Questions about Nursing from a young nurse-to-be.

Well it's a darn good thing that you will get an AS/AA from a community college because MOST 4-year institutions will waiver ALL general education courses if you have that degree - so then when you enter a 4-year institution you will only have to take the classes in your major, good job thusfar. To stand out I would say to volunteer at a hospital or volunteer at some kind of healthcare facility. Despite what others may say, do not get your CNA because after 1-2 years as a nursing student, you'll most likely be able to get a job w/ this certificate. Um...what else...? Write an essay along w/ turning in your application, even if it does not require it. Do research on how to write a good college admission (specifically nursing school) essay. Other than that...that should be good. But, keep in mind that even w/ all your efforts and you do things perfectly, sadly to say, you still may not get accepted. Another word of advice is, 'do not just apply to 1 school, even though your heart is set on a particular one' because if you don't get into this school...you are going to be behind in completing your degree already, seats fill up fast.

SnowRain gave perfect advice. The only thing I would suggest is to try and make nothing less than a B in all the pre and co-requisite classes. Make sure whatever school you take those pre and co-req's at will transfer to the school you intend to get your RN from. Stay positive and focused, it took me 3 years taking one class at a time to get into the nursing program here in Las Vegas. The good news is, it has the reputation of being the most difficult program to get into in Southern Nevada period, and more importantly the reputation of producing the best nurses in Southern Nevada!

Good luck with your journey, it will be worth it!!

I agree with most of your advice to the OP except this, if the OP is ready to take her CNA certification exam why shouldn't she take it? There is no reason why she shouldn't look around for a CNA job even before she gets in school to help give her a little hands on experience and raise her comfort level with patients plus if the OP becomes a CNA at a facility she wants to work at as an RN she can start earning some seniority now while she is still in school. I would never recommend a nursing student to not become a CNA, you can never get too much experience when it comes to patient care.

!Chris

Chris-

I agree with you brother, any and all experience will surely help! As a former EMT, ER Tech and Medical Assistant I have a wealth of knowledge that I am bringing to the table going into nursing.

I think that maybe she meant that she shouldn't get her CNA instead of RN...not quite sure. Anyhow, I like your icon at the bottom of your post!

Rob

Exactly! That's just what I mean, your previous experience may not be "nursing experience" but it adds a whole other dimension to your practice that should not be undervalued. Oh and you are free to use the same signature if you want, I like it because its a nice way of displaying my milestones of achievement.

!Chris

Oh I totally believe that a Nursing Student should work as a CNA once a healthcare facility allows them to. You are able to apply what you are learning in nursing school on the floor, totally, and the part about gaining seniority works great too. I'm sorry I didn't read that part about her taking the CNA boards tomorrow, SORRY YA'LL. I'm jumping ahead of the game here.