How to Prepare for Nursing School
- 1). Contact local health departments and hospitals to make informational appointments with available nurses. Express your desire to learn about their clinical experiences and any pointers for prospective nursing students. Talk with nurses in different clinical settings to get a comprehensive view of nursing. Speak to nurses you know from everyday life to gain further insight into the field.
- 2). Get real-world experience. Contact health-care agencies like hospitals to secure volunteer opportunities. Visit retirement centers and VA hospitals to spread joy and learn nursing strategies. Participate in community health fairs and educational initiatives to expand your knowledge base. Shadow a nurse for a day to get a feel for what challenges a nurse encounters.
- 3). Compare nursing schools in areas such as class size, course offerings and graduation rates. Reflect on your desired career goals to narrow down your options. For example, certain schools may specialize in specific clinical concentrations like acute care or community health. Request information from local campuses and online programs to weigh your options. Select the nursing program that fits your budget and career objectives.
- 4). Invest in a medical dictionary to begin familiarizing yourself with commonly used phrases and abbreviations. Although you will be taught medical terminology through a combination of course work and hands-on experiences, boost your confidence by starting the process early. Watch medical-themed television documentaries to witness the practical application of medical terms and abbreviations. Practice using medical terminology in everyday life to make the transition easier.
- 5). Arrange your work and leisure schedules to accommodate class and study sessions. For example, it may be necessary to decrease your work shifts during the week or to put your children into an after-school program. Join with other nursing students to make a support network. Set learning objectives and goals to ensure you stay on track.
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