What to do while you are waiting

Published

Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

You've finished your pre-reqs and finally got your name on the wait list. Now what? What will you do while you are waiting? What have you done? Got any tips for others?

Here's some of mine. :redpinkhe

Learn Spanish or another foreign language

Become a CNA and WORK as one :pumpiron:

Become an MA and work as one

Become a Plebotomist and work as one

Take BLS

Get your EMT license

Get training as a Unit Secretary and work as one

Get training in EKG

Volunteer at a Hospital

Get a college degree if you don't already have one.

Take college classes that interest you or will get you to the next level in nursing.

And oh yeah.... raise those babies of yours if you have 'em! :) Give as much attention to your little ones and big ones because once you hit the books in school they will play 2nd Fiddle! :innerconf

I'm thinking.... don't get your ACLS until you have worked and participated in a code and have seen what is going on and have done CPR. You could but really it's better to have had this experience first.

But maybe your opinion is different?

Is there anything else that one could do while waiting to become a nurse? Can't wait to hear your replies! ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

Well, the answer will mostly depend on how much time you think you will be waiting!

If it is only a short list - say 6 months to a year - then you will barely have time to go through a CNA, MA, etc., program before you start at NS. Of course, if it's a two year wait or something then being a CNA will give you a good insight into 'life as a nurse'.

If you only have 6 months or so, I would think about taking BLS (because you will certainly have to have completed this by the time you get accepted anyway). Don't bother with ACLS, that is something that can come later on.

Otherwise you could do some voluntary work at a local hospita, take some time for yourself and your family (because you certainly won't be able to once you get in), and read a good book (it may be the last time you read a novel in a while).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Here is what I plan on doing while I wait, in the order of what I feel is important to me:

1.) Take college classes that interest me and will get me to the next level of Nursing.

2.) Learn Spanish by taking classes (currently subscribe to the Spanish Word of the Day @ Dictionary.com)

3.) Volunteer at a Hospital ( On the weekends if time permits, or if I run outta classes to take while I wait.)

4.) Take BLS

5.) Get training in EKG ( I am currently trying to teach myself when time permits, but would like to take a formal class.)

I'm fortunate to be able to spend time with my toddler AND attend college :w00t:, so I don't plan on taking a semseter off of studies due to the possiblity of waiting a few semesters to get in a program. My son gets plenty of my time and attention. I go part-time so I will be applying this time next year.

I've thought about becoming a CNA, but unfortunantly I would have daycare issues with the scheduling while attending a Nursing program.

:icon_roll

I am curious to see what others plan on doing to keep themselves motivated. I'm one of those people who get happy and excited for those that achieve thier goals and dreams. It's nice to see/hear people so happy and be glad for them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

I just graduated LVN school and as soon as I take the NCLEX I am signing up for Statistics so when I want to pursue BSN I'll be ready. :) I just have to take Microbiology in the Fall and then I can apply to the CC's to do the LVN-RN step up. I probably won't get in right away so I'll take training in EKG.

So that's what I'll do while I'm waiting to do RN. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I just graduated LVN school and as soon as I take the NCLEX I am signing up for Statistics so when I want to pursue BSN I'll be ready. :) I just have to take Microbiology in the Fall and then I can apply to the CC's to do the LVN-RN step up. I probably won't get in right away so I'll take training in EKG.

So that's what I'll do while I'm waiting to do RN. :)

You already have one foot in the door. Good for you! You just graduated, so it sounds like a good plan. Congrats. :cheers:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Take a break before you lose all your freetime.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.
Take a break before you lose all your freetime.

LOL I can't! I have to take these classes to get into the next program! Plus I'm not 20 years old and have the time to wait on life. And I like keeping busy! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well, the answer will mostly depend on how much time you think you will be waiting!

If it is only a short list - say 6 months to a year - then you will barely have time to go through a CNA, MA, etc., program before you start at NS. Of course, if it's a two year wait or something then being a CNA will give you a good insight into 'life as a nurse'.

If you only have 6 months or so, I would think about taking BLS (because you will certainly have to have completed this by the time you get accepted anyway). Don't bother with ACLS, that is something that can come later on......

Hey,

not sure where u live but CNA is quick and very easy and you will gain patient contact experience...you can even get the class done at the red cross, really inexpensive.

-coco

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello.. I was on the wait list for 8 months (I was told it would be 1.5 years) I spent lots of time with my kids, was a room mom, read lots of books, knitted a blanket and worked out. I am beginning the program in just about 2 weeks... I am now putting the finishing touches on my kid's room (cleaning closets, etc) Enjoy.. the time goes by fast (people told me it would.. I had my doubts, but they were right!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Prepare my "Resignation Letter". I'm still about half way towards my pre-reqs so I have plenty of time to think of this one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I plan to spend as much time with my kids as possible. I know that my free time will soon be a thing of the past. But I really like some of the responses the pp said...so I might take a spanish class as well....to help me out in the long run;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

before my program starts

since i am working fulltime (wich i will try to manage during school since i have time to study at work:specs:) i bough the A&P coloring book, the A&P for dummies (wich i liked a lot) and a microbiology book, and also medical terminology....

therefore, i am trying to upgrade my skills prior to my classes start, once i know, i will be more tired and stressed... therefore the more i can learn and become familiar with, the better my performance will be!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion