In need of advice!!

[nursegirl26]

Hi everyone,

I am still a nursing student and I am concerned about my future in nursing. I know that one day I want to go to grad school and become a NP or CRNA or something like that (I'm still not very sure). So I have a question regarding what grad schools like to see from those applying, such as grades and extra activities. I really am clueless and no one in my family is in the healthcare profession.

Anyone out there able to give me some advice or pointers about the kinds of grades you need to get in school in order to get accpeted to grad school. I have this idea in my head that I need to get As in every class or I will never make it.

Help please!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Most graduate programs do not require straight A's. In fact, very few of them do. Only the most competitive programs require exceptionally high grades. However, most programs do like to see grades that are average or above as well as relevant job experience.

Take it one step at a time. Graduate from nursing school first. Then get a job in an area that interests you where you will thrive as a new grad and successfully make that transition from student to professional nurse. Explore the many different career paths that are possible in nursing. Too many nursing student decide on a career path before they have explored the possibilities and end up choosing a path that doesn't suit them well. So take a little time to be a staff nurse and find out what the possibilities are and which career paths suit your particular interests and talents most closely. Then start investigating specific schools and programs that will help you progres long that path.

That timetable may add a year or two to your journey -- but it will probably lead to a better career choice and greater happiness and success in the long run.