How to gain experience in Nursing before I even start

[careerchanger84]

Hi all,

I am new to this and love all the postings, the responses seem very insightful. I am changing my career into nursing and everyone: my family, friends, bf, and even present employer are all excited for me. I want to be very wise about pursing another degree (ADN) and get the most experience I can.

Right now I applied to a nursing program at the local community college. I put an application to be a volunteer at the local Red Cross and hopefully I will take some training classes to expose me to healthcare. I am looking for a part time job at the hospital (hopefully it won't be too hard to find). I hope to take some prerequisite classes this summer and work. I don't mind earning next to nothing if it means I will gain experience. I was also thinking/fantasizing that I can get an externship in Atlanta next summer. I know many people who are working in Atl hospital system.

Does this all sound like a good start? I am open to any suggestions/criticism. Thank you all in advance. Much luck to you all.