What Nursing Students should know
Nursing seems like a good career move. It's in demand and is needed everywhere and there is an abundance of available positions. There are some things that aren't mentioned, however, to potential nursing students that they need to know. They should check with the college of their choices to ensure they know every class that is needed prior to applying to the nursing program. Choices are mentioned as plural because it is a highly competitive field and chances are unlikely of getting into the preferred college the first time of applying. There is a nursing shortage but there is also a nursing teacher shortage to fill in the demands of growing nursing students.Each college requires different pre-requisites and some may require support courses to be completed prior to applying or to admission. The basic pre-requisites are biology, chemistry, college math, anatomy and physiology, English, health, and physical education. Some of these may not be required or there may be others. Many states require a CNA license prior to applying and many colleges require or prefer healthcare experience. It is in the student's best interest to work as a CNA and get a feel of the environment and see what nurses have to deal with. Book knowledge is required but a good bedside manner sometimes can't be taught. Be aware that devastations have to be dealt with as well as coworkers and stress from doctors and patient's families. It is a job that demands a lot of attention to a lot of people at one time.Nursing requires accuracy and kindness as well as strength and confidence. Once a student is in the program they must be prepared to read several chapters a week and go through material quickly but in depth. They must allow for the allotted time for clinicals and residency. Note that this is like a full time job, between classes, studying, and clinicals it is very difficult to maintain a job and to take care of the family. This will be costly as well. Be prepared to spend money on uniforms, badges, books, shoes, and supplies for clinicals. Also take into account how much it will cost to buy materials for preparation of the state license test as well as the test. The test itself can cost more than $100 for LPN, or LVN, and over $200 for RN. Check with the college to find out exact numbers. Through all of the schooling and clinicals, none of this knowledge and skill can be used in the workplace until the student has received their license. Some states require that the student obtain their LPN or LVN license prior to starting their RN program. Some states have a separate program for an RN program. Check with the college to see what they require. Also check with the place of employment. If an LPN or LVN receives their RN license but is working as an LPN, they may become terminated unless the RN obtains an RN position. This is due to liability and cost of raise because they have to pay the RN according to their license. The same applies to a CNA who has received their LPN license. Know that the license has to be updated with the health department every year and yearly education requirements are needed, perhaps more depending on location of work and specialty.Be aware that nursing involves many smells and sights and situations. Be prepared to deal with them appropriately. Some people will die, some people might seem better off dead, and some people may be violent. It is important to remain calm and professional. Nursing is a difficult career path but can be well worth it. After years of preparing for the program and getting through the program, it is wise to make sure it is what the student really wants and can handle. The student must be realistic because this process can take several years from deciding to pursue nursing to actually receiving the license. It is a demanding but rewarding career.
