From volunteering to looking into the perks, here are 10 answers to the question, “What are some recommendations you would give someone looking into the nursing profession?”
Learn That Nursing School Is Not Easy or Cheap
“For those considering getting into nursing, one often overlooked aspect is nursing school. People think “oh, I’ll just go back to school, get my degree and be out and working as a nurse in no time.” The reality, however, is that nursing school poses several obstacles.
For one, it can be really hard to get into nursing school. Because nursing is such a sought-after profession, nursing schools are often drowning in applications, making acceptance rates low.
What’s more, once you get in, the work isn’t easy. Nursing school is extremely tough, especially given the heavy focus on science. And you don’t always get your classes, as required classes can be full, delaying graduation.
And of course, there is the price tag. Nursing school can cost upwards of $60,000 per year. So after 4 years, you could, in theory, have a student loan debt of close to a quarter million dollars. So think long and hard about just how committed you are to nursing before moving forward.”
John Ross, CEO, Test Prep Insight
Find a Mentor
“Nursing can be a taxing profession, even from the outside. Before you consider getting into nursing, it may be a good idea to experience what the daily work schedule is actually like.
Consider finding a mentor in the field of nursing. It’s important to understand the realities of this job and have a deep understanding of how it may affect you during hard times.
Hospitals and patients depend on nurses, so if you rush into this field ill-prepared, you may end up finding that the stress of the job is simply too much for you. Speak to nurses, talk to a mentor and understand what you’ll need to be a success in this field.”
Max Schwartzapfel, CMO, Schwartzapfel Lawyers
Make Sure You Are Passionate About Helping Others
“The nursing profession is a very rewarding career choice and a brilliant one for someone who is looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding.
My one tip for someone looking to get into the nursing profession is to make sure that they have a passion for helping others. Nursing is a very demanding profession, and it is important to have a passion for helping others in order to be successful in this career. Plus, it is a great way to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Carly Hill, Operations Manager, VirtualHolidayParty.com
Practice Nursing Interview Questions
“Having finished nursing school and passed all the exams necessary to get your RN license, getting through job interviews may not seem like much of a challenge.
Nevertheless, it’s always best to be prepared in order to feel calm and collected during the meeting. The greatest strategy is to prepare answers to the most common question for nurses beforehand. I recommend taking a moment to think about topics such as why you want to become a nurse, how you handle stress and deal with difficult patients, what are your skills as a nurse, and your strengths and weaknesses.
There are many lists of top interview questions for nurses available online that are worth checking out before the interview. Once you have your answers outlined, practice saying them out loud until you feel comfortable, and you’re all set and ready to go to your meeting!”
Maja Kowalska, Community Manager, Zety
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Use Job Shadowing and Internships to Get Your First Job
“As you apply for nursing jobs, you’ll notice that most positions require several years of experience. Even entry-level openings look for at least one or two years of experience.
Applying for job-shadowing programs and internships is an excellent way to overcome your lack of experience. Consider visiting hospitals in your area, explaining your situation to them, and asking about these programs.
You might feel overqualified, but once you’ve landed a job-shadowing position or internship and shown potential, employers will probably hire you for a long-term job.”
Scott Lieberman, Owner, Touchdown Money
Do Your Research on Specific Requirements
“The nursing profession is a demanding but rewarding field. If you are thinking of becoming a nurse, you will need to do your research to ensure that you are making the best decision for yourself.
First, you will need to have a strong desire to help others. Nursing is all about caring for others, and you must offer compassion and care to your patients. Second, you will need to handle stress. Nursing can be a stressful job, and you will need to manage your stress levels to be successful. Finally, you will need to be committed to lifelong learning.
To be a successful nurse, you must continuously update your skills and knowledge. If you are considering a career in nursing, keep these things in mind. Nursing is a demanding but rewarding profession that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Todd Jensen, Head of Marketing, Nursa
Talk to as Many Nurses as Possible
“There is no one better to learn from than those who have already been successful in the nursing profession. Talk to as many nurses as you can, and ask them for their advice on getting started in the profession.
Chances are, they will be more than happy to share their insights with you. It is also a good idea to shadow a nurse or two so that you can get a better sense of what the job entails.”
Tzvi Heber, Founder, CEO, & HR Head, Ascendant Detox
Get An Education in the Sciences
“The nursing profession is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career choice. It is also a very challenging and competitive field to enter.
In order to be successful, it is important to have a passion for helping others and be committed to lifelong learning. My one tip for someone looking to get into nursing would be to get a firm foundation in the sciences.
This education will give you the knowledge you need to be successful in nursing school and beyond. Plus, it will make you a more well-rounded individual.”
Grace He, People & Culture Director, teambuilding.com
Understand the Perks of the Nursing Field
“For those considering a career in nursing, it’s important to learn the ins and outs of the profession before committing to (and paying for) a licensure program.
One area to understand is what happens after you’re finished with your nursing education and testing. Because there is a shortage of nurses, some programs affiliated with a hospital system will guarantee you a job once you meet all requirements.
To take it a step further, there’s also a possibility of getting some (or all) of your education paid for if you stay with that employer for a specified amount of time. Of course, read the fine print before signing anything, but use perks like that to your advantage.”
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Resume Seed
Start by Volunteering
“When looking to get into the nursing profession, one of the best ways to start is to volunteer your time. In this way, you get to observe what the profession entails and choose whether it is right for you.
Also, working as a volunteer will add to your resume and can be a great way to get your foot in the door with a nursing school. Overall, by volunteering, you will make an informed decision about whether the nursing profession is for you.
Healthcare is a tough profession, as I know from all those in my family that do it. I myself worked in a clinic as a massage therapist to put myself through college.
Before committing to such a profession, it is good to know what it entails, and I think of no better low-risk, low-commitment way of testing the waters than by volunteering. Not only will you learn about the profession and decide whether it is right for you, but you will also add to your resume and earn valuable connections to help you in nursing school.”
Matthew Ramirez, CEO, Rephrasely
