have heart, my dear

Hi :) 

Well, a nursing program is extremely difficult. I’m not telling you to scare you off or anything. It’s just a fact. It is an extremely rewarding career though. When I’m providing patient care, there is this sense of purpose and accomplishment I feel that I don’t think I can get anywhere else.

So first, you need to research the ADN programs that you want to apply to. Look at all the prerequistes that are required. They are generally the same for each school (NOT ALWAYS though). Once you complete all of those with at LEAST a B, you can apply to ADN programs. I say with at least a B because it’s highly competitive depending on the school. If I’m being honest, aim for As or at least a 3.7 gpa. I only say this because once you achieve the good grades, you only have to worry about setting yourself apart from other students with recommendations, any essays, volunteer time, etc (some schools don’t even require that). Another thing is to STUDY HARD for the nursing school entrance exam you are required to take. I had to take the TEAS. I didn’t study. Didn’t have a very high score. It was pretty average. I didn’t get in to alot of schools because of it. I took another the HESI nursing entrance exam, and I actually studied for it. I scored well above the entrance requirement so I had no worries. Get all you application deadlines in order. Turn in your app ahead of time. It will save you so much stress and time.

So you’re in nursing school…what do you do now? Before the program even starts get all your clinical requirements in order. Believe me, it will save you a TON of stress getting that done first. By clinical requirements, I mean your physical exam by a doctor, vaccines, immunization records, titers, BLS CPR certification, TB test, and whatever requirements your school needs. 

You get all that done right? So then you get your schedule. Order your books. I suggest reading ahead of time. See if you can get your syllabi for all your classes. You don’t want to fall behind in reading, but ya know if you don’t, don’t panic either. Nobody is perfect. The best thing to do now is learn how to manage your time wisely. 

Tests? Completely different from gen ed tests. I had to teach myself how to take exams again. In nursing, the question will give you four choices. ALL four choice are correct. The question they are asking is “What is the BEST choice?” This is the question you will be asking yourself when you actually do take care of patients. What is my priority? What is the most important? What is the best choice?

Clinical? Stressful, but rewarding and a great learning experience if you put 100% effort into the day. Be prepared always. Don’t worry if you feel like you don’t know anything. I still feel like that, and I’m going into my preceptorship. When it comes down to doing a skill or taking care of patient, you will be surprised by what you remember. I had to do my first foley cath a few months ago, and I thought, “Oh god, I haven’t practiced this skill.” With the help of my nurse, I did it, and I was so surprised I remembered the correct way to create my sterile field and what to do next. It’s not wrong to ask for help.

Once you graduate, you should take an NCLEX prep class or if you have enough self-discipline, you should be NCLEX questions every day. Then you take the NCLEX exam. If you pass, you will get your RN license. :)

This was a novel. LOL hope it helped!