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Hello everyone...I'm going to be a junior in high school in the fall and will be applying to nursing schools sometime towards the end of the school year. I'm wondering what I should do to better prepare myself for nursing school. My area has a career technical institute that offers a LPN nursing class for high schoolers half-day throughout the year; unfortunately I was not accepted into this program due to it's popularity. I'm disappointed about not getting into the program, but still want to get started on my nursing career...what can I do as a high school student, though? I don't want to waste the next two years doing nothing. What would you recommend I do?

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In high school I would suggest that you take classes that will help you later in college. Most Nursing programs require chemistry, algebra, statistics, A&P I,II, and any English classes. It will help you when you get in college classes and you will be a leg up. You also could take a CNA class if offered to get you feet wet. However, I would focus on your studies first. Understand the material and make good grades to get into your college of choice. Good luck!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You will not be doing nothing. You will be focusing on finishing high school and getting the best grades you can. This will not be a waste of time. Relax. There is no reason to be in such a hurry. You have many years ahead of you to become a nurse.

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By "wasting my time" I meant that while others my age will be taking LPN courses, I will not.

Thank you, and also Crew2Nursing for your advice.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Does your community college allow you to take courses while in high school? I was able to take some general ed in high school.

I've never heard of a program like the one you mentioned. Interesting!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
By "wasting my time" I meant that while others my age will be taking LPN courses, I will not.

Thank you, and also Crew2Nursing for your advice.

So what? It's not a race. Most people wait until they are t least out of high school. I was 38.

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I agree. I understand you're eagerness to start nursing. However, there really is no rush. Nursing school will still be there when you graduate. Focus on what you're doing now, keep your grades up, and you can worry about nursing school after. If you want to do something, I recommend that you research how you're going to go to nursing school. Look up options that you have, and don't exclude community college. See what prerequisite courses they require (mostly include A&P, college algebra, English, communications, etc.), look into how you're going to pay financially (loans, scholarships, etc.), and there is the option of completing a CNA course, which will allow you to dip your toes into gaining some experience in the medical field. Again, it's not a race, as PP said. Set your own pace.

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Specializes in ICU.

I am 38 and just starting the RN program this fall. I understand your eagerness to get out in the world, but I have to agree with the others when they say there is no rush. Enjoy your time in high school. You will be an adult for the rest of your life with adult responsibilities. Go and have fun and enjoy the time you have left as a kid. I wish someone had told me that in high school. Do well in the rest of your classes. Do well so you can get into the college of your choice later. And realize that when you do get into college, you need to do well in your classes as a freshman and sophomore so you can get in the program when you are a junior.

I see so many people who come in here and say I can't be a nurse. I screwed around when I was a freshman and my GPA sucks now. But I promise to be a better student from here on out. They will never get in a program because they withdrew or failed too many classes early on and nursing is very competitive.

Don't worry about being a LPN now. Students that are doing this think they are getting out of the "boring" classes and doing something so exciting. Unless they all want to work in a LTC, I wouldn't get my LPN. Go and get your RN. There is a difference in the scope of practice and the pay is drastically different. Plus, most hospitals are not hiring LPNs anymore. They hire PCTs and RNs. That is a fact of modern day healthcare. Research the different positions and decide what kind of nurse you want to be. You will honestly be a leg up if you work on your regular classes in high school and then say go and work on your BSN.

Most of all, enjoy your time in high school!!! It will soon come to an end.

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You lost out on a desired program and still have positive energy. That's a big plus.

Nursing school entrance exams require excellent knowledge of High School English, Mathematics, Natural science. Your in a great spot with ideal resources to make sure you stand up well to the competition.

Take chemistry & make sure you understand it well.

Ask teachers for help with speed tricks for math & English on timed tests.

Review your Biology you probably took this past year. You can self study for cna skills, if you would like to do that after High School graduation.

You can try to learn the basics of Anatomy & Physiology on spare time. School is the most important thing now. Try to keep good GPA, or raise it. High GPA can help with associate degree programs for newly graduated student.

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My daughter applied for nursing school the summer before her Jr year due to long wait times in that school. She focused on math and science classes and took a CNA program offered through the schools vocational program. Keep your grades up !!!! Also consider extracurricular activities (clubs ect) and volunteer opportunities.

Best of luck

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I forgot to add. SAT or ACT need to be as high as possible so take it as many times as you can.

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