Wilma Said:

Where should I start if I've decided to pursue the nursing career?

We Answered:

I would of course finish the semester but I would at the very least discover where in your area offers nursing. Then I would see what they require. I know they require college algebra, biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, etc. Some of the courses have minimum grades you need to get into the nursing sequence. in fact, that is one reason to change schools after this semester, b/c sometimes there are regulations about how to get into the nursing sequence & you may have a tougher time getting in if you do all you prerequisites at another college.

Danny Said:

Need Advice in Starting my Nursing Career!?

We Answered:

Find a school that teaches nursing. My father prefers the two-year programs if you just want to get into nursing in general. One they are quick and two, they do more hands-on teaching a lot sooner than a four-year program.

Any school that has a nursing program will offer the classes you need...all of them.

To get started, just find a school and sign up.

I don't know if there is a waiting list as there is a nursing shortage in the country so as long as there is space in the classes, you can get started next semester or at worst the one following...so no more than 3-4 months.

One last bit of advice. When you go through all of this and get ready to take your boards (final test to actually become a RN) remember this trick. When you're confronted with something during the lab portion and you're stumped. Touch something to contaminate your hands thus requiring you to have to re-wash them. This is a way to get away from the instructor, away from the pressure, and gives you a few minutes to dredge the answers out of your mind. They cannot say anything about it since your hands are supposed to be as clean as possible when dealing with patients. It's a great stall tactic that they can not chide you for.

Sonia Said:

Can you get a BS in nursing and fulfill your pre med requirements at the same time?

We Answered:

There are certain courses which most medical schools deem as prerequisite for admission. Some of these are also prerequisite for admission to a BSN nursing program, however, you might have to make more cautious choices. For example, many medical schools request that if statistics is part of the mathmatics courses taken, that it be taken from the mathmatics department. Often, for a BSN program, you can take statistics from other departments, such as psychology. Also, while many BSN programs have a chemistry requirement, few require organic chemistry, etc. However, you can fill your electives, and extra hours taken during your BSN education with these courses. In some cases, it may mean taking an additional courses or two during the summer terms, or taking a very heavy load, but I have known many BSN graduates, who went to medical school, after graduation.

At one time, there was one medical school, which actually gave preference for admission to RNs and PAs, as they had better patient rapport, when they started clinicals, however, that school, has changed significantly since then, and may not have that preference at this time.

Just so you realize, that if your attend a BSN program, and your grades suffer, because you are trying to manage a full academic load, and attend clinicals at the same time, you may not meet the medical school criteria. Many people find a BSN program stressful enough on it's own merits. Also, in addition to having to get the highest possible score on the MCAT, you will probably also be needing to wory about passing the NCLEX-RN at the same time.

Good luck with your career!

Michael Said:

What are the education requirements to become a nurse anesthetist?

We Answered:

CRNA: BSN, a year of critical care nursing experience, Master's program in nurse anesthesia. Total time (excluding cc experience): 6 1/2 years.

Anesthesiologist: Bachelor's degree, Medical school, Anesthesia residency. Total time: 12 years.

A fully trained CRNA has less clinical experience than a first year anesthesia resident, and does not have the educational background to even apply to medical school. However, many of them think they are equivalent to us. The good ones know their limitations, and work well as part of a care team. The cocky ones think they know it all, and call us when things have really gone downhill.

Salaries are high for CRNAs, but about half that of an anesthesiologist. The doctor has the ultimate responsibility in the case, and assumes the risk for what the CRNA does, and that's one reason that the pay is higher. We also have significantly more training and experience, and can do more than most CRNAs (especially with regard to regional techniques).

It's a good profession for nurses, as long as you have good attention to detail, and can work as part of a team. I prefer to do my own cases, because, although there are plenty of very good CRNA's that I wold trust my life to, there are also some that are downright scary. And, I love giving anesthesia. It's more fun to actually do it.

If you have what it takes to be a physician, go that route. You won't be happy as a nurse. If you don't want to put the time and commitment into becoming a doctor, then nursing is also a fine choice. We need good nurses.

Norma Said:

Which healthcare career should I go into? Below are my specifics and requirements.?

We Answered:

Become a PA

Charles Said:

I'm considering nursing as a potential career, but i have a few questions?

We Answered:

Usually before you apply to a nursing program you take a year or two of college prerequisite classes. They will usually look only at your college GPA in those courses and in other general education classes. There is a possibility of a test that tests basic math, reading, science, english. Another huge thing that they look at is work experience. Try to get CNA, or EMT certification and get a job part time. They also may want professional references, an essay, and/or an interview. Nursing schools can be difficult to get in to but the main thing is if you want it bad enough, you will get in, so don't give up, work hard, and be positive! Good luck!