How can I be sure?

[Chelsea2016]

Hi everyone :) I will be starting college in August and I want to make sure I am making the right choice. My ultimate goal is to eventually get my certificate to work in pediatrics and work on a pediatric floor. I definitely want to work with children in my career. My favorite class in high school was child development and I'm very interested in child development and helping children. I am not very good at math or science unless a teacher "dumbs it down" for me. I want to make sure that nursing is the right choice for my career goals which are, working with children, helping and being compassionate towards others, job stability, I'll have time to spend with my family and decent salary. I have had more than a fair share of staying in a hospital. I know nursing isn't easy, but I'll work my butt off and hopefully get my certificate. So does it sound like nursing is right for me based on my goals? I know I would be happy and enjoy nursing. Thanks and have a good day:).

[Trust in Jesus, RN]

I'm a pre-nursing student and I used to think I was bad at science. But, sometimes it comes down to improving your test-taking and study skills. Science is a major part of nursing school. You will need to put in the time and hard work to understand the science courses. A lot of people struggle with the anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. I think science is hard for the average person, so you are not the only one to find it challenging. That said, nursing is very competitive. You will need good grades - especially if you live in CA or NY. You will probably need to look at your studying skills and try to figure out how you learn (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).

I'm not a nurse yet, but I don't think you will immediately get a job in pediatrics (you might though). Be prepared for this. You will probably need a BSN and not an ASN (associate in nursing). I would say to think about how hard you want to work and whether this is for you. Perhaps you could try volunteering, just to get that extra view into a hospital. Also, a community college can be a great place to start because you can do your science prerequisites there and it want cost very much. I was unsure of how I would do on the science courses and I started at a community college. I found that science is actually something I'm good at and enjoy! Soon I'll be able to apply to the associate program at my CC and then do some kind of Associate - BSN program afterwards.

The only bad things I can think of about CC's are that they take longer than just going for a BSN first, and if you are fresh out of high school you can get into certain state programs for nursing that might exclude transfer students. You're probably confused right now, so definitely look at all the options. There's many! If you're fresh out of high school you have certain privileges for state and private nursing schools (at least in my area) than if you have done prerequisite classes at a CC.

If you're completely set on nursing and can afford it then I would actually recommend skipping the community college.

I hope this all makes sense for you!

[trendingsnow]

Nurses are licensed, not certified, just clearing that up

If you're willing to put in the hard work then you can do it. I agree with the person who posted before me, it is wiser for you to get a BSN because peds is already a very competitive floor because there are a limited amount of pediatric nursing positions, and most (not all, but many) hospitals look for BSN prepared students, especially those with residency programs or children's hospitals. Try volunteering, or get your CNA to kind of get your foot in the door. Nursing school is by itself a challenge, but the end results are very rewarding. If you feel like you're struggling in your studies then don't panic or think that nursing is not for you because even the straight A students rip their hair out from nursing courses. Just find out what your best studying method is, and stick with it. Stay organized and on top of things and you should do fine! Good luck to ya