19 year old, looking to become a RN, questions.

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey guys, and gals ;P

Before I start asking all my questions, let me tell you a bit about my self. I'm 19, my name is Victor, I was born in Poland, moved to the US in the 4th grade. I speak fluent Polish and, obviously - English. Highschool was never my thing, I never liked learning, doing home work, because it wasn't interesting to me. When the time came though, and I needed to learn something inorder to pass, I buckled down and studied my ass of to get the grade I needed/wanted. The main problem with everything was, I wasn't learning stuff that I thought would be beneficial to me, I mean really, how often will I need to use the pathygaram(sp) thyrom? But when I did have a class I liked, I excelled. Anyways...

I took a year of school, stupid decision now that I look back at it, but it did give me more time to try and figure out what I want to do with my life. I've been bouncing around a few careers, trying to look at the negatives and positives of each to try and figure out which is the right one for me. I am now at the point where I think becoming a RN would be something I am very interested in. I have lots of questions, and I don't expect answers to all of them, but even if YOU could answer just one, it would make a big difference.

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First of, I've been reading up on RNs, and the medical field in general. When I say I've been reading up, I mean... I've been READING UP. The job outlook is great, as always the medical field will continue to grow. I hear one doesn't stay a RN for too long, lots of people take online classes to become a BSN, MD, etc. The direction I would want to take is to go to my communtiy college, which is one of the best in the US, College of Dupage, and finish their 2 year Associates degree in Nursing.... 69 credit hours. The question I have though is, after I finish that course, would I be able to get a job as a full time RN? I'm sure there are some tests I would have to pass after I finish the class?

I can google "Duties of a RN" or "Registered Nurse Information" any time I want, but I won't get insight from people like youreselves, I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice and opinion on why this field is right for me. I mean don't get me wrong, you guys wont be making the decision, because you don't know WHO I am, but one thing about me is, I love to help people. I'm a very dedicated person, and I have no problem being told what to do. Its for the greater good, ya know?

I'd love to hear some of youre stories, advice, tips?, heck... ANYTHING!

I'll be reading this forum alot in the upcoming weeks, I really want to absorb as much real life experiences as I can, by reading stories from people like you.

I told my friends about maybe becoming a RN, most of them told me that it would be the perfect job for me, they know the type of person I am and how careing I can be... but its much more than that. I know I'd have to learn, a crap load. Seriously. Its a bit intimidating thinking of the next two years, and heck, the rest of my life will be a GREAT learning experience, but it is a bit scary. I hear most RNs work crazy hours, and that it isn't your typical 8-5 job. I know it must vary by place and location, but I'd like to know the typical hours most RNs work. Would me speaking Polish increase my wage, or even make me more hire-able?

What are some things they never tell you about being an RN, that you can only find out by working as one?

What are the things the books, DONT teach you.

Alright, I'm going to wrap it up... it's getting late. I'll check in tomorrow afternoon -- hopefully I'll have some wonderful replies.

Thanks!

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Also another quick question, is there any way I could get a job at a local hospital, doing ANYTHING related to what I want to do, maybe a job shadow of some sort? Just to be able to put on my resume that I have worked in this type of envoirenment before? How would I go about doing this...

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

Go to your local hospitals human resource center and ask them if there is anything you can do in the hospital. Meanwhile sign up at your local college for classes. Good luck in your career. None of us can fully predict what the job market will be in 2 or 3 years time, however we all hope it will be better than the current market.

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I thought I would jump in and give you a little bit of advice. Sounds like you want to take a job in the medical field because you like to help people. I also noticed you said you jumped from one career to another this past year, and that should of gave you an idea of what you do not want to do. My advice, take the CNA classes at the same school you plan on taking your RN classes. You should be able to take it this summer and start a job as a CNA first. This will give you a fast and easy way to get your feet wet in the medical field. It'll give you a chance to work side by side with LPN's, NR's and many times NP's. You would be able to see everyone's duties, responsibilities, and how they interact with patients. It is also from what I hear a great way to get your foot in the door in this tough job market.

