Some questions

mplovex · Apr 23, 2012

1. Is it best to apply to a few nursing programs instead of just one, as you would college applications?

Due to how extremely competitive nursing programs are, I personally would apply to more than just one nursing program BUT I would have a fully planned back up plan. You may have high grades, test scores, a lot of experience, and a great interview (if your school requires it) but nursing programs have a limited amount of spots for students based on how many clinical spots hospitals will allow them (at least that's how it is for the DC-MD-VA area since there are so many nursing schools competing for spots in nearby hospitals/clinics). The first time I applied, I had much confidence to get into my program and didn't consider applying to other schools because application/testing fees were a financial burden. The minute I didn't get in, I immediately began to regret not applying to other schools and not considering other options but I knew transferring to another school would become a heavier financial burden since I would have to live there when I currently commute to school. Instead, my back up plan was to take classes for a back up major, re-take a few pre-requisite classes, gain more medical experience, and reapply to the same school along with 2 other schools. I got into nursing school the 2^nd time I applied, accepted to another, and rejected from another.

2. Would you recommend volunteering at a hospital? Does it provide insight on nursing?

I would definitely recommend volunteering at a hospital but I would be careful in what department/unit/specialty you request or are placed in. Try to be placed in somewhere where you could be exposed to the work of nurses because it’ll give you a better insight and exposure to what nurses actually do. It’s nothing like what you see in the movies or on TV. I used to volunteer in critical care units such as the E.R. and ICU but it was hard to really see what the nurses are doing because I was given secretarial duties or told to stock patient rooms. A year later, I was offered a rare chance to volunteer in the newborn nursery at a different hospital and I really was able to learn much more about what nurses accomplish in their 8-12 hour shifts. This led to a job in that unit and I was able to learn even more about what the nurses actually do. I’ve learn a lot of patient interaction, hospital regulations and policies, and medical terms through volunteering.

3. LPN or RN? Is it recommended to do LPN first, to see if you're really cut out for the job / want to pursue RN?

I would recommend going straight into getting your BSN-RN. Just volunteer at a place where you can see what nurses do on the job to see if you’re really cut out for the job. LPN’s and RN’s do similar work on a basic level of care but RN’s have a lot more responsibility and if your goal is to become a registered nurse, then go straight into pursing your RN. Volunteering won’t use up any possible tuition money that could go toward becoming an RN and you only need to volunteer a few hours every week. It’ll give you a better insight toward the work of an RN.