How to Get Into Nursing School?

Photo Credits: Jane Carmona 

    Nurses, Registered Nurses (RN) and License Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs or LVNs) are qualified medical experts who work alongside doctors and other health care professionals to deliver treatment and care in different medical settings. The nursing career is a rewarding profession and the demand continues to increase. 

        Nurses work very hard, and serve a critical role in the healthcare team. Therefore, you should be passionate about choosing a career in nursing. Students who choose to pursue a nursing career need to know about the program prerequisites and requirements. Getting into a nursing program can be challenging as many programs have very high standards and competitive candidates. This information below should help guide and jump-start your process. 

Prerequisites for Nursing Entry Level

      Getting admission into nursing school can be challenging, therefore, students who wish to pursue a nursing career should have at least a high school diploma or GED and attain a high grade point average. The following classes are requirements for admission;

·      Psychology

·      Anatomy and Physiology

·      Microbiology

·      Statistics

     Sociology

·      Chemistry

      Nursing Program Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements are set by the University`s nursing school. Generally, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program will require a GPA minimum of 3.0-3.2 while a program in Associate degree in Nursing (AND) in a community college will require a minimum GPA of 2.7- 3.0.  The GPA requirement will vary based on the University, however, the average nursing student will have a GPA of at least 3.5. The higher the students' GPA is, the more competitive they will be in the selection process. 

      Most nursing programs have a designated number of spots for students. Therefore, candidates are frequently placed on a waitlist due to high numbers of applicants. This is why it is important to be prepared and be competitive. An "ideal nursing candidate will have the following prepared:

·      A high school diploma or GED

·      A high GPA (Preferably 3.5 or over)

·      An complete application

·      Personal essay 

·      Personal interview

·      Recommendations from prior teachers/ professors/ employers

·       Volunteer work experience

·      An application fee

·      English test if English is not the primary language. 

·      High scores on TEAS/HESI/KAPLAN entrance exam

       Note that volunteer work in a hospital is viewed positively by the selection committee. If you are interested in a competitive program, volunteer at the same location for an extended period of time so that you can have strong references that truly reflect your character.

       In addition, these experiences will make you more competitive. Through volunteering, the school will know, at the minimum that you know the expectations and that you are committed to your career. 

        Hopefully, this guide can alleviate any stress you have about starting the nursing journey. Remember, getting into any nursing program is challenging. Just take it one day at a time, and stay the course. Best wishes! 

    Have any tips on how to get into Nursing School? Let us know below in the comments!

7 Steps to Get Into CRNA School

Photo By: Stefan Schranz

Below are the requirements according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, in addition to some helpful tips of our own.

1. Apply and get accepted into an accredited BSN program. (Or BS in Science with RN Licensure)
2. Graduate with a competitive GPA (3.6+) and pass NCLEX licensure
3.   Gain employment in a VERY Critical care unit (CSICU, CICU, ETC…) in a large Level 1 teaching hospital. 
4.  Work for at least one year/make a good impression on managers/ Shadow multiple CRNA
5. Take GRE and SCORE HIGH
6. Obtain BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN (More certifications will help you stand out
7. Apply to CRNA school
8. 
   

 These 7 items are considered the “GOLDEN STANDARD” for getting into Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) school.  However; there are always exceptions to the rule. The most important thing is to know the requirements of the school you are applying for. Many CRNA programs no longer accept ER, Trauma, or PICU experience.

 Pay attention to the school requirements and try to tailor yourself as closely as possible to their requirements. Some schools focus heavily on the GRE while others focus on GPA and experience. Do your research and stay ahead of the game. Remember some CRNAs applied five times before they were accepted. It is tough, but do not give up. 

The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) standard of practice takes into effect in 2020 for CRNAs. This deadline will give you plenty of time to get into a CRNA masters program before the doctorate degree level of entry becomes mandatory. Good luck!  

Inspiration for Nurses and Nursing Students

Good morning current and future ‪nurses!! Just know that NO MATTER how hard Work or School is, you are making a difference in the world. You may feel underappreciated or mistreated, but you are Critical to the ‎healthcare mission! Somewhere, right now, your patient is telling their family "what a great nurse you were because THEY ARE STILL ALIVE! It’s all because of you! You rock nurses!!! 

6 Ways Nurses Can Eat Healthy During a 12 Hour Shift

    

 1. Eat Breakfast! 

     Eating breakfast provides the needed energy to power you throughout the day.

     Quick breakfast =2 Hard-boiled eggs and a cup of orange juice.

      Tip: Boil 6 eggs and refrigerate them. In the morning just grab and go.

2. Stash away!

 Keep a stash of nutrient-dense snacks in your nursing bag on the floor. (String cheese, tuna, and crackers, trail mix, nuts, fresh and dried fruit, yogurt).  

3. Vending machine woes!

 If you must go to the vending machine, try to choose healthier options. Protein dense snacks such as snickers, Peanut m&m's, trail mix, baked chips.     

