Preparing For Nursing School 101

Preparing for Nursing School 101

Nursing is a rewarding profession for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of others. However, before becoming a registered nurse, all nurses must be accepted too and complete nursing school. We have provided a few suggestions that may help you in the event that you are preparing for nursing school. It is important to know what to study, what to avoid, who to talk to, and how to use your time wisely. Below, we will give you a few suggestions.

FIND THE TYPE OF NURSING SCHOOL YOU WANT TO ATTEND 

There are a few different types of nursing degrees, each with a different trajectory to a nursing license. All degrees, however, give you the credentials you need to become an RN. The first choice is an associate’s degree, which allows you to become an RN without earning a bachelor’s degree. The second choice is a diploma program, which lasts two to three years and allows you to become an RN in less time than it would take to earn a bachelor’s degree. The final alternative is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to complete and gives graduates the distinction of both a bachelor’s degree and a RN.

STUDY ACCORDING TO STANDARDIZED TESTS

Are you wondering what you need to study to be accepted to nursing school but don't know where to look? Preparing for the standardized test is always a good choice. Two of the most popular standardized tests are the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. The TEAS is Administered by ATI Nursing Education and covers the following topics: English language and usage, reading, science, and math. The TEAS must be taken prior to nursing school and many nursing programs use it as part of their application process. Subsequently, a good score on the TEAS can provide you with more options for nursing schools.

Unlike the TEAS, the NCLEX is given to all prospective nurses who have earned their nursing degrees. The NCLEX is considered most important exam of any nurse’s career, as it determines whether he or she is ready to practice as an entry-level nurse. The NCLEX covers a wide range of materials taught in nursing school, so studying for it before school even begins is a great way to get ahead on your coursework.

​Complete YOUR PREREQUISITES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Almost all nursing programs require students to complete some type of prerequisites in order to enroll. These prerequisites can be completely different based upon the program so it’s best to check with your nursing school to see what is required. Nursing programs will have the application pre-requisites available on their websites and some of the common prerequisites include a high school degree, high school or college course experience in the biological sciences, math, and English speaking and writing proficiency.

Additionally, there are also extra experiences, titles, and certifications which can allow your nursing school application to stand out from other applicants. For example, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can illustrate to nursing programs that you’re ready to do the work it takes to become a nurse. Additional lifesaving certifications are also recommended. Becoming certified in laymen rescuer CPR, BLS, and/or ACLS will show the nursing programs that you have dedication to learning life-saving techniques. Another suggestion is enrolling in ECG and Pharmacology. This course will not only prepare you for nursing school but also for ACLS and PALS which you may or may not choose to take prior to nursing school. Lastly, becoming a CPR instructor also is a great way to increase your confidence in your skills and help improve your public speaking.

Do you still have more questions regarding nursing school? Our team at Help-A-Heart CPR is here to help. Contact us to have your nursing school-related questions answered and review our website to gain additional information on our lifesaving certification courses.