[biochemnurse2b]

Hello,

I just joined this forum. I have a Master's in Biochemistry and would like to get an RN and hopefully a NP as well, (depending on my getting into a program at the UW in Seattle). Several questions that would appreciate the answers to:

• What health care hands-on experience is necessary to strengthen my application? I've looked into volunteering at a hospital that offers mostly clerical volunteer jobs, wuld those be appopriate?
• Does one have to have all pre-req courses completed at the time of application (I have to re-take some due to the long time elapsed since I took them)?
• What personal qualitites are important for the nursing profession?

Thank you so much!

biochem nurse

[jc13]

Hi!

I am actually in a similar situation as you, I have a degree in Bio/Chem and have decided to pursue nursing. I have already applied and been accepted to several schools' Master's Entry Program (for people with at least a BS in a field other than nursing, and I will graduate with my MSN in family practice). This would be the best route for you as well if you would like to become an FNP. Anyhow, the best advice I can give is to become a CNA first--volunteer experience in the hospital won't really teach you anything--I did it for over a year and barely saw the inside of the patients' rooms. Also, schools like to see that you are REALLY serious about the career change, and trust me, being a CNA is some of the hardest work you will ever do--if you can get through that and still want to be a nurse, then you are definately making the right choice!

From my experience, most schools do not worry very much if you don't have all of your pre-reqs done when you apply. They obviously will require you to get them before you start and will consider your acceptance contingent on your passing those courses (usually with a B or better). Considering you already have a MS, I would not worry one bit! I'll bet you will be a shoe-in for any school. Like I said, try to pursue a CNA certificate (or phlebotomy, etc--courses usually offered at community colleges--these will give you extremely valuable experience).

Good Luck!!!!

[biochemnurse2b]

Hello,

Thanks for this great advice and encouragement! I am working full time and looking to apply for a graduate entry program that leads to RN and NP, as well as considering community college as an alternative. I wondered what would strengthen my application for the grad program in terms of health care experience. The CNA would require me to not work for awhile which I cannot afford right now, but seems like a great way to gain valuable experience, as you suggested. Don't know what other alternatives except volunteer clerical work at a hospital which does not involve direct patient care, unfortunately.

best regards,

[jc13]

Biochemnurse2b:
I just thought of something else you can do to strengthen your application: job shadowing. I live in a smallish town with not many nurse practitioners and even fewer ones willing to let me shadow them, but I found a kidney specialist NP (working in a dialysis center) to shadow. I cannot tell you how valuable this experience was. I was able to ask very frank questions about the job, including those about pay, politics, and stress, etc. Also, this is can be considered volunteer/intern experience if you do it right. Shadowing can be done on weekends, or evenings, when many NP's work.

Also, as a side note, the experience I gained by shadowing really helped me to write my application essays. I was better able to articulate why I want to be an NP, which is what many of the schools want to know.

[biochemnurse2b]

Thank you for this valuable advice. How did you go about asking for job shadowing? Did you record it somehow? I will definitely try it out.

regards and Thanks again!