I have had so many EP kids tell me that they were planning on becoming nurses that when I was contacted by this CNA test prep site about contributing an article, I told them they could submit something to me and I would decide if it was helpful to you all. I never do guest posts because they are all about advertising, but I’m giving this to you because I really have heard from so many that you have the goal of becoming a nurse, and so I hope this is helpful to you! I did NOT receive anything for posting this article. I NEVER do things like that.
Want to Become a Nurse: What You Can Do in High School That Will Help You Out
As a high school student with aspirations of becoming a nurse, your journey toward this rewarding profession begins long before you enter a college or university.
This article looks at the aspects of high school preparation for prospective nurses. It explores cost-saving options, such as dual enrollment and community college programs, which can significantly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a nursing degree.
Additionally, we discuss the right time to embark on this educational journey and guide you through the transition from high school to nursing school.
What You Can Do as a High School Student to Prepare for a Nursing Career
Here are a few ideas to help you start on your nursing career journey while in high school.
Build a Solid Academic Foundation
Subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics lay the groundwork for understanding the human body, disease processes, and pharmacology, which are fundamental to nursing practice. In addition, mathematics courses, especially algebra and statistics, develop essential analytical and problem-solving skills crucial for nursing.
Another area you can develop through academics is your communication skills. Since effective communication is at the heart of nursing, English and communication courses are as important as science and math courses.
High school English classes help you develop strong communication skills, which are critical for providing clear instructions, documenting patient information accurately, and showing empathy and compassion.
Psychology and sociology courses can also provide valuable insights into human behavior to help you understand and empathize with patients because nursing often involves dealing with a patient’s emotional and social needs.
In some regions and healthcare settings, knowing a second language can be an advantage as a nurse. Therefore, high school foreign language courses can lay the foundation for becoming bilingual or multilingual.
While these classes are beneficial as you prepare for nursing school, note that different nursing programs may have specific prerequisites. Hence, check the academic requirements and admission criteria of the nursing program you plan to join.
Explore Low-Cost or Free Options
Two valuable avenues to consider are dual enrollment and community college programs, along with utilizing free practice tests for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
Dual enrollment programs allow you to simultaneously enroll in college courses, often at a reduced cost or even for free. This initiative enables you to earn college credits while still in high school, providing a head start on your nursing education. These credits can apply later to your nursing degree and save you time and money.
Another option is a community college program offered in conjunction with your high school. Such programs often provide an affordable pathway toward an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or practical nursing diploma. These options typically require significantly less tuition than traditional four-year universities, making nursing education more accessible.
Start by researching nearby community colleges that offer nursing programs. You can do this through online searches, college websites, or contacting your high school guidance counselor for recommendations.
In addition, schedule a meeting with your high school guidance counselor to discuss your intention to enroll in a community college nursing program while in high school. Many community colleges require students to take placement tests in subjects like math and English, so prepare for these tests to ensure proper course placement.
Another strategy to learn about nursing is finding a useful CNA practice test resource. First, it’s free, so there’s no added cost. Secondly, it’s a complimentary practice test to help you prepare for the CNA certification exam. These tests simulate the exam experience, so you can decide if that’s the academic path you want to take after high school.
Identify the Right Time for Nursing Education
Typically, you begin college-level courses after high school graduation, but some may opt for dual enrollment programs to initiate their studies earlier.
Therefore, your transition from high school to nursing school involves several key steps. First, research and select accredited nursing programs that align with your career goals. Then, meet admission requirements. These may include standardized tests, letters of recommendation, and interviews.
Although you can become a CNA without a high school diploma, there are specific requirements you need to meet. The exact requirements may vary slightly by state and employer, so it’s essential to check the regulations in your area and the specific facility where you intend to work.
Find Pre-nursing Programs for High Schoolers
Often, these are collaborations between educational institutions, community organizations, and healthcare facilities.
One common form is the nursing summer camp hosted by colleges and universities. These camps offer you a hands-on introduction to the nursing profession. They typically feature workshops, lectures, and practical experiences, allowing you to explore various nursing specialties and gain insights into the academic and clinical aspects of nursing.
Become a Volunteer to Gain Experience
These experiences offer numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your readiness for a nursing career and bolster your application to nursing programs.
Firstly, engaging in volunteer work or part-time employment within healthcare settings provides a unique opportunity to develop essential skills and qualities necessary for nursing. Through hands-on experiences, you can cultivate skills like patient care, effective communication, empathy, and teamwork.
Secondly, volunteer and work experiences demonstrate your commitment and passion for nursing when you apply to nursing programs. Admissions committees highly value applicants with insight into the healthcare industry and possess a clear understanding of its demands.
To find such opportunities, you can start by exploring local healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Additionally, nonprofit organizations and community groups often seek volunteers for healthcare-related initiatives and events. You can inquire with your high school about partnerships with local healthcare facilities or health-focused clubs or programs.
Furthermore, online resources like volunteer databases and websites dedicated to connecting volunteers with organizations can provide a list of opportunities.
Final Thoughts
In your journey towards a fulfilling career in nursing, the early preparation during your high school years serves as a critical foundation. One of the areas you have to focus on is your subject choice and your GPA. You want it to remain high.
Although nursing leans toward science and math courses, you should also get good grades in humanities as they affect how you communicate and interact in a healthcare setting. As you work on your high school grades, you can also take a pre-nursing program in a community college. But that would require you to know the specific nursing specialty.
Therefore, join a volunteer program to learn about the nursing field. In addition to experience in areas you’d like to pursue after high school, volunteering also boosts your chances of college or university admission.