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How should I prepare in high school if I want to pursue nursing?
I am currently a junior in high school who wants to do nursing after I graduate. What are some things I should do now to prepare for nursing after high school? What are some tips or advice I should get as a high schooler who wants to become a nurse?
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Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Rihanna
I have been a nurse for 20 years, and every moment has been rewarding. You've made a fantastic choice in this field!
Many valuable insights have already been shared. Rather than repeating what's been said, I want to emphasize that Jessica has provided a thorough overview of what you need to succeed.
Here is a tip many students need to pay more attention to. I will keep my comments concise.
While a well-known nursing school may seem ideal, it is optional for your career. In nursing, what truly matters is your ability to pass the state exam and secure strong recommendations. These achievements can open doors to new graduate programs that lead directly to job opportunities. So, focus on your skills and connections rather than just your school name!
The university where you earn your RN license has minimal impact on your starting salary. Graduating from a top nursing school will not guarantee you a higher paycheck. By choosing a community college, you can save substantial money while earning your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and entering the workforce sooner. Afterward, you can pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with numerous hospitals offering tuition reimbursement for continued education. This approach builds your qualifications and is a smart financial move! Pursuing a BSN right away is a fantastic option if you excel academically and have the means. Remember, the choice of school will not significantly affect your earning potential.
I wish you good luck :)
I have been a nurse for 20 years, and every moment has been rewarding. You've made a fantastic choice in this field!
Many valuable insights have already been shared. Rather than repeating what's been said, I want to emphasize that Jessica has provided a thorough overview of what you need to succeed.
Here is a tip many students need to pay more attention to. I will keep my comments concise.
While a well-known nursing school may seem ideal, it is optional for your career. In nursing, what truly matters is your ability to pass the state exam and secure strong recommendations. These achievements can open doors to new graduate programs that lead directly to job opportunities. So, focus on your skills and connections rather than just your school name!
The university where you earn your RN license has minimal impact on your starting salary. Graduating from a top nursing school will not guarantee you a higher paycheck. By choosing a community college, you can save substantial money while earning your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and entering the workforce sooner. Afterward, you can pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with numerous hospitals offering tuition reimbursement for continued education. This approach builds your qualifications and is a smart financial move! Pursuing a BSN right away is a fantastic option if you excel academically and have the means. Remember, the choice of school will not significantly affect your earning potential.
I wish you good luck :)
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Rhianne!
That’s very exciting you have started planning for your career and are already thinking ahead about how you can use your time now to prepare!
There are a few things you can do now to prepare:
1) I would suggest that you start thinking about if you would like to pursue an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN) or if you plan to get your Bachelor’s Degree in nursing (BSN). There are pros/cons to both but keep in mind that most hospitals and places you would work in would prefer for you to have your Bachelor’s Degree when you start, or they want you to commit to receiving your Bachelor’s Degree within a certain number of years after getting hired.
2) You can then start looking at what schools you would like to attend. If you decide to get your ADN you can attend a local community college if they have a nursing program. If you decide to get your BSN you can still attend your community college to get all of your basic courses and prerequisites completed and then you can transfer to a University (this can be a cheaper option). It’s a good idea to start looking at schools and meet with an advisor to see when registration is and also to figure out what classes you will need.
3) You will likely need to take the TEAS entrance exam before you apply to nursing school. This exam has a little bit of everything (math, reading/english, science). It will give you a score and based on that score it can help you get accepted. There are workbooks you can get to practice for that exam.
When you begin taking prerequisites for nursing school you will need to take Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, Biology, Psychology, Nutrition and others…so when you’re exposed to these subjects in high school do your best to get an understanding of these subjects and it will make your life a lot easier!
Hopefully all of this information is not overwhelming to you! You’ll get there- one step at a time. Congratulations on working now to plan ahead! Good luck!
That’s very exciting you have started planning for your career and are already thinking ahead about how you can use your time now to prepare!
There are a few things you can do now to prepare:
1) I would suggest that you start thinking about if you would like to pursue an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN) or if you plan to get your Bachelor’s Degree in nursing (BSN). There are pros/cons to both but keep in mind that most hospitals and places you would work in would prefer for you to have your Bachelor’s Degree when you start, or they want you to commit to receiving your Bachelor’s Degree within a certain number of years after getting hired.
2) You can then start looking at what schools you would like to attend. If you decide to get your ADN you can attend a local community college if they have a nursing program. If you decide to get your BSN you can still attend your community college to get all of your basic courses and prerequisites completed and then you can transfer to a University (this can be a cheaper option). It’s a good idea to start looking at schools and meet with an advisor to see when registration is and also to figure out what classes you will need.
3) You will likely need to take the TEAS entrance exam before you apply to nursing school. This exam has a little bit of everything (math, reading/english, science). It will give you a score and based on that score it can help you get accepted. There are workbooks you can get to practice for that exam.
When you begin taking prerequisites for nursing school you will need to take Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, Biology, Psychology, Nutrition and others…so when you’re exposed to these subjects in high school do your best to get an understanding of these subjects and it will make your life a lot easier!
Hopefully all of this information is not overwhelming to you! You’ll get there- one step at a time. Congratulations on working now to plan ahead! Good luck!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would look for possible volunteer opportunities in your community.
I advised many nurses, over the years, and several of them performed volunteer work with nursing homes, community health clinics, and public hospitals around their region.
So, volunteerism, might be an option for more experience and training.
I advised many nurses, over the years, and several of them performed volunteer work with nursing homes, community health clinics, and public hospitals around their region.
So, volunteerism, might be an option for more experience and training.
Updated
Emma’s Answer
I'm not from the same background but I have some friends who are and they found it helpful to explore Phlebotomy certifications during college which is a nice precursor for nursing school but also serves as a potential part time job or summer job! Something to look into