What do I need to do first, before I even go to nursing school?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I mentioned in a previous post that I am almost at the end of my AA in Elementary Education. I will be bsically starting from scratch next spring when I go to school next spring for pre req's. My question is, what do I need to be doing in the mean time? Spring time seems like quite a ways away, but it really isn't. It seem slike I was 25 yesterday, but I turn 30 in July. I don't want it to sneak up on me. I want to be as prepared as possible. Like right now, I know I am goin for pre req's, but does that mean I am going for my AA in Science...or will I be getting a degree after I finish them.

I really have no idea how this all works. So, if anybody wants to chime in and help me understand the process of what happens to becoming an RN, and what I may want to do before I go for my pre req's, it would be totally awesome!

Thanks a bundle!

GirlDotson

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1. Look into a CNA course

2. Sign up for your pre-req courses (Anatomy, Physio, Chem, etc.) - If you're feeling overwhelmed and under prepared look into taking introductory courses for the specific subject area (before taking General Chem 1, take Introduction to Chem 10). Some classes my require pre-reqs (I needed to take General Bio before anatomy/physio). Take those classes first.

3. volunteer / work for a hospital - shadowing nurses

The basic gist- finish all your prereqs and apply to the nursing program. Depending on your school, they may have a lottery system, points system, or something else.

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Thank you. I'll look into those things.

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In North Carolina where I live, before I got into nursing school I had to do several things. These things included: have an active CNA I certification, submit three references from colleagues, teachers, etc, take a placement test, begin prerequisite classes, and then do anything else that was asked of me. I know that you have to have your CNA I before you can be considered for nursing school in the state of North Carolina. However, in South Carolina, the CNA I certification isn't a requirement. You need to find out if a CNA I license is required prior to attempting to enter a nursing program in your state. Next, you need to decide if you want to do a two year Associate of science degree or a four year Bachelor of science degree. I am currently waiting to begin nursing school in August, and I will be doing my two year ASN degree. For me, this option worked out better. Once you've decided on a program, found a school, and found out whether you need your CNA I, you will have one of two courses of action: if you need your CNA I, you need to start looking for a certification program and begin taking prerequisites, if you don't need your CNA I, you need to begin taking prerequisites. The school I am attending didn't require a ton of prerequisites, but the classes they suggested you have prior to entering nursing school were: English 111, English 113, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, at least one college math, and at least one humanities course. At my school, you don't have to have all of these completed prior to admission, but those of us who got in this year had almost all of our prerequisites finished.

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Look into the programs in the area you live in/ you'd like to live. I'd suggest checking out ADN and BSN programs. Look at what the requirements are for each program (prerequisites, if you need to be a CNA first, procedures for admission, any exams you may need to take for admission). Then you'll need to decide if you want to go the ADN or BSN route. Having your AA in education may help you with general education requirements and make the BSN route comparable to ADN route - at least in time. Money is another issue altogether. Of course I'd suggest actually taking your prerequisites at the community college even if you decided to go for a BSN - just make sure the prerequisites would transfer.

You would not want to go for an AA in science. If you decide to do an associates proram over a bachelor program you should be looking at associates in nursing (often labeled ADN but I've also seen ASN mean the same thing).

Best wishes.

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Wow! Thank you so much for going into so much detail! I really appreciate the information you gave!

GirlDotson

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So, can I do the BSN program without having to do the ADN program? I keep reading that having a BSN is what many hospitals are looking for over an ADN.

Thanks again!

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Yes you can get a BSN without getting an ADN first. The same way you can get a Bachelor's in education without having an associates in education. ADN is a two year program usually. BSN varies. The program I've applied to is five semesters after prerequisits. Since you will already have one associates you may find that you already have many of the general education requirements out of the way making the BSN a bit easier. BSN programs are at universities while ADN programs are done through community colleges. There are also private schools but that's another issue. Look up your states board of nursing and you should be able to find a list of programs in your state. It's a personal decision if you get an ADN vs BSN. Both are RN's and take the same exam at the end of school. There are numerous threads regarding this issue. It all depends on your end goal (floor nursing,management, graduate school) and the employment situation in your area (some hospitals prefer BSN prepared nurses.)

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Specializes in CNA, Aspiring CRNA.

submerse yourself in everything nursing, this board is an excellent place to start. you can get some inexpensive, used anatomy & physiology, organic chemistry, college algebra textbooks or study guides. . . and study while you're waiting to enroll for prereqs.

look at different nursing programs and compare them, considering prerequisites, quality of nursing courses offered, clinical rotation . . .

reading about any specialties you're interested in is also a great motivation to move forwaed with your education.

best wishes!

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