American Red Cross to gain practical experience. This not only enhances your skills but also showcases your commitment to the profession.
Explore Dual Enrollment or Nursing Prep Programs: Check if your high school offers dual enrollment classes that let you earn college credits. Look for any accessible nursing preparatory courses or health science programs.
Research Nursing Schools: Gather information from universities known for their excellent nursing programs. Look for programs that offer hands-on clinical experience, high NCLEX pass rates, and nursing specializations that excite you.
Engage in Health-Related Extracurriculars: Join clubs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or shadow nurses to deepen your understanding and enthusiasm for the field.
Become CPR or First Aid Certified: Earning certifications in CPR or first aid can give you a competitive edge and get you ready for the healthcare field ahead of time.
Embarking on these steps now can lay a robust foundation for your BSN program applications!
Delve into Science and Math Classes: Subjects like biology, chemistry, and math are integral to nursing. Opt for advanced or honors classes if possible to strengthen your academic base.
Maintain a Strong GPA: Aim for a high GPA to shine in your college applications, as nursing schools can be quite competitive.
Serve in the Healthcare Sector: Volunteer at local clinics, hospitals, or with organizations such as the American Red Cross to gain practical experience. This not only enhances your skills but also showcases your commitment to the profession.
Explore Dual Enrollment or Nursing Prep Programs: Check if your high school offers dual enrollment classes that let you earn college credits. Look for any accessible nursing preparatory courses or health science programs.
Research Nursing Schools: Gather information from universities known for their excellent nursing programs. Look for programs that offer hands-on clinical experience, high NCLEX pass rates, and nursing specializations that excite you.
Engage in Health-Related Extracurriculars: Join clubs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or shadow nurses to deepen your understanding and enthusiasm for the field.
Become CPR or First Aid Certified: Earning certifications in CPR or first aid can give you a competitive edge and get you ready for the healthcare field ahead of time.
Embarking on these steps now can lay a robust foundation for your BSN program applications!
Victoria Siry
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Pre-Med Student
3
Answers
Athens, Georgia
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Start gaining some experience in healthcare. You can check if your local hospitals need volunteers. That is a great place to start. In addition, you can look into certified nursing assistant (CNA) courses. You can find these online or at your local community/technical college. Do your research on nursing programs, and make sure that it fits what you want to get out of college. Good luck!
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
29
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Riah
There are different paths to becoming a nurse; the best one for you depends on the situation.
If cost is not a concern, you can attend a private university for a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. However, this option is expensive.
On the other hand, a more cost-effective and flexible option involves starting at a community college for two years of general coursework, which allows for a more manageable workload. After that, you can transfer to a four-year university to complete the remaining two or three years of nursing degree. I mentioned 2-3 years because sometimes you may miss a class in time due to being put on a waitlist.
Talking with the school counselor about your ambition to become a nurse is important. Inquire about any health-related programs available at your school that you could participate in. During high school, I completed a 4-month CNA course as part of the ROP program and also attained CPR certification through the same program.
Additionally, it is crucial to start volunteering at hospitals, senior homes, or daycare centers and consider shadowing a school nurse. You will need a stellar GPA, outstanding SAT scores, a compelling college essay, and impressive teacher recommendation letters to gain admission to a nursing school. Volunteering at a hospital can also help you secure recommendation letters from doctors and nurses.
Nursing schools present undeniable challenges, requiring unwavering motivation, dedication, and sacrifices of one's social life. However, the rewards are immeasurable. With 20 years of nursing experience, I can wholeheartedly attest to the profound fulfillment it brings. My success was achieved through maintaining close contact with my counselor, commitment to my studies, and perseverance through rigorous classes. Despite moments of doubt and seeing my peers enjoying leisurely pursuits, I remained focused on the ultimate prize, and the ultimate payoff made every hardship worthwhile.
I wish you good luck!
There are different paths to becoming a nurse; the best one for you depends on the situation.
If cost is not a concern, you can attend a private university for a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. However, this option is expensive.
On the other hand, a more cost-effective and flexible option involves starting at a community college for two years of general coursework, which allows for a more manageable workload. After that, you can transfer to a four-year university to complete the remaining two or three years of nursing degree. I mentioned 2-3 years because sometimes you may miss a class in time due to being put on a waitlist.
Talking with the school counselor about your ambition to become a nurse is important. Inquire about any health-related programs available at your school that you could participate in. During high school, I completed a 4-month CNA course as part of the ROP program and also attained CPR certification through the same program.
Additionally, it is crucial to start volunteering at hospitals, senior homes, or daycare centers and consider shadowing a school nurse. You will need a stellar GPA, outstanding SAT scores, a compelling college essay, and impressive teacher recommendation letters to gain admission to a nursing school. Volunteering at a hospital can also help you secure recommendation letters from doctors and nurses.
Nursing schools present undeniable challenges, requiring unwavering motivation, dedication, and sacrifices of one's social life. However, the rewards are immeasurable. With 20 years of nursing experience, I can wholeheartedly attest to the profound fulfillment it brings. My success was achieved through maintaining close contact with my counselor, commitment to my studies, and perseverance through rigorous classes. Despite moments of doubt and seeing my peers enjoying leisurely pursuits, I remained focused on the ultimate prize, and the ultimate payoff made every hardship worthwhile.
I wish you good luck!