How to best prepare

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2015

Know that CA is a very impacted state right now and you will most likely spend years trying to get in a program. The unemployed new grad rate in CA hovers around 47%. Just some good for thought.

Trusty13 · Jun 23, 2015

Unemployment is impacting every career field,and is the wait to get into bsn programs really that bad?.my goal/dream is to get into a bsn program do my 1-2yrs of acute care then get into a masters program for crna..but i have a year left of service so im trying to best prepare myself and am wondering what i can do to set myself up for success i already ordered two books to study in spare time i mentioned above anything else i can do ?

happyinmyheart · Jun 23, 2015

Unemployment is impacting every career field,and is the wait to get into bsn programs really that bad?.my goal/dream is to get into a bsn program do my 1-2yrs of acute care then get into a masters program for crna..but i have a year left of service so im trying to best prepare myself and am wondering what i can do to set myself up for success i already ordered two books to study in spare time i mentioned above anything else i can do ?

Move to a different state.

Trusty13 · Jun 23, 2015

I would consider that but i have a rent free place to stay in california,which allows me to focus 100% of my time on school/gym and not worry about bringing in income for rent/utilities

happyinmyheart · Jun 23, 2015

I would consider that but i have a rent free place to stay in california,which allows me to focus 100% of my time on school/gym and not worry about bringing in income for rent/utilities

Oh okay, I understand. If you are okay with moving after graduation, then I think that would be good too :)

Trusty13 · Jun 24, 2015

Absolutely woukdwould consider relocating for employment.

my question is what can i be doing in this year left before i start attending school to better my chances and prepare me?.should i volunteer places? And if so where?..what materials should i be reading in my free?.

and does anyone recommend a school in the beaumont-San Bernardino area?

happyinmyheart · Jun 24, 2015

Absolutely woukdwould consider relocating for employment.
my question is what can i be doing in this year left before i start attending school to better my chances and prepare me?.should i volunteer places? And if so where?..what materials should i be reading in my free?.
and does anyone recommend a school in the beaumont-San Bernardino area?

Read up on Anatomy and Physiology. There are lots of free online resources! Volunteering at a hospital is great if you have time. If you have time, you could become a Certified Nursing Assistant and work as one. Save up money to pay for books and other expenses. Relax and enjoy your free time. Research all of the schools you can, and work on fulfilling their admission requirements :) Some schools require becoming a CNA, taking the TEAS test, or having a certain GPA. The better you know these requrements, the better your chances are for getting in!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 24, 2015

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. We LOVE our vets here on AN.

If you are keen on preparing yourself, I would suggest engaging on a Medical Terminology self study program. There are plenty on the market if you just Google. Volunteering is not really going to add any value, since volunteer activities are highly restricted - nothing remotely clinical is allowed.

Most nursing programs use a standardized assessment test as part of their admission process & these scores are sometimes given a lot of weight on admission criteria. Go ahead and investigate the nursing programs that interest you & begin preparing for their test. You can find test prep materials and even prep courses online.

Finally, please take the time to investigate the 'Vet Friendly' schools.... I know there are a ton of them in Texas due to our large military presence, but I'm sure that CA has a bunch also. They will have special privileges, assistance, advisors, etc. for vets who are seeking admission. It will make the process much easier.

Best of luck on your educational pathway. Keep us posted on your progress.

Trusty13 · Jun 24, 2015

Thank you for everyone responses.

so far i believe im on the right path,ive ordered a few books on medical terminology,medical math dosages/solutions,and beginners anatomy and physiology i believe these books should prepare me during this last year of active duty.

also ive made a appointment this morning with my education center counselor to go over schools in the area that i will be living in,and also to see if they have a SAT prep course i can take,ive been out of school for 6yrs so im sure ive forgotten alot of information.but im determined to be successful..i see so many vets getting out and struggling and i refuse to be in that category.

thank you everyone for your advise and input i appreciate that

MsCupcakes · Jul 2, 2015

There are a few routes you can explore prior to ETS. The other posters' suggestions on studying up on medical terminology and A&P are spot on. You may want to see if there's an upcoming CPR class on your installation that you can attend. You can try your local clinic or aid station and speak to them about your interest in becoming a nurse. They may allow you to do some shadowing, and could potentially write you a letter of recommendation. This is a great way to gain experience and get a glimpse of what the medical field is like.

Also, taking non-medical classes, such as a FAST class may help you to brush up on your vocab and test-taking skills for the HESI or TEAS (nursing entrance exams). Research schools to take your pre-reqs at and get your applications in before your time is up. Since the fall semesters usually start in August or September, save up some terminal leave so that you can begin immediately if that's what you're wanting to do.