Starting Pre-Reqs!!

lehaley1989, ADN, RN · Jan 19, 2018

If you haven't already, you might want to consider identifying your learning style. There's a great questionnaire that you can find & take online called the VARK Learning Inventory, and I pretty much recommend it to everyone. Knowing the way you learn best is super helpful in determining the most effective way to study. Since your previous degree was in the fine arts, you may struggle to find your footing in fast-paced science courses at first. A strong study routine will definitely help with this.

Good luck!

Soon2beNurseSmith · Jan 19, 2018

If you haven't already, you might want to consider identifying your learning style. There's a great questionnaire that you can find & take online called the VARK Learning Inventory, and I pretty much recommend it to everyone. Knowing the way you learn best is super helpful in determining the most effective way to study. Since your previous degree was in the fine arts, you may struggle to find your footing in fast-paced science courses at first. A strong study routine will definitely help with this.
Good luck!

Thank you! I have taken a test previously and was advised I'm a visual learner. I am taking one course this semester because as you said I'm not used to the type of information I will be presented with. I'm hoping as long as I stay dillgent and keep good study habits when I increase the study load next term that things will go smoothly! Thanks for the advice!

ERNurseErica, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2018

Congratulations on making the decision to go to nursing school! I agree with the other poster about identifying your learning style. Additionally, I suggest getting a job in the healthcare field to start getting used to the roles and responsibilities. It can be tough to work and complete an accelerated program, but there of options of working only a few shifts a week. Also, a healthcare position will reveal if this is what you really want to do. Time is going to fly in this accelerated program, so breathe now while you're still working on your pre-reqs. I remember thinking about all the time I had before I started and now I'm more than half way through my first semester. You can do it!!! Keep us updated!!!

Soon2beNurseSmith · Jan 26, 2018

Congratulations on making the decision to go to nursing school! I agree with the other poster about identifying your learning style. Additionally, I suggest getting a job in the healthcare field to start getting used to the roles and responsibilities. It can be tough to work and complete an accelerated program, but there of options of working only a few shifts a week. Also, a healthcare position will reveal if this is what you really want to do. Time is going to fly in this accelerated program, so breathe now while you're still working on your pre-reqs. I remember thinking about all the time I had before I started and now I'm more than half way through my first semester. You can do it!!! Keep us updated!!!

I will definitely keep everyone updated! The job I'm working now I get paid almost $19 an hour plus monthly bonuses working for a bank. I want to (just as you said) start working in a healthcare position as soon as possible for both the experience and to get a feel of what I'd like to specialize in for the future. Any job I take right now will be a pay cut so I'm trying to be smart because I'm trying to save as much as I can because I will be part time while I'm school.

I've been looking into CNA, PCT, EMT. I really think I want to try to get an ER position so I'm leaning towards getting an EMT certification or a tech role in the ER. I'm trying to stay at my current job until around June of 2019. I figured if I can start about 2 months prior to school then work full time until the semester start and then switch to like 2 12's a week. We'll se what happens. Any advice on which healthcare role I should pick to start out is welcome!