Nursing is a career that I would love to do

BeachsideRN, ASN · Sep 17, 2015

As long as your doctor determines that you are healthy enough to do the work required they will sign off on your physical. You will also need to have proof that your immunizations are effective (blood titers).

Nursing is a physically demanding career.

Focus on your pre reqs and ace them :)

Soon2beStudent · Sep 17, 2015

Thank You OnOn2RN.

What type of immunizations are required? I know I have my Hepatitis, Pneumonia & all these other shots I got as a baby. I sure wish I can get my shingles shot but no pharmacy will give it to anyone under 65! Even young folks get shingles and I hear it's not fun!!

As far as the physical demands, I'm still in good shape although not the same when I was 21, but hopefully, I won't get worse!

What type of physical work do the RN's do? I know that the CNA's and PCT's mostly do the bed baths, toileting & cleaning the messes etc. I understand not every hospital has the luxury of CNA's and PCT's as they have a large ratio and can't attend to every patient. It reminds me when I was a Cashier in the grocery store, there wasn't always a bagger. I sure I got yelled at all the time for not properly bagging the groceries! LOL

In Nursing School, do they teach hands on & safety techniques such as properly applying restraints , the safe way of turning a patient, hoisting, showering, toileting etc..

I figured one day, someone will need to do that for me when I get old :)

When I was recently in the hospital, the CNA took my glucose and vitals.

Another hospital, the RN did it all including a bed path as the CNA was needed elsewhere.

I wonder how many Nurses are on this site that made them want to go into the field just from being a patient. When I was recently in the hospital for 1 day, I was amazed with such care they give and I want to do the same thing. The Charge nurse came into introduce herself. Housekeeping, food service. Everyone was so nice! It literally was like a hotel! :)

Of course when I see how much insurance pays, something like $13,000 for one day?? It's no wonder why ObamaCare is required!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2015

Your post comes off seeming kind of cocky to me. I think you need an understanding of how competitive it even is to get into the program and then once you are in, it's difficult. Nursing school is a whole other animal than regular college classes. You will need to do very well in your prereqs and ace the HESI. Just because you pass by getting higher than an 80, doesn't mean your are automatically in. So bring it down a few notches and talk to a nursing advisor at your school about the requirements and how many people usually apply to the program.

If you get in, you will have to have a physical. The school will not know your medical history, just whether or not your doctor certifies that your are mentally and physically able to do the job. There are many sections to be filled out. You will have to have your immunizations. The doctor will draw your blood to check titers and see if you are still immune to certain things. Anything that the immunity has run out on, you will have to get new immunizations. You will have to have a TB test every year and a flu shot. That is for clinicals.

They will do a background check and drug testing each year. I had to have an extremely detailed background check this year for one of my clinical locations. I think it was a Federal FBI check.

I made all As in my prereqs except microbiology which I got a B. We take the Teas and I did pretty well on that also at a 78%. That puts me in the Advanced Category meaning I did not need any remediation prior to applying. That's all those tests are about. If you still need remediation after the prereqs. I've completed my first year of the program and have started my second. First year As and Bs. Monday, I had my first test in OB/Peds and I failed. I was devastated. 75% of my class failed. People that I consider the smartest lecture people failed. It's a very difficult class and the testing has been upped this year. My next test is not until October 5th, but I've put in study time almost every day this week.

Just realize this will be completely different from anything you have ever done. There will be ups and downs and a lot of work. A lot.

Good Luck on your journey.

Soon2beStudent · Sep 17, 2015

Hey Heather,

I posted a reply earlier but didn't seem to show up.

In no way am I trying to sound cocky at all. If I did, I apologize. I know there's no guarantee and I may or may not pass, but you have to look on the bright side! Look at all the nurses and nursing students all over the world. If they are passing, than anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It's great to see you are doing well and that you are getting good grades. I'm not saying I am definitely going to ace nursing school, but I could certainly give it a try. There's nothing wrong with that.

I do know it is very competitive but that's why I want to focus on getting good grades on my prereqs. The community college where I go to says on their nursing website that a C is required in the prereqs and 80% or higher for the hesi. I am going to see an Advisor tomorrow to get more in depth information. I know there will be many challenges and I am ready for that.

Wow 75% of the class failed? I hope the instructor wonders what he or she did different if that many failed. But it doesn't mean it's the end of the world and you're going to be expelled!

I am ready for a challenge and I know it's not going to be easy, but if this will be my career, I will devote my life to studying.

This is good they do a thorough background check.

Anyone can put their mind to anything!

I'm just amazed how nursing schools are advertising left and right. If everyone else is getting into and passing nursing school, why can't I?

I do appreciate your feedback and I'm not trying to be cocky in anyway.

It's only as difficult as anyone makes it. I have talked to others and they told me they enjoyed nursing school and found the learning motivating and exciting because they loved it.