Certs to set you apart from the pack?

psu_213, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

See what texts the school uses for A&P, micro, etc. Although, this may be a little bit of a waste--many people have not studied for a course before the course started and still 'scored' As in those courses (done it myself many times).

As for the certifications--this seems to be bit much for someone who is not even in school yet. Let's say you take somethings (say, ACLS) in June 2011. Even if you started school in the fall you would not graduate until at least 2013 (sorry to make it seem so daunting). My point it, getting a certification is way too far in advance of everything else....especially considering knowlege of A&P, patho, basic nursing is pretty much necessary to get much out of these classes.

Although I do admire your "go get it" attitude....

Jmiami · Apr 9, 2011

thanks psu! I thought about the text option and have researched what my future school is currently using for classes. I am searching affordable options of obtaining these books. Cashflow is limited right now, as I am funneling it towards school and if I have budgeted it out correctly, I will have just enough to cover out of pocket what loans won't pay. This is a career change / 2nd degree so funding is limited as well. Anyway, my point being that I don't want to purchase books now ($$$ as we all know), when in a year they'll likely need me to purchase the newer edition or change the text completely. The local library has an older edition of the texts, but they are reference copies only so I stop by when I can. I was thinking maybe someone has online resources they've found to be helpful or possibly supplemental text ideas as well?

As for the certs...I agree with you completely and maybe I didn't state clearly my intentions on that point ) I'd like to have my list of certs to strive to obtain closer towards my time of graduation (of course, so that they're current and so that my scope of knowledge will allow proper "absorption" of the material presented). I'd like to keep that list and add to it when I see a course or cert that looks like it would be beneficial to my career. I'd like to also keep track of the cost of obtaining those certs. This way, I can budget for this expense as well as my licensing fees and the COL for the months that it may take before I can obtain viable employment. I'm taking a hope and push for the best but be prepared for the worst attitude towards this and am not taking "no" for an answer ) Sigh...I know I'm such a nerd.

MrWarmHearted · Apr 9, 2011

"The plans of the diligent one surely makes for advantage but everyone that is hasty surely heads for want".

That's great that you want to plan ahead. I shared a similar philosophy/planning before I went to nursing school (as a second career as well)

btw, there's plenty of resources prior to nursing school you can take advantage of (libraries - to borrow similar books, websites like amazon/ebay where you can buy used books cheaply, scholarships, etc).

First things first though - don't worry about certs until AFTER nursing school. Now you have to focus on performing well on your prereqs (and then most nursing schools are MUCH harder than any prereq courses).

But if you really want to stand out, become a cna and work as one. It will open up many doors in the future and you can see for yourself if the nursing field is really for you. You don't want to be like the nursing students who are smart academically but then after they start clinicals at hospitals, find out that the field is not for them.

ktliz · Apr 9, 2011

This is the A&P book I used for my prereqs in 2008: http://www.amazon.com/Human-Anatomy-Physiology-Elaine-Marieb/dp/080535462X/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1302363895&sr=8-7

It is the 6th edition. My classmates were using the 7th edition, but I got the 6th because it was much much cheaper. Since then, they have published the 8th edition as well, which will run you $174. Price for the 6th edition, used from Amazon? $4.99! Or you can spring for the 7th edition for $12.75. :) And I guarantee it will prepare you just as well.

Same principle applies for just about any book... search Amazon for the texts your school uses, and you should be able to find an older edition for a fraction of the price.

ObtundedRN, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

The only certs you should have for nursing school is your BLS CPR for healthcare providers, and your CNA if required by your school. The ACLS, PALS, etc, are things your employer will train you on once you start working as a nurse. Even if you have those credentials prior to getting hired, they usually make you retake it with them. Also, those certs don't teach you EKG rhythm interpretation which is very much needed to be able to understand the class. And for that reason, they usually don't even allow you to take the class unless you have proper licensure or credentials (RN, PA, NP, MD, paramedic).

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

Try abebooks.com or amazon marketplace for cheap text books. Pretty much any anatomy textbook will help you learn the basics. It's NEVER too early to start learning pharmacology (medications) so consider getting a good pharmacology text book.

It's hard to try to prepare in advance for so many classes Curriculum and nursing practice change frequently, so there is a possibility you would be learning old or inaccurate information. My best advice would be to read the text books, pay attention in class and take good notes.

I agree that working as a CNA is definately a plus when it comes to resumes. You will also learn a lot about nursing and that will give you an advantage in school.

As far as certifications, you will want to get BLS/CPR and CNA. You might also want to get IV certified if it is offered by your school. However, most hospitals don't expect new grads to have ACLS or PALS, and if you took those classes now you would be lost because there is a lot of nursing knowledge you need to have first.

The things that impress an employer most are a professional resume, a strong academic record, and good clinical skills. Your performance in school is their indication of your potential as a nurse.

Jmiami · Apr 9, 2011

Hi everyone, thanks for your advice! My plan for the certs was just to have a list ready for cost estimate's sake and to have all my ducks in a row so that when I'm done with nursing school, I can knock all of them out before I begin applying for jobs. I like your suggestion about the cna position. I'm wondering though, with a full time courseload at school and a family to make time for (I have a husband and a 1 1/2 year old daughter) if I'll be able to have time to work. I wouldn't want to jepoardize my grades, but the networking opportunity that position could create would be priceless.

Jmiami · Apr 9, 2011

pharmacology - that's a good one to start early! Professional resume...hmmm. I have a great resume, but it is all in mortgage, marketing etc. Nothing to do with the medical field (don't ask me why...I don't know why I haven't taken this plunge before now. I guess I just got up the nerve to do it.) I wonder if future employers in the medical field will look at my resume and think...yeah, no thanks. In business, my resume is great! Looks like I need to go above and beyond in school and make some great contacts!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2011

Professional experience is helpful no matter what. It shows that you know how to work and can handle being part of a team.

It's great that you can afford to go to school without working! Many people are not in your positon and must work. While it isn't easy, it is possible. There are many non-traditional students that have families and go to nursing school full time while working. I personally worked for all four years of school, mostly full time. I have a husband, but no children. Even working per diem (as needed) would be helpful. You could do one or two shifts per week to get the experience and networking.