questions of mine.

mondkmondk · Sep 30, 2008

So I've been going to a community college for registered nursing.
It's my second year and Now I'm getting into some pre recs.
and I've been hearing that the waiting list for nursing is quite long.
I'm just a pre-nursing student right now.
Taking Prerequisites for the RN program at my college. So I've got a few questions.
Volunteer work-Will it look good on an application?
Books-Should I look for books for the rn program that will benefit me when I'm actually in it? or should I wait till the opportunity comes closer?
Math Requirements-At my college their is no real prerequisite requirement class for math, just the one that is enough to get you into the science classes. Should I just stop there go further?
Should I also just do my pre recs at my college and after all of them are done, apply at other colleges for their RN program? and If so are all the pre recs at all colleges the same?
And any helpful tips for a pre nursing student! I am open to all suggestions!! honestly I could use the help. Any advice anything will do!

I just typed in this huge response and where it went, who knows...

Anyway, yes, volunteer work looks good on applications and resumes. Books that talk about nursing in general that you could check out from the library would be okay...I wouldn't jump on the bandwagon and buy textbooks though because they change a lot. With my RN, I took basic math skills class but now I have to have 2 more college math courses for my BSN...every school is different though in what you need class wise.

And no, pre req's arent' the same at every college.

Before I started nursing school right after high school, I took a nurse aides course and that taught me a lot about nursing in general. It helped me make the decision to plow on. Hope that makes sense!

Good luck to you!

Blessings, Michelle

Dorito, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2008

I agree the Nursing Aide course is highly recommended. In fact, where I live it is a pre-requisite to get into the RN program. It will give you a good taste of nursing and you'll learn a lot that will help you in school. (an extra math class is also a smart move)

JMMagana18 · Sep 30, 2008

Alright I'll give go another math class. Not a big fan of math. But if its better for me then I will.

How do you inquire about a nursing aide? Do you have to go to a hospital and fill it out like a job application or do you take it up at a school? Cause I go to school full time and thats about 4 days a week.

Can you explain the job of a nursing aide? and how it will effect my schedule.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2008

Alright I'll give go another math class. Not a big fan of math. But if its better for me then I will.
How do you inquire about a nursing aide? Do you have to go to a hospital and fill it out like a job application or do you take it up at a school? Cause I go to school full time and thats about 4 days a week.
Can you explain the job of a nursing aide? and how it will effect my schedule.

Many nursing homes will train you to be a CNA (certified nursing assistant); there are also BOCES (vocational school) programs that do it too, but of course there's the program fee. Usually a six week program, give or take.

Our hospital doesn't take someone without a CNA certificate; we used to and just train them, but not anymore. They'll recommend one of the trade schools that do it.

Basic duties would include taking vital signs, baths, helping patients into and out of bed, ambulating them to the bathroom, helping to feed them, fetching water and blankets and whatever. Tends to be a dirty, smelly job, but so is nursing! Many patients are incontinent and you'd be cleaning them up. But you'd also be on hand to help the nurses with whatever they need from you; I often have one nearby during admission assessments as a set of extra hands and they DO learn alot from the nursing staff. What you can do depends alot on the facility and the State. Some places will allow you to insert or remove Foley catheters, while others will only let you empty them, for instance.

There's ALOT of duties that our CNAs do, but that's a very fast overview :)

Oh, and I wouldn't spend a DIME on a nursing textbook until you are enrolled and they tell you what they want you to get. The books change frequently, and there's no point in focusing on something that your instructors don't put much stock in.

JMMagana18 · Oct 1, 2008

Alright thank you! I think I'll take up what you said about borrowing book about nursing in general. It sounds like a good idea.

And I'm gonna start volunteering at hospital soon. So I'm extra excited about it.

I wanna look into a nursing aide, but I'm currently enrolled full-time so i don't know if i would have time for it. i feel like I should just keep going to school and taking pre req classes all while at the same time volunteering at the hospital.

mondkmondk · Oct 1, 2008

Alright thank you! I think I'll take up what you said about borrowing book about nursing in general. It sounds like a good idea.
And I'm gonna start volunteering at hospital soon. So I'm extra excited about it.
I wanna look into a nursing aide, but I'm currently enrolled full-time so i don't know if i would have time for it. i feel like I should just keep going to school and taking pre req classes all while at the same time volunteering at the hospital.

My hubby worked full time and was able to do his CNA/CMT at night. I think the class was like only 2 hours or something...anyway, he said it was pretty easy but very informative. Good luck to you! It is refreshing to see someone excited like you coming into the field!

Blessings, Michelle

JMMagana18 · Oct 1, 2008

Alright. I'm gonna take a serious look into it. Find out what I can do.

thank you for the help!

I will keep you posted on what happens.

I love this site I'm so glad I joined a lot of my questions are easily answered here.