I'm not giving this advice as a deterrent but it is what I have been told. I am going back to school for the first time in 16 years this summer. Doing me CNA classes in a month, refresher classes this summer (figured I would take refresher classes as GPA on PreReqs are important in our weighted admission and being out of school for 16 years I have forgotten a few things LOL) and starting my prereqs this fall. Everyone told me that if you can not hack it as a CNA the medical field is not for you. Its a great PT job while your in school so why not check out that route. Just some advice from a soon to be student.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Victor,

Congratulations on deciding to get your act together! Most people take a while longer these days. I am really glad you are looking at nursing as a career, and don't want to discourage you but you also need to look at other options as well. It's really hard to get into nursing school right now, and this situation is not likely to ease up any time soon. I would hate for you to become discouraged about it. Personally - speaking as a mom - I wish you would consider seeking a Bachelor's degree rather than an Associate degree. It would open up more opportunities for you.

There are a ton of really great health care careers available. Most people don't realize this because - unless you have family in this industry - they are only familiar with physicians and nurses. Take a look at this great web site - lots of information about all your options. http://www.explorehealthcareers.org/en/index.aspx

Being multi-lingual is a real bonus for you. Of course, whether or not it would help in the job market would depend upon where you are looking. For instance, in my part of the country, Spanish is more relevant. You may want to think about a career as a military nurse which would probably provide you with more opportunities for international work.

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Just took a look at the school you are wanting to take Nursing classes at and getting your CNA is a prereq so you'll have to take the class to get into your program. One more thing to consider, do not think that you'll be done with school in two years. Yes it is a two year program, but that is only for the nursing part you must first do your PreReqs and according to the website you have about 16 hours (if you take 12 credit hours a semester your looking at an extra year of PreReqs and Cna classes) of PreReqs to take, a CNA class and 14 credit hours of nursing classes BEFORE you can jump into the nursing program.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Hey that could be me you were describing. I really think I had a learning disability in my grade school days. Pythagoras was the one theorem I actually understood. I repeated algebra and Latin. I started and stopped Nursing school twice. Then all of a sudden when I was 28 I finally figured out how to study. I graduated at 30 with honors, dean's list, president's list and on my state board tests (this was eons ago) where passing was 350- I made above 600 on all 5 tests.

Yes, you need to research if you want to be a nurse. It sounds as if you might be getting your life in order at 19. If it turns out you don't want nursing, now you may still find your niche with your plan. There are a lot of other health care careers you may segue' into.

Good luck, keep up posted.

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Hey!

Thanks for all the great replies!

I think its a great idea to ask my counselor how long it takes to get the LPN license, so i can get my feet wet, as you all said.

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You need to get on the stick and get some type of education or licenses. Time starts going faster the older you get. Your young and now is the time to start to get you life and education and future career in order.

My wife had her Bachelors of Nursing by age of 19.

Good Luck to You.......

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^ Ouch, good to know I'm way behind where I should be... thanks =/

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Bachelors at 19 now that would be impressive. Don't see how it can be done when most of us graduate high school at 18 and a BSN takes about 4 years to accomplish.

WKredz5, don't be discouraged. I'll be 33 and entering my first year of PreReqs for nursing school. Nineteen is still young, wish I would of started earlier. In a way waiting may also of been a good thing. I have been self employed, worked sales and know what I do not want to do for the rest of my life. Having done that I think I'll be a little more focused on my studies, having of done the going out, social thing already.

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Bachelors at 19 now that would be impressive. Don't see how it can be done when most of us graduate high school at 18 and a BSN takes about 4 years to accomplish.

Actually she started college at age 15, and her BSN program was 5 years. She actually had her BSN at age 20, my bad.

Most graduate high school at 18 in USA, by wife is born in Philippines and High School ends around age 16, just like many other countries in the world...

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