Nursing students and other future heroes require a certain level of patience, skill and professionalism before they can successfully enter the work field. Accordingly, these students must also spend time in preparation before enrolling in the nursing program to ensure one is fully prepared for the responsibilities to come.
If you are hoping to enter nursing school soon, there are several ways you can prepare for this transition. The following are tips gathered by Florida National University (FNU) to help prospective nursing students prepare for this transition:
- Gauge Your Level of Interest
The first and most important step before entering a program is for students to gauge their interest level. An individual should discover what truly interests him/her—and if it’s not nursing, he/she shouldn’t apply to the program.
Some students who have the desire to help others automatically default to becoming a nurse—but it’s not that simple. Truthfully, nurses are a rare breed. This field requires an individual to be both selfless and dedicated, but also well-trained and informed. Nursing is not something one should take lightly—it’s a serious commitment. That’s not to scare away potential nurses, but it is to serve as a reminder of the importance of interest and passion in the field.
- Start Getting Familiar with the Material
Even before narrowing down a program, students can begin familiarizing themselves with the material and the field. This will enable a student to be properly prepared for his/her upcoming education. Anything related to medicine and health is a great source to help students dive into their medical career.
Students can start by browsing medical journals, inquiring current nurses about the field, and by researching a school’s program. All of this will offer a student a better understanding of what to expect—not only during one’s educational career but also their working career.
- Consider the Branch of Nursing that Interests You
Once a prospective student confirms that he/she is truly interested in nursing, the next step is to determine the best branch of nursing to enter. Doing so will be a critical step for the student, as the type of nursing that one would like to pursue can dictate which program he/she decides to enter.
For example, if a student would like to be a registered nurse (RN), then it would be in his/her best interest to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. However, if an individual has dreams of being a nurse practitioner, a bachelor’s degree is only the first step toward that career. More often than not, a master’s degree will be required as well.
In other words, determining one’s career goals before beginning an education can help a student determine which program is best for him/her.
- Pick a Program
This information leads students to understand that picking a program is important, and comes accordingly with their future career goals. However, keep in mind that experience in a certain program might lead one to pursue other career endeavors, so a general nursing degree is an important foundation that offers future nurses flexibility and the ability to choose from a number of careers.
Depending on one’s specialization and the level of education a person would like to attain, students have a lot to consider regarding programs.
Research and discover the programs that meet your needs. There is a lot to keep track of, so here’s an easy list to follow and refer to. When it comes to schools, students should consider:
- Accreditation. Students should always review a university’s accreditation before enrolling in programs or courses or applying to that school. This might be an important component for one’s future employer. FNU is proud to announce that the BSN program is now accredited as well by the CCNE. This is in addition to the regionally accepted accreditation FNU already has.
- Flexibility. Does this program offer students the ability to study while juggling other responsibilities?
- Reputation. How is this nursing program rated? What do other students have to say? What can you learn from their experience? How can you make your own experience from it?
- Specialization. Does a university offer more than one program? Do they offer the one you are looking for?
- Variety. Does the school offer the program that you are in need of to pursue your career? Is the program as challenging as you need it to be? Does the program reach the level you’d like to attain—such as an associate’s versus a bachelor’s degree?
Look for what’s important before committing to a university or a program. Do not be afraid to contact the school with any questions or comments—or to see if they really have what you are looking for.
- Get Started!
Students who are considering a career in nursing have only one thing left to do—apply to FNU now! What are you waiting for? FNU is ready to prepare you for your career by delivering quality education in a small classroom setting.
Never be just another number. Be a name. Be a student. Become a nurse with FNU’s help.
The baccalaureate nursing program (BSN) at Florida National University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccneaccreditation
The Master’s degree in nursing at Florida National University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccneaccreditation
