How important is writing ability for an SRNA?

[atainey]

How important is your writing ability as an SRNA? Meaning, is it possible to pass classes and earn your degree without prolific writing skills? For those of you who have been through and/or are in school, how much of your grades were determined by perfect writing, neat and clean answers on essays, etc?

My husband is a whiz at the sciences (3.95) and will end up with at least a 3.75 in nursing courses. His writing skills are pretty sad, though - probably a learning disorder of written expression.

We're doing all the right things to get him into school - level 1 experience, etc. - but once he's in graduate school how will he fare? I will help all I possibly can by editing projects, papers, research projects (he'll definitely choose a non-thesis option)... I can help him get official/important projects nearly perfect. But how much of your other testing is in written expression? Will my help at home be enough?

Just worrying! Thanks for any input.

[charles-thor]

The ability to clearly and effectively communicate ideas via both the written and spoken word is of the utmost importance. Good oral communication becomes particularly vital when you're getting pimped in the OR. Writing is similar to any learned skill, in that it requires patience and plenty of practice. My understanding is that different programs display a tremendous variance in the amount of written assignments they require. Perhaps your husband may wish to enroll in a writing course at a community college or elsewhere to refine his skills. Best of luck!

[DreamMatrix]

I agree, writing skills are important. Seems as though many in our society are weak in language skills. It can be learned. Most schools place a big emphasis on being able to communicate effectively with both the written and spoken word. The profession as a whole is placing more and more emphasis on research by nurse anesthetists. Bottom line improve those skills and you improve your chances of success.

DreamMatrix

[London88]

Atainey,

If your husband is attending a university based program he will have to know how to write a paper. That is also probably the case in hospital based programs as you still receive a masters degree from a university, the only difference being that the university does not have a nursing school. Most programs have a research component where you are writing some type of research proposal.

[atainey]

Papers and projects won't be such a problem, when given the time to edit/spellcheck he does alright, plus I can help edit at home.

He is more worried about essay exams in limited time, etc. How picky are instructors over this sort of thing?

Thanks for the help sofar.

[athomas91]

it is really going to depend on what program he is in...some programs have very little in the way of writing that is expected...others have alot.

as far as tests...that is instructor and school dependent as well - some utilize multiple choice only (for prep of cert exams) - some use short answer...

i can say i have yet to see an extensive essay question...

he will be fine -