Want to be a nurse, suggestions on how to get started?

[WannabeNurse(:]

Hi Everybody,

I'm thirteen, fourteen in a very short time, and have been interested in being a nurse since I was eight or nine. Nursing is really something that I want to do, and I'd love to hear any suggestions that all of you have on getting started at this age. Not getting started as in actually becoming a nurse now () but as in how to be prepared to be a nurse when I'm educated and old enough. I've been reading the boards for a while now and you all seem like such a friendly bunch that I figured I'd ask.

Thanks so much in advance! It's very much appreciated.

~WannabeNurse(:

[jbeck01]

These are all great ideas. I decided to get the Associate degree first. The pay is the same, and jobs are still plentiful. I actually highly recommend doing it that way. For a few reasons. Most programs will let you test as an LPN after the first year. You will make more money (than a CNA), AND get nursing experience. It is a lot different than CNA, and not quite as much responsibility/tasks as an RN. A few reasons ADN is advantagious...

- Cheaper.

- Shorter time to complete.

- A lot of employers will pay for you to get your BSN as you are working as an RN.

- If you dont like it, you did not waste as much time or money.

- Same pay. (ADN/BSN)

- LPN experience/resume.

- After your BSN, you will not have to re-take boards.

I definitely agree with everyone that a BSN should be the final goal, but why not work as a nurse (both LPN and RN) while getting it?

DEFINITELY get your CNA and work as one! It will help you appreciate what the aides are doing for you when you are the nurse!

Great ideas on sticking to the math/sciences. Learn the body. You could even pick up an NCLEX book and start learning the way the questions are being presented b/c they are a lot different than most subjects you have/will take.

[krenrs2b]

I purchased the same Gray's coloring book for my BIO/201 class and this helped with all the memorization we had!