Over the past few years I’ve been on the same path, and have slowly been pursuing my associates degree in nursing (ADN). Now that I’m close to applying to the
bulk of the nursing program I thought I’d share some insight and tips.

THE BASICS 

First you need to decide if you’re going to get an associates degree in nursing (ADN) at a community college OR a bachelors in nursing (BSN) at a university. There are pros and cons choosing either. For me, a community college program was a better fit. What’s the difference?

If you choose a university program, usually you begin by completing basic classes like biology and chemistry followed by harder classes like organic chemistry. You’ll take 2-years of pre-req classes and then 2-years of nursing classes. It is generally more expensive than community college, higher class lecture volumes and more rigid. In Washington state there are a handful of BSN programs but there are notably harder to get into and require a higher GPA and work ethic. 

Community college programs require you to complete about a year’s worth of pre-req classes upon admission. Followed by 2-years of nursing classes (the bulk). You can take as much time as you need to complete them and they are a lot more affordable. Community college nursing programs usually favor students who have attended the college for the pre-req classes.

Both degrees allow you to graduate with your RN license. However most nursing positions favor the bachelor’s degree or in some cases require it, but RN to BSN programs are usually only 12- 16 months rather than an additional 2 years.

HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE

Volunteer in a free-clinic or hospital, work in healthcare (CNA, MA, EMT), or shadow a nurse. Before fully committing you should know what working in a patient care setting is like. Not only will it solidify that gut feeling you have but it will provide much needed experience for your clinicals in nursing school. Working in healthcare looks a lot better on your application and also builds connections. 

I personally work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a hospital. Getting your CNA licenses only takes about a month and $600. While in the short program you have a week of clinicals followed by two state tests before you receive your license. As a CNA I work alongside nurses every day, have built many connections with the care team at the hospital and get plenty of experience with patient care.

DEDICATION

I believe it takes a certain person to work in healthcare and medicine. If your only reason for going to nursing school is for the money, I suggest you stop here. What makes for a great nurse is compassion, empathy, patience, and leadership.  It’s taking action when no one tells you to, noticing small details, giving it your all everyday at work. If you become a nurse only for the paycheck you will not last in this field.

It also takes a certain kind of person to do well in nursing school. It’s not a walk in the park to get into any healthcare-related program. To do well in nursing school, you have to be willing to study, to do your own research and be self motivated. Many programs have information sessions but you have to be the one to attend. You need to stay on top of your pre-req classes. If you want to be a nurse then you need to work hard to keep your grades up. If you don’t pay attention to your pre-req classes and still get into nursing school, those classes are going to haunt you during the NCLEX or during school itself. You need to know about A&P, microbio, etc. Those classes are pre-reqs for a reason.

PLANNING & TIMELINE

Make a plan for the order in which you’re going to take your classes. Some science classes like A&P or microbio require other core sciences to be taken first. Make sure you take your core science classes early and don’t wait to take them. Most programs have “program maps”  that give a recommended path to take, however you might need to modify it due to workflow and your personal schedule. Keep in mind you might have to retake some of your classes if you don’t get a good grade in them. You’ll also want to plan to take your hard classes accordingly. If you think you’re going to struggle in a class like A&P, consider your surrounding class and workload. Make sure to lower your courseload that quarter/semester or if possible work less during that time.

Don’t compare yourself to others. If it’s taking you longer to get through pre-nursing than someone else, it doesn’t matter! You will meet people of many different ages in your pre-reqs and nursing classes. Nursing is my first choice which is why I tend to be the youngest in the room however its not most people’s first choice. If you are older or younger than your counterparts, it doesn’t matter. Your timeline is going to be different from everyone else because we all go through different experiences. Make the journey enjoyable and don’t just idolize the end result. I had a huge fear of not being a nurse by a certain age however I’ve learned that if you rush it then you will become more stressed and may even start to struggle in your classes. Go at your own pace.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME OR SIMILAR GOALS

If you surround yourself with other people who have the same or similar goals, you’ll feel more motivated. Collaborative environments are also beneficial for shared success between you and your peers. When I started this journey back in my senior year of high school I only had one friend who was able to give me advice and share my interest with. However, since working at the hospital I have found a small group of CNAs who attend the same college as me to share my knowledge with. Taking your pre-req classes with friends is much more enjoyable as well. It’s also just nice to have a community of others to talk things over or just get what you’re going through. Your family and friends probably won’t get what you’re going through because they haven’t been in your situation.