If you have ever experienced being a patient in a hospital, you are likely aware of the indispensable role that nurses play in the process of patient recovery. Hospitals can be environments filled with stress, and it is the nurses who play a pivotal role in alleviating the anxiety and fear that patients often encounter while undergoing treatment for injuries or illnesses.
In situations that are devastating or uncertain, nurses contribute compassion and comfort that can transform a patient’s and their family’s experience from agonizing to bearable. If you have a calling to provide this level of care to those in need, you may be an ideal candidate for pursuing a career in nursing. However, it is crucial to be well-prepared, as the academic journey in nursing is known to be challenging.
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This article aims to assist aspiring nursing students in understanding what to anticipate and how to adequately prepare for nursing school.
Why Go to Nursing School?
Nursing programs, whether prelicensure or RN to BSN, are known for their challenges but can be an incredibly fulfilling step in your academic and professional journey. Nursing stands out as one of the most gratifying professions for individuals driven by a sense of purpose, as it places you on the front lines of providing essential care to people. Having a passion for the profession can make navigating through demanding coursework more manageable. Some of the most enticing advantages of pursuing a nursing education include:
- You can find a flexible degree program: There are some nursing programs designed not to disrupt your lifestyle or income while earning your degree. The competency-based, self-paced teaching style allows you to progress through coursework at your own pace. The per-term fee structure, as opposed to per-credit, empowers you to manage costs efficiently. You can earn your degree on your own terms without putting a strain on your finances.
- You’ll gain extensive knowledge of healthcare: Completing a nursing program opens up a myriad of career opportunities across various healthcare sectors. The foundational knowledge, core classes, and specialty courses equip you with a diverse set of skills applicable in the healthcare field, providing the expertise needed to care for a wide spectrum of patients.
- You’ll earn a competitive salary in a growing field: Factors like job stability and high earning potential often influence career choices. Nursing, with its high demand for professionals, ensures that you won’t have to worry about finding a well-paying job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median income of $77,600 per year, with a projected growth rate of 9% between 2020 and 2030.
- You’re empowered to make a positive impact on the lives of others: Nurses play a pivotal role in offering necessary care and comfort in almost every healthcare setting. Beyond providing physical care and assisting in a doctor’s treatment plan, they offer emotional care and compassion, helping patients remain calm and optimistic in challenging situations.
What to Expect in Nursing School
Fundamental Coursework: Your coursework will encompass nursing core classes, general healthcare education, and specialty-related courses if applicable. Topics will span from information technology in nursing practice to human growth and development.
Nursing Skills Labs: During your nursing skills labs, you will gain a deep understanding of what it truly means to be a nurse. Nurses must possess the ability to care with compassion, apply critical thinking skills, stay focused in high-stress situations, and consistently maintain patience and empathy throughout their entire careers. blood pressure monitoring, catheterization, head-to-toe assessment, intramuscular injections, oxygenation therapy, tracheostomy care, and wound care.
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Oxygenation therapy
- Tracheostomy care
- Wound care
- Catheterization
- Head-to-toe assessment
- Intramuscular injections
Nursing Simulation Labs: These labs are meticulously designed to replicate real working environments, providing immersive, hands-on experiences. They familiarize you with various healthcare settings such as emergency rooms, hospital rooms, labor and delivery rooms, and operating theaters. The nature of simulation labs can vary based on your chosen specialty of study.
Clinical Rotations: Clinical rotations offer nursing students the opportunity to interact with patients under the supervision of experienced nurses and clinical faculty. This serves as a valuable opportunity to apply the skills learned in skills labs and simulation labs to real-world scenarios, fostering a deep understanding of the day-to-day tasks encountered in a nursing career.
Consider Your Finances
College Tuition: Paying for college is a big financial decision for many Americans. Traditional colleges and universities can be expensive. In 2020, the average tuition and fees for one year at a public college were $10,388 for in-state students and $22,698 for out-of-state students according to Think Impact. Private colleges were even more costly, with an average yearly tuition of $38,185. Attending a four-year public school could cost between $41,000 and $91,000, and at a private school, it could go beyond $152,000. These numbers don’t include additional expenses like textbooks.
Your Living Expenses: Traditional schools often require students to quit their jobs or work fewer hours to focus on studies. Living and eating on campus can add thousands to your annual education expenses. According to debt.org, the average cost of room and board is $8,887 per school year at public colleges and $10,089 at private colleges. There are institutions with online programs that allow you to keep your job and salary while studying. The coursework is entirely online, you don’t need to relocate or disrupt your life to earn your degree.
Must-Haves for Preparing for Nursing School
Find the Right Nursing Program for You: There are various types of nursing careers, and it’s essential to research and find the right one for you. Popular nursing careers include family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse, nurse midwife, geriatric nurse, and acute care nurse. There are many more specialties, including highly paid ones like certified registered nurse anesthetist, neonatal nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, geriatric nurse practitioner, and certified nurse midwife.
Decide on the Right Degree: Once you know your preferred area of nursing, choose a degree program that aligns with your career path. Most nursing institutions offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as certificate programs in health and nursing fields. Options include nursing education, leadership and management, nursing informatics, family nursing, psychiatric mental health nursing, and more.
Do Your Research: Before deciding on your nursing career or where to earn your degree, talk to current nurses about their experiences. They can provide valuable insights into the reality of being a nurse. Additionally, explore nursing forums to learn about challenges, what nurses love about their work, and other crucial information.
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