Associate in Nursing - Austin Community College - (Winner)
Editors Note: This student story essay was selected as 2nd place winner from BrainTrack's Nursing Scholarship for Spring, 2011. At the time of submittal this winner, Amber Keller, was studying for a Associate in Nursing at Austin Community College.
Wishes Had Known | Advice on Career | Study TipsWhat do you wish you had known about selecting and entering your business school that would be helpful to others going into nursing?
Nursing school is highly competitive, even at the community college level. The first thing to do is have a meeting with an advisor that specializes in the nursing program to help you plan your classes from the first semester to the last. Many classes require pre-requisites and/or assessment tests before enrollment. Keep in mind all aspects of your life as you plan each semester! Does your job require more hours per week during a certain season? Should you consider taking fewer classes that semester? If you have job, childcare, or even transportation issues to consider, look into online programs.
Because the programs are so competitive, each and every class should be approached with the best attitude, and determination to earn the highest grade possible. Even if a required class isn’t specific to your nursing program (English, or math, perhaps) your grade will affect your GPA, which is likely a very important factor in placing into a program.
Venturing out is a great idea as well. If you find yourself interested in a particular subject, take a few extra classes if you have the time. Exploring all that college has to offer will help keep you motivated and broadens your experience. Taking continuing education courses or even enough classes for an additional degree will give your resume a competitive edge.
Other than school, what would you advise people entering the nursing field to consider or prepare for?
You may think you are a “people person” with great communication skills, but it’s a whole new game in the healthcare field. If possible, seek employment in a doctor’s office or clinic to help prepare you for what you may encounter in your new profession. You will need to be comfortable discussing and dealing with personal and private matters of one’s health. You may want to verse yourself in basic insurance and billing practices to get a better understanding of the system your patient will go through, from start to finish. You also need to understand that almost everyone needs healthcare, and you will be working with old, young, rich, poor, and people with disabilities of all kinds. Taking classes or reading books on how to deal with difficult people will be helpful as well.
You will most certainly come across complicated situations; even if you cannot diffuse them yourself, you need to have the necessary resources available to help you and the patient immediately. This also means that virtue of patience is of utmost importance. Taking your time with each person and situation to clearly understand their questions and needs will help avert future complications.
There is also the “ick-factor” to consider before you embark on your new career path. If blood, skin, mucous, feces, urine, or any bodily fluids or parts turn your stomach, nursing may not be for you. There are other healthcare professions to consider that may be better suited, and just as fulfilling for you.
What study tips would you recommend to other nursing students?
The most important study skill for all students is to never get behind! I have found that staying ahead of the schedule is a great stress reducer. If possible, get your books and syllabus/reading assignments well before the semester even begins, and get a head start reading and taking notes. It requires a good amount of self discipline (especially during winter or spring break!) but no three AM paper writing or last minute cramming for an exam will keep you calm and focused throughout the entire semester.
Reading text and completing assignments before the lecture also help you formulate questions in advance, and helps you digest the information in the lecture more clearly. You will thank yourself for staying ahead when “life” happens. When you come down with the flu, break an arm, or your computer crashes, you will have one less thing to worry about if next week’s assignments are already complete!
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, especially with nursing skills. Practice taking everyone’s temperature, blood pressure, give a mock sponge bath, and make the bed around someone. Most people are glad to help, and they don’t mind learning something new! It’s helpful to have someone who is not in your same field of study look over your assignments, papers, read your flashcards to you, and quiz you. Having to explain a topic to someone who knows nothing about it, in a way that they can understand it, is an excellent study tool.