4. Drink plenty of water! 

Thirst can disguise itself as hunger. Staying hydrated prevents you from overeating.

5. Avoid caffeine!!! 

Caffeine gives you a false sense of energy followed by a sudden crash. Plus carbonated drinks are usually filled with LOADS OF SUGAR!! 

     6.  Snack on! 

In reality, most of us nurses do not get a lunch break. If you’re in this situation, then it is important for you to have small snacks every two hours during your shift. This will keep your metabolism rolling and provide you with ongoing energy.  

Disclaimer: These are just suggestions that stem from factual sources. Ultimately, you know what your body needs. Cater to your needs any way you see fit. :-)

NCLEX Listen N Learn Mobile Application Alert

Check out this awesome new app. According to the developers, this app was created for students that want to learn on the go. Just plug in your headphones and listen to the questions being asked. You can quickly respond in the following break. "NCLEX Listen and Learn" will help busy students study anywhere... even on the way to school or work. NO books necessary.  DOWNLOAD NCLEX Listen and Learn Here. 

Ebola...Exposed?

     Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees).

      Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.
Transmission is spread by direct contact with bodily fluids (blood, urine, feces, saliva, tears, seaman, vomit, sweat etc...) However, Viruses are known to mutate when introduced into new environments. Do NOT rule of the ability of the virus to mutate into different strains that could possibly mutate into an airborne strain.

• According to a WHO Transmission remains intense in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and case incidence is still increasing in Sierra Leone.
• All Ebola patients in the United States have been discharged from the hospital.
• Once people recover from Ebola, they can no longer spread the virus to people in the community. However, because Ebola can stay in semen after recovery, men should abstain from sex (including oral sex) for three months. If abstinence is not possible, condoms may help prevent the spread of Ebola. Sexual transmission of Ebola has never been reported.

Prevent Transmission of Ebola Video:

What is Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen.The disease often presents with symptoms that mimic other common ailments. This makes diagnosis extremely difficult. Although there is currently no known cure for mesothelioma, treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy can help to improve the typical mesothelioma prognosis.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, causing harmful inflammation of the pleura and resulting in mesothelioma or asbestosis (scar tissue formation in the lungs). Occupational exposure is the most common source of exposure

The cavities within the body encompassing the chest, abdomen, and heart are surrounded by a membrane of cells known as the mesothelium. Malignancies (cancerous tumors) occurring within the mesothelial membranes are known as malignant mesothelioma, or simply mesothelioma. Benign tumors of the mesothelium are known to occur, but are much more rare than malignant mesothelial tumors.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma are: Anemia, Blood Clotting Disorder, Bowel Obstruction, Chest Pain, Dysphagia, Fluid Effusion, Hemoptysis, Nausea, Peritoneal Effusion, Weight Loss

Some Occupations related to asbestos exposure

Aeronautical Engineers

Aircraft Mechanic

Auto Mechanics

Blacksmiths

Boilermakers

Brick and Stone Masons

Bulldozer Operators

Cabinet makers

Carpenters

Chemical Technicians

Civil Engineers

Construction Workers

Crane Operators

Draftsmen

Drill Press Operators

Drywall Tapers

Electric Power Linemen

Electrical Engineers

Electricians

Firefighters

Forge Men

Freight and Material Handlers

Furnace/Smelter Operators

Garage Mechanics

Grinding Machine Operators

Hairdressers

Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Home Inspectors

Household Appliance Installers

HVAC Workers

Industrial Engineers

Industrial Plant Workers

Insulators

Iron Workers

Machinists

Mechanical Engineers

Merchant Marines

Metal Lathers

Millwrights

Mixing Operators

Molders

Oil Refinery Workers

Operating Engineers

Painters

Pipefitters

Plasterers

Plumbers

Police

Power Plant Workers

Railroad Workers

Road Machine Operators

Roofers

Sailors and Deckhands

Sales Engineer

Sawyers

Sheet Metal Workers

Shipyard Workers

Stationary Engineers

Steamfitters

Structural Metal Craftsmen

Telephone Repairmen

Textile Operator

Tile Setters

Tinsmith

Tool makers

Weavers

Welders

Humor Pic of The Day 9/30/2014

Every nurse can relate to this! :-)

Humor Pic of The Day 9/28/2014

                                                        I am 100% guilty of this. 

Telemetry Tips

                                  

                                                                       "Simple Telemetry tips" 

This might sound super easy, but If it doesn't look right, it most likely isn't. Check labs and ask for help. Use your resources. 

Humor Pic of the Day

Are you all getting ready for inspections???

Humor Pic of the Day 9/1/2014

                                                   Happy Labor Day!!!!!

Humor pic of the day 8/28/2014

                                          The Joint Commission is here!

Humor Pic of the day 8/3/2014

"Sorry you died but...we need you at work"

Humor pic of the day 7/30/2014

Does your hospital do THIS to you?