Additional Classes for Nursing Students

[Blueorchid, ASN, RN]

I started out the summer planning to attend a small university in the fall, completing any prerequisites that didn't transfer to said university, and applying and hopefully entering their nursing school next spring. However, after attending a student orientation for a more competitive, nationally ranked, and in-state school I've fallen in love and changed my mind.

I'm willing to stay at home for another semester to apply to the in-state school and explore a few other options. Only thing is, in holding off my decision for another semester, I don't really have a set schedule of classes to complete. All of my credits from community college will transfer in state so I'm pretty much waiting for a semester before I make my move onto the next school.

My question is, for those that are in nursing school or advise nursing students, do you recommend taking any additional classes outside those listed as prerequisites? I'm considering taking an EMT-B certification class in the fall but my options are definitely open. I would appreciate any help you guys could give me.

Thanks!

[Music in My Heart]

If possible, I would take pharmacology and pathophysiology before starting. For some programs they are prerequisites and for others they are required classes in the program. Even if you have to take them again inside the program, having done them once should make the next time through a breeze and give you more time to focus on other subjects.

Some might suggest medical terminology but I didn't take it and it hasn't seemed to be an issue. If you're just killing time, though, it certainly couldn't hurt.

EMT is a fun class and worth taking just for basic knowledge, not so much for nursing-related information.

[RhodyGirl, RN]

What about Statistics? It's required for most Master's level programs. Stats is not required for my nsg program but I took it anyway, in case I want to go back to grad school later.

[Blove86]

I would suggest taking classes like Race and Ethnic relations, or Human geography. I took other classes to increase my knowledge base and I am seeing it helps to have a well-rounded personality when dealing with the Nursing world!

[WayneStateKatie]

I would try to get as many of the general education requirements for the BSN out of the way (history, social science, philosophy, visual/ performing art etc check with the state school you plan to attend. Many have a foreign language requirement as well that can be a pain in the butt and can take several semesters to get out of the way.) That way you won't have to worry about taking your nursing classes and gen ed requirements at the same time.

I finished all of mine before the program so I just have to do the nursing courses. I feel it's a great advantage over students who are doing nursing courses and their gen eds. I have more time to study and devote to nursing. Also you can get a lot of the gen ed requirements done at a community college for a lot cheaper-- definitely something to consider!

[RhodyGirl, RN]

I finished all of mine before the program so I just have to do the nursing courses. I feel it's a great advantage over students who are doing nursing courses and their gen eds. I have more time to study and devote to nursing. quote]

Ditto! I did all of my geneds, coreqs, etc beforehand. It's great to be able to just focus on the nsg classes.

[Asherah, BSN, RN]

If you plan on living or working in a ethnically diverse area that features a large population of Spanish speakers (or any other language), then perhaps a "Spanish for Medical Professionals" course, or another language in general.