College & Pre-Nursing bound, in need of tips!!

[lilamurphy23]

Hi! I'm currently 17, a senior in high school, and have a dream of becoming a Neonatal Nurse/Nurse Practitioner. I have had my heart set on that career for years, however I know that it will take me years and years to get there. I'm willing to work as hard as it takes, as I have a strong passion for science and anatomy and ESPECIALLY newborns.

Throughout high school I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, and I am currently dual-enrolled at Georgia State University. Once I graduate, I will have completed 18 credit hours through this program, allowing me to enter college with an already-set college GPA.

Anyways, I'm planning on attending University of North Georgia in the Fall of 2018. I am very excited to begin my studies, including the countless pre-reqs, that will hopefully lead me to an acceptance letter for their BSN program in a few years. I need tips! I have been reading articles upon articles on this website and it has been a great help. What are things I should keep in mind as I work hard to get accepted into nursing school? How do I stay sane? Does anyone have any helpful information on UNG's nursing school?

Thank you so much!!

[bsnorbust17]

Hi lilamurphy23! I'm a Murphy too, AND a soon-to-be neonatal nurse!! :) I am graduating in December and will be a new graduate in a NICU! You obviously seem extremely motivated and smart, this is an awesome career path and specialty to pick! My biggest piece of advice is this: there isn't a whole lot you can do to prepare for nursing. I tried to get books before the program started and study before I was even in to get a head start, but you will learn it all in due time.

I would say volunteering is the biggest thing. If you can become a CNA/Patient Care Tech in a hospital, or even volunteer regularly in a hospital/rescue squad/red cross to get the experience hearing terminology, talking with different healthcare team members, and patients, that is going to be a great skill you can't learn in a textbook or in a class!

GOOD LUCK! You're going to do great!!