Recommendations for Preparing to Be a Nurse: How Do I Start?
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or thinking about a mid-life career change, nursing school can be tough. You might be wondering, how can you set yourself up for success before instruction begins? What resources can you use during your courses? How does your nursing education benefit your future career?
Four Ways to Prepare for Success
How can you fit school into your busy life? Use these tips to ensure you have plenty of time for all of your daily responsibilities during your degree program.
- A few weeks before your program is scheduled to start, briefly review your school’s requirements. Are there any medical tests, vaccinations, or paperwork you still need to complete? Ensure all requirements are fulfilled in advance to reduce complications.
- What are your career goals? Map a career map that lays out where you want to work and how you plan on getting there. Review and revise this document every few months to stay focused and motivated. Your career map will also help you decide which jobs and continuing education opportunities to consider.
- Make a schedule. Block off time for school, work, and study. Don’t forget to allocate time for grooming, traveling, shopping, and other duties. This step helps you stay organized. It also prevents stress and confusion.
- Notify your employer of your education plans. Ask your immediate supervisor about any schedule accommodations you may need. Many companies also offer reimbursements or other financial perks to employees in school. Talk to your Human Resources representative for more information.
These simple steps are essential parts of a smooth and successful nursing school experience.
Resources to Support Your Education Journey
Even with a solid plan, you’ll still need support throughout your studies. Who can you turn to with various problems while you’re in nursing school?
- Friends and family are always your primary source of support. Ask members of your social support team to help you with housework, childcare duties, and other tasks when demands get too high.
- Your nursing school is filled with helpful staff members. From educational advisors to course instructors, you can easily find help with employment, academics, and overcoming potential barriers to your success.
- Your fellow nursing students are an important part of your experience. They will aid, challenge, and encourage you through your program. Many will become new friends and vital sources for future career resources.
- Internet resources like chat rooms and websites offer empathetic listeners, educational aides, and information on job positions and requirements. Use these to answer questions about your chosen career path or find assistance on an assignment.
You don’t have to do it all alone. Use your community resources to help you achieve your fullest potential.
How Education Helps Your Nursing Career
Why should you pursue a degree before starting your nursing career? Here are the benefits of having a formal education before beginning your job search.
- Workers that lack essential skills or require intensive on-the-job training are a big investment for hiring managers. Many compensate for this by starting less-knowledgeable employees at a lower wage. Start your career with an associate degree to get maximum financial benefit from your first day.
- Do you have your heart set on a certain career path? Whether you want to be a midwife, community health organizer, or grow into a physician’s assistant, having a degree gives you more control over the direction of your career. Choose jobs based on where you want to go, not what you have to do.
- The medical field is a competitive job market. Put your name at the top of every hiring manager’s list with your nursing degree. Employers prefer educated applicants.
- Aren’t quite sure what direction you want your career to take? Use your time at nursing school to explore different specialties and paths. Externships are a great way to get practical experience while examining a possible concentration.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information about this exciting degree, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Nursing - Associate’s
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