How do I get started?

magnoliophyte · Nov 27, 2011

You need to first look at schools around you that actually offer a nursing program.

There's usually 3 basic options... a diploma, an associates, or bachelors. Most people from what I understand get the associates (2 year program) or bachelors (4).

You want to make sure that the schools are offering actual nursing science degrees. I have seen some non-accredited schools do strange things like associates of arts in nursing (?!??!).

Once you've found some schools around you that offer ADN or BSN programs, you'll be able to look at that school's specific requirements for enrolling in the nursing program. Generally you'll be asked to take pre-requisits like chemistry, anatomy+physiology, english 101... this just differs from school to school and you'll have to find out from them.

If the information found on the school's website or course catalogs is too disorganized or not clear enough, contact the school to have an appointment with some kind of academic advisor that will help you enroll in the necessary classes to get you on your way.

As far as specializing in OB... don't get too far ahead of yourself. To be an OB nurse you will have to go through all of the normal hoops to first become *a* nurse, just like any other RN. When you graduate nursing school and get your license, you can start looking in to how to get into a specialty field...(this generally involves either networking your way on to those sorts of units, or getting experience elsewhere and then trying to find a job in your desired specialty later on... but for right now, that's all very far down the road if you're just starting out.)

So, to recap.

-Find schools near you that offer ADN or BSN programs.

-From there, find out each schools requirements for enrolling in those programs (pre-reqs, entrance exams, etc.)

-Make your decision based on reputation of the programs, costs, or whatever other criteria are important to you.

-Find a way to pay! and then enroll. Be prepared to set aside 1 or 2 academic years for taking pre-requisits depending on the program/the amount of time you're able to spend at school.

I hope this helps.

cosmicmama, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2011

I would start taking general ed courses at the local community college...you will get an advisor who can tell you what you'll need to take to get into the nursing program.

In other words....apply to your local community college, go take your placement tests, and they will tell you what math/english etc. you need to take to get started. You can absolutely do this with a GED. Don't stress it, there are people at the college who will help you with what you need to do every step of the way.

AJPV · Nov 27, 2011

I strongly recommend going to a local public community college (or reputable state university or equivalent if going for your BSN). DON'T fall for the trap of the overpriced, low quality (even though they won't admit it), private, for-profit "schools" (think DeVry, ITT Tech, University of Phoenix, etc.) You may have to wait a bit longer to get into a legit school, but it will be SOOO worth it in terms of getting a quality education that actually prepares you for a nursing career and is actually recognized by employers and the state board of nursing (to get your license). Be careful about taking on too much student loan debt! Public community college tuition is often under $100/credit hour. Our school runs in the low $80's per credit. For-profit schools will often strap $50 to $100k of debt on your back before you graduate. The 4-year BSN might be the right option for you, but if being a mom necessitates that you get through school & start earning nursing wages asap, a 2-year ADN program might be ideal. Then you can complete your BSN as you work while earning nursing wages and most likely getting your BSN tuition paid for by your employer. Make sure any school you choose is credentialed by the National League for Nursing (NLN) for associate degree programs, or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN programs. Additionally, go to the Missouri state board of nursing website to see a school's NCLEX pass-rate (the boards exam you have to take after graduation to become a licensed RN). You can look this up at http://pr.mo.gov/boards/nursing/passrates.pdf. The list starts with LPN (practical nursing) programs, so be sure to scroll down to see RN (professional nursing). If a school is highlighted, that means they are on probation with the state board for low pass rates.

One really important thing to realize is that landing your first nursing job as a new graduate is highly dependent on you having prior healthcare experience. It almost seems mandatory in the current job market. My biggest advice to anyone contemplating nursing school is to first get your CNA license (it is about an 8-week course), then get hired as a CNA/patient care tech - hopefully in a facility you would like to work in as an RN after graduating. You can keep this part-time job throughout nursing school and it will massively increase your chances of getting hired as a new grad RN (and the experience will be very helpful for your studies).

onlyserendipity9 · Nov 27, 2011

You've received three awesome replies thus far. I agree with much of what they are saying! It may seem like a lot because you DO have A LOT of options still ... the most importnant thing to remember is that there are a lot of choices, and none of them are wrong! However, you have to pick the path that is right for you!!!

Are you wanting to do RN or LPN? ... Currently, I am a CNA in an ICU in my hometown, but I will be finishing my bachelors degree in May! I would recommend that you try an accelerated RN program. A LOT of othe people that I know have done that ... it's usually a 19 month program, year round. Most of the people I know that do it have kids and also work as CNAs or something!

Good luck to you!

DixieRedHead, ASN, RN · Nov 27, 2011

All of the above, BUT stay away from private schools that admit everyone who can pay their exorbitant prices. Usually their credits are not transferrable, it's a racket.