Preparing Yourself to Get an RN If you have decided that you want to get an RN, it is beneficial to start preparing early. There are many people that know that they want to get an RN as early as high school and even at a young age there are things that you can do to ensure you are able to accomplish this goal.
Start Volunteering First, when you are in high school you will want to start volunteering at local hospitals. There are a lot of people that do not think to volunteer at the hospital because they do not realize that there are jobs they are able to do when they are in high school. Even in high school there are jobs that you can do that will ensure you are able to make headway in the medical field. When you volunteer in the hospital you will not only get great experience but you will also get great exposure to those that are involved in the medical field. Get to know the doctors and the nurses that you are exposed to, this way you will be able to understand what your life will potentially be like. Take the time that you need to understand what tasks you would be expected to accomplish once you get an RN. As you are volunteering you may find a specialty that you are excited about. If you find a specialty, you will be able to hone in on that specialty once you have received your RN and you are able to work in the hospital as a nurse.
Understanding the Science Second, you will want to focus on the science based classes throughout your high school career. Focusing on these classes will ensure that you are going to be able to be successful in your program and build upon the solid foundation of knowledge that you have established. Although it may be tempting to sign up for easier classes throughout high school, when you have a foundation of science knowledge your harder classes in college will be more manageable. Fully understanding the basics will help you when you are in college.
RN Program Third, you will want to go to a college where there is an RN program available. Getting into an RN program can be difficult, but you want to make sure that you are going to be able to go to a school that has an RN program that you can work towards. Finally, throughout your college years you will want to make sure that you can dedicate yourself to your classes. There are a lot of people that do not realize how difficult a nursing program can be, but if you prepare yourself and stay dedicated to your program you can make it through. Working hard to make it through your program successfully will enable you to achieve your goal of being an RN. Do what you can now, no matter where you are in life, to ensure that you are able to find the best way to prepare yourself to get your RN degree.
Photo Credit: Sailing "Footprints: Real to Reel", Kevin Dooley