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Tips for Getting into Nursing School
Cindy Mehallow | Monster Contributing Writer
LPNs: Show Patient-Care Skills
LPN applicants should demonstrate a solid foundation in nursing that’s equally balanced between care and knowledge. “They have to be compassionate, and they have to be smart,” says Maureen Creegan, EdD, RN, director and professor with the Division of Nursing at Dominican College in Orangeburg, New York, which has an advanced-standing program for LPNs.
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Solid nursing skills are more important today than ever, with patients being discharged earlier and spending more time in home care. Candidates must demonstrate the communication skills needed to prepare patients for discharge and the managerial skills needed to coordinate aftercare with community nurses. Once admissions officers have screened a candidate’s academic qualifications, they consider the caliber of his clinical experience; those with medical-surgical or experience in other hospital units have an edge.
Tip: Taking the National League for Nursing’s Acceleration Challenge Exams (formerly the Mobility Profile II) can help LPNs receive advanced placement in RN or BSN programs. In New York state, LPNs can take the New York State PN-to-RN Transition Course to validate their knowledge and help determine advanced placement.
Career Changers: Communication and Teamwork
For career changers, accelerated nursing programs offer quick entry into nursing. Because these programs are brief – often 12 to 18 months – and intense, admission tends to be ultra-competitive. Accelerated programs often look for at least a 2.7 or 3.0 undergraduate GPA, Creegan says.
But the admissions process “is not simply number crunching,” she adds. Dominican’s accelerated BSN program is a second baccalaureate program that attracts professionals with degrees in economics, biomedical engineering and other sciences. In addition to good grades and the required science courses, these nontraditional candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with others.
At Mount Carmel, admissions officers look for leadership experience in college or community organizations. And admissions officers for four-year nursing programs look for candidates with analytical skills and the ability to think on their feet.
Tip: Start a dialogue with the accelerated-program admissions officer or advisor at the schoolyou’re considering. Learn what they’re looking for and what you may need to do to obtain any missing qualifications.
This article was originally posted on Monster.com.
CLASSYKAREN
over 4 years ago
40 comments
I am thinking of going to community college for a LPN and I am almost 60 I hope it is not too late
AmbitiousFutureRN
over 4 years ago
52 comments
Encouraging posts ladies! Thanks for posting! Im 23 and Iam almost done with my prereqs so I can apply to nursing schools this Fall.
JoRN
over 4 years ago
24 comments
All I can say is if you are going into this profession thinking you don't have to be a bedside nurse or even touch the patient, this is NOT for you.
Seen so many young people who do not get that.
Don't waste the time of those who train you (including me) if you get grossed out.
Sorry guys, but this is NOT--I repeat NOT for you.
From: a 17 year RN
ada
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I considered Maryland Nursing School, a high rated Academy where I can be well TRAINED and ORIENTED.
mrsbeck826
over 4 years ago
34 comments
To aguerin40: God bless you too. I think it is a wonderful thing to be able to continue on doing what you started so long ago. I'm sure you'll fly through those classes and be an Anesthesiologist before you know it. I've seen that this is one of the top paying jobs in nursing.
May the Lord open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that you don't have room enough to receive.
Take care and continue to be blessed! :)
mrsbeck826
over 4 years ago
34 comments
This article really helps me, because I know that I am capable of getting all A's once I start school next year, but I know that education alone will net get you into the nursing program. The tips help because they I don't have any medical experience. I'll figure this thing out, but I know that I want to be a nurse.
aguerin40
over 4 years ago
4 comments
I am 40 returning to pursue my nursing degree that I started 20 years ago. Worked in Corporate America for 20 years, my oldest child is 20, jr in college my middle is 16 and my youngest is turning 2. I am working full-time going to school at night, hubby just retired from the Air Force. I am determined this time to finish. God has truly blessed me, but my prayer is to finally accomplish this so that I can give back all the blessings he has given me. I am pursuing to become an Anestheseoligist Nurse (??spelling):) May God Bless each of you and Good Luck!!
keky
over 4 years ago
4 comments
Do anybody know a good school for the BSN?
runnergirl01
over 4 years ago
2 comments
What school do you recommend for an accelerated BSN program?
kstiltner1
over 4 years ago
7172 comments
I went back to school 18 years ago. I was 24 y.o.
30something
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I went back to nursing school in Jan 2005 after almost 10 years of not attending. It's been a slow, steady pace but I'm getting there. I had a baby in 2006 in addition to the two children I already had and I work full time. It is not the easiest thing to do, but anything worth having is never easy. To any one thinking about a career change or beefing up your skills to have a better career, Nursing is WELL worth the drama you may go through between now and graduation. There were only a few credits I was able to use toward my current degree since I earned those credits back in the 90's. However, I didn't worry about it, if i passed that hard class in 1996 I knew I could pass it again in 2008. BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
gospellove772003
over 4 years ago
1246 comments
i hope an pray i am good enough to get in with my skills and acedemic i pray i excel far beyound my wildest dreams.
ladyemt96
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I am 46 yrs old I began persuing my RN in 2002 when my grandmother became ill she made me promise to finish my degree. In the spring semester of 2009 I will be in class. along with my youngest daughter. I have been an emt for 20 yrs raising 4 girls there was no time to go to school there is no time like the present. I have determination and persistence I will finish this time.
Account Removed
over 4 years ago
I can't express how happy I am that all of you posted comments about not giving up. 5 years ago I knew the medical field was where I belong but it's only been the last few months I've decided it's time. I'm working 2 jobs just to pay for schooling in jan. I thought I was crazy for trying at 27yrs old but now I see determination is a lot more important than age.
TCTalbot
over 4 years ago
296 comments
"Yay!"... to all of us for stepping up and knowing what we want to do when we grow up!! :-)
With a lot of hard work and determination we can have it all!