advice for high school student wanting to pursue nursing

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hello =] im a senior in high school and im interested in majoring in nursing. does anyone have any advice for me?

One thing I'd suggest is to call area hospitals and see if you can spend some time shadowing nurses in different specialties. That can give you a good first-hand idea of what nurses really do and whether it might be something you'd like to do as well.

was young a you are i'ld go all the way to rn program not just lpn espeically if you have the funds available. not like me i had to serrle for lpn due to money matters and working to rise kids and got to old to go any further however on a good note i raised an rn and a parimedic so far

was nursing school difficult for you?...im planning to attend college for the 4 year bachelors degree, is that the right way to go?

Specializes in Almost everywhere.
was nursing school difficult for you?...im planning to attend college for the 4 year bachelors degree, is that the right way to go?

I would vote for the 4 year BSN if you have the means to do that!

Are you a CNA now? I can't say that nursing school was difficult for me way back when but, it helped to have my CNA...at least to see a little about nursing. I would also recommend checking for a shadow program where you as a high school student could shadow a nurse. Our hospital does that. I think Cyberkat suggested that also!

School isn't too bad now...the difficult part is trying to balance motherhood, wifehood and workhood with it!

Do what you can while you are young and best of luck!!!!!!!

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hi there,

glad you stopped by. all of these suggestions are great. i would also suggest talking to your guidance counselor. there can be a long wait for nursing school. are you eligible for a bright futures scholarship?? if you do qualify, and want to go for your bsn...do it. you can never have too much education.

good luck!!!!

I was in the same situation last year and then i decided just to go to a community college for my associate's and then work in a hospital and have them pay for my BSN. It would also kinda be shorter then 4 years, an associate's is about 2 and a half years and your BSN you can have done in as little as 18 months. You'd be out in the work force quicker then goin to a college for 4 years. Also, I'd agree with the shadowing thing, you should do that and make sure it's what you really want to do. You'll get a feel for what you'll be doing for the rest of your life just about.

here is some advice if you haven't started on your journey through nursing education....

if you are already a CNA/tech I would get a job with the VA....and I will tell you why....

they offer a scholarship for employees to get there RN (i don't think it matters if its a 2yr or 4yr but i'm not sure PLUS they are a teaching facility and have Magnet status so I would think they actually encourage a BSN student)

not only will they pay for your education but they also pay you (I think you work 16hrs a week and get paid for more)

i'm sure there is an obligation after you graduate

but at least you...

already have a job when you graduate,

you'll get paid while you're in school,

they pay for your school (as well as a replacement while you are away)

i think its a pretty good deal...

yajaira, what is the VA?

Specializes in jack of all trades.

Veteran's Administration Hospital

Lots of bennies working for the VA as it's federal employment. Also check your local hospitals and nursing homes as many will pay for your RN education if you contract to work for them after graduation. Also as mentioned you can also work as a CNA and the facilities generally have tuition reimbursement that will pay for a percentage of your tuition/books. Best advice as previously given: Arrange to shadow an RN for a few days to see if this is where you feel is best suited to your career interest. Also if you have the means do go for your BSN right off the bat and knock it out. I did this route as I was afraid if I didnt get it right off then I may never get it completed. Also I did the Military route to pay for my education. It payed for all my BSN and I still had $ bennies left over to pay for my MSN if I elected to do so.

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