how to start studying nursing
1. Decide what kind of nursing you want to do
There are many types of nursing and a wide range of roles for nurses. The first thing you need to do is work out what type of nursing you would like to do, and check that your qualifications in your own country will give you eligibility for registration in the UK. This can be done by contacting the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) ahead of time.
Once you’ve decided which area interests you most, consider whether there any specialisations within this field that appeal more than others. For example, if you want to become an adult nurse, decide whether or not you want to focus on specific areas such as mental health or learning disabilities, as this could impact where you study. Once you’ve made your decision it’s time to start making plans!
2. You need to be able to think on your feet and make split-second decisions under pressure
If you want to be a nurse, you need to be able to make decisions quickly. Nursing requires you to juggle multiple responsibilities and think on your feet in emergency situations. If you want a career change, nursing may not be right for you if you’re someone who likes to take the time and think things over carefully before making any decision.
“People who are cautious and deliberative are not going to do well as nurses. Unless they have a strong desire and motivation to do it, they’re just not going to succeed at being a nurse,” says Dr. Linda Cronenwett of the University of North Carolina School of Nursing in Chapel Hill.
“It’s not that nurses don’t make mistakes – because we certainly do – but once you stop learning from your mistakes or taking risks then I think it’s time for another career path; whether that’s something else in healthcare or something completely different,” explains Kelly Tanner, registered nurse at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital in Colorado.
3. Be prepared for the cost
There is no simple way to tell you how much it will cost for you to study nursing. Universities and colleges will provide the same course in different ways, and this is likely to affect how much you pay. The best thing to do is ask your chosen university or college about their fees, including living costs.
If you are a UK student, your tuition fees may be covered by the Student Loans Company (SLC), which offers loans and grants. You can get more information on this from the SLC website.
4. If you are interested in an internship, it is time to start looking around
If you are interested in an internship, it is time to start looking around. A few weeks before your first semester begins, talk to your advisor or the director of the program about which internships would be best for you. The sooner you start the search and submit applications, the easier it will be to land a position.
By now you have probably noticed what a big commitment nursing is. It takes time and dedication, but if that doesn’t scare you off, then a nursing career can be very rewarding!
5. Plan, plan and plan some more
As a student, you will probably be juggling lots of commitments outside of your university education. It’s important that you take time to plan and schedule your study in with things like work and personal commitments. Similarly, it is also important to set aside some time to relax and unwind.
It’s tempting to put off planning until the last minute but it can be really stressful if you don’t know how you’re going to fit everything in. Having a good plan means that there are no nasty surprises, no double-booking yourself or spending hours wondering what your next move should be.
Try using a calendar app or tool on your phone so that you always have up-to-date information with you wherever you go. And when it comes to planning, try not just scheduling things in but also blocking out any time for resting or socialising as well: there is nothing worse than having ‘nothing to do’ because all the rest of your life is planned out!
It all starts with a strong foundation and a willingness to work hard.
To begin your journey towards becoming a nurse, make sure you have a solid foundation. Maintain good grades in high school, particularly in science courses. It is also beneficial to get involved with community service, obtain part-time work in a healthcare setting such as a nursing home or hospital and research the various nursing programs available. This will help you choose the one that best fits your needs and career goals. It also shows potential employers what you’re about and gives them an idea of how eager you are to start.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices of schools, the next step is to enroll. Be sure to invest enough time into completing all required courses for graduation with flying colors; this will increase your chances of being accepted for advanced placement into bachelor’s degree programs or medical school at a later stage.
Once enrolled in one of these programs, keep working hard by staying committed every day so that someday soon it’ll be easier when applying for jobs because employers know exactly where they stand with someone who has worked really hard throughout their education process versus someone who hasn’t done much more than just show up at work each day without ever trying very much.”