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heaven
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
1
Question
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What should I expect while being in nursing school to pursue my career?
I'm currently a sophomore in high school, and still trying to figure out what type of nurse I wanted to be and what I will be prepared for when I'm officially done with high school .
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2 answers
Sarah Tunik
College counselor; HS English teacher
1
Answer
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Sarah’s Answer
An interest in nursing means you like people and are reasonably good at classes like biology. Related fields are physicians assistant.
In college you will need to take biology and math. The college pathway for nursing can be confusing because there are lots of choices. If you know you want to be a nurse you can do a 4 yr nursing degree, and graduate ready to practice.
As for “type” of nurse, both nursing and physicians assistants have a lot of flexibility. My friend who is a PA has worked in gynecology, liver function, cardiac, and a few more. There is less need to specialize early, whereas doctors do specialize as part of the MD education
For financing and locations: check your local public colleges and universities for 4 yr programs and the military.
In high school, take advanced math ( through calc or at least pre calc) and science ( like AP biology and chem)
In college you will need to take biology and math. The college pathway for nursing can be confusing because there are lots of choices. If you know you want to be a nurse you can do a 4 yr nursing degree, and graduate ready to practice.
As for “type” of nurse, both nursing and physicians assistants have a lot of flexibility. My friend who is a PA has worked in gynecology, liver function, cardiac, and a few more. There is less need to specialize early, whereas doctors do specialize as part of the MD education
For financing and locations: check your local public colleges and universities for 4 yr programs and the military.
In high school, take advanced math ( through calc or at least pre calc) and science ( like AP biology and chem)
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
39
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Heaven
Step 1: First, seek guidance from a college counselor. Research various schools and thoroughly understand their requirements, classes, and necessary testing. 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.
Step 2: Next, consider your budget and explore the most affordable educational paths available to you.
Step 3: Take initiative by fulfilling any requirements now. Engage in college courses, join extracurricular activities, or seek out internship programs in the health field offered through your school. Building this experience will strengthen your application and prepare you for a rewarding career in nursing. 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. It is important to start volunteering at hospitals, senior homes, or daycare centers and consider shadowing a school nurse while you are in high school.
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.
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.
Nursing schools present undeniable challenges, requiring 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.
You can do it. :)
I wish you good luck!
Step 1: First, seek guidance from a college counselor. Research various schools and thoroughly understand their requirements, classes, and necessary testing. 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.
Step 2: Next, consider your budget and explore the most affordable educational paths available to you.
Step 3: Take initiative by fulfilling any requirements now. Engage in college courses, join extracurricular activities, or seek out internship programs in the health field offered through your school. Building this experience will strengthen your application and prepare you for a rewarding career in nursing. 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. It is important to start volunteering at hospitals, senior homes, or daycare centers and consider shadowing a school nurse while you are in high school.
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.
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.
Nursing schools present undeniable challenges, requiring 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.
You can do it. :)
I wish you good luck!