Getting into a nursing school is notoriously difficult. As if things weren't easy initially, actually surviving nursing school and getting the degree is no less than an extraordinary feat.
Yet! Even if it is a challenging profession, its reward is significantly amazing; making the effort you put in is well worth it, so don't get pressured to quit if things get a bit difficult.
Suppose you're thinking of pursuing nursing as a career and are a little bit exasperated by the thought of studying a lot or are confused about what to do to pursue the career.
Then fret not! Because this guide will be your haven. This guide will cover all the necessary information you need to know when pursuing nursing as a career.
So, keep on reading because the information below will help you kick-start your journey toward nursing without the slightest bit of difficulty.
Why Should You Go To A Nursing School?
Applying to a new school after a certain age feels like a hassle, especially when applying for a competitive program like nursing.
One may think that once they start going to school, these negative thoughts may stop, but that doesn't happen so soon.
So, when things like this start, it's better always to remember why you're there in the first place.
Knowing your reasons can help you stay motivated throughout the journey and help you perform better since the goals would be within your reach if you put in a little effort.
Though, sometimes when we're overwhelmed by something, the reason why one is doing what they want tends to get overshadowed well.
To help you break out of that phase, below, we have written some significant reasons for you to focus on when joining a nursing school.
- It's a fulfilling job for nurses to help save lives every day; they take care of patients and do everything to promote public health
- Nursing is a growing field; it is projected that about 15% of growth will be seen in the nurse workforce in nearly ten years. Means you'll consistently be earning a decent amount as a nurse
- It has multiple pathways for you to choose from; there are several levels to a nursing license. Each level builds upon the previous level, so you can only move up. Some people know in the beginning that they want to pursue a four-year bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). At the same time, some start with short certifications like certified nursing assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- You can start your career relatively quickly; yes, with nursing, you don't have to wait years over the years to get into the field. Instead, after completing the essential certifications, you can start to work immediately
Once you've set these goals in your mind, the path will become relatively straightforward, and you wouldn't go off track when the going gets tough.
Nurses In the US earn an average income of about $230k-$350k annually, so if you want a career with good stability and income, becoming a nurse should be your priority.
How Do I Prepare For A Nursing Degree?
Now that you're motivated to start your nursing journey, it's time to prepare for nursing schools; whether you're considering applying or have already decided on enrolling then!
Before you decide, there are some qualifications you will need:
How To Select The Right Nursing Program
Different nursing programs have various benefits, so it's vital that you first research the type of program you want to enroll in and then figure out what you need to succeed in that particular program.
You can find the right program by considering your lifestyle, budget, career path, and learning goals. Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself before joining a nursing school.
- What level do you want to start with in the field of nursing?
- How long will be the duration of the program you opt for?
- Will you be able to adjust your lifestyle according to the program of your choice?
- Is the school near you or far away?
- Whether you want a nurse tutor online, or would you like to attend classes?
- Are there any career placement programs to jump-start your career?
- Will the school offer you any special certifications regarding the program?
These are only a few questions you need to ask yourself before joining a nursing school.
Note: Not all schools offer every type of nursing certification or pathway.
Considering your career path, find a school that provides you with special certifications related to your study so you can further your career as soon as you graduate.
Decide Your Nursing Degree
After you have found the right school, it's time to decide on the type of nursing degree you want to pursue.
There are seven nursing courses that you can select from; you can find more about these courses by scrolling through the table given below.
| Types of Programs | Duration | Average Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) | About four to twelve weeks. | $1300 |
| Licensed Practical/Vocational (LPN/LVN) | It would take you about one year to complete. | $10,000 |
| Registered Nurse via Associate Degree In Nursing | Two to three years max | $11,000 |
| Registered Nurse via Bachelors In Nursing | Similar to any bachelors it's a four years program | $40,000 |
| Master of Science In Nursing | It takes around two years to complete masters | $35,000 |
| Joint Masters Degree In Nursing | It can be anywhere from around one and half years to three years. | $35,000 |
| Doctoral Degree In Nursing | It would take you about three to six years to complete depending on your previous proficiency. | $26,490 |
Complete Your Pre-Requisites To Become Eligible For A Career As A Nursing Tutor
Once you decide on the degree, it's finally time to finish the pre-requisitions required for the program of your choice.
Since pre-requisites differ from program to program, it's best to ask your admissions counselor and your program advisor about what you may need to finish the pre-requisites.
Doing this will help you understand whether you're on the right career path or not.
Also, only knowing about the pre-requisites isn't enough; your goal is to become a nurse tutor, and the only way to achieve that goal is to work hard towards your dream.
Clear Your TEAS Test
TEAS, or the Test Of Essential Academic Skills, is one of the most critical factors in your journey toward becoming a certified nurse.
Getting into good nursing schools becomes impossible without a good score on the TEAS, so make sure to study before taking the test.
The TEAS assesses your academic background by testing your math, science, and English language skills.
Complete Your Immunization & Certifications
Nursing schools require you to be up to date with your immunizations and state that you must have your CPR certification before enrolling.
This is a precaution in the US; since you're close to patients, they can't risk something getting transmitted to you.
It's best to ask your admission counselor for the list while enrolling. Here is a list of immunizations of the utmost necessity before enrolling.
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Tuberculosis
- Meningitis
- Mumps
- Chickenpox
- Rubeola
- Influenza
- Pertussis
- Rubella
If you want to become a good nurse tutor, make sure you know how to teach the basics.
What Is The Best Way To Study For Nursing School
Now that you have a brief idea about enrolling in a nursing school let's talk about a few study tips that can help you throughout your program.
Studying in a nursing school isn't a walk in the park things tend to get rather tricky at times, which is why below, we have compiled some study tips for you to follow during your study process.
- Follow the nursing study guide provided to you at enrollment and go through it religiously
- Don't cram in entire weeks of work in a day; make sure to study slowly every day
- Remember to take notes in every class to focus on the material discussed in class later by yourself
- Always think in terms of action and not just facts. Nurses must adapt under pressure; if they stick to the facts, things might not go as planned in some scenarios
- Try forming a study group and reviewing the material with them after every session
- Skim the material first to understand what it's about, and later research every topic for a better understanding
- Use your downtime to study a little bit again. Learning things gradually instead of cramming everything will always be beneficial before exams
- Make sure to take breaks now and then. Don't stick to the books; you'll get overwhelmed after a while, so give your mind a break
About 1 in 4 nursing students drop out every year because they get overwhelmed by the study regime.
If you follow the tips mentioned above, you won't become part of the statistic.
Want To Become A Professional Nursing Tutor With Superprof
When it comes to studying nursing in the US, it is an expensive ordeal and is also an arduous enrolling process.
The courses aren't easy, and the teachers sometimes skim over things leaving the studying all up to your wits.
With Superprof, you wouldn't be facing these things while pursuing your career as a nurse, you'll have one-on-one teachers to help you throughout the course, and you'll also have a community to share information and practice with.
Sign-up with Superprof today and get exceptional tutors for your career in nursing.
Moreover, with Superprof, you can also sign up as a nurse tutor, set your own charges, and earn while giving the gift of knowledge to budding nurses!
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