Career and School Info for RNs (Registered Nurses) in Texas

There are several critical factors to consider before applying to a college and majoring in nursing, specifically pertaining to the school I am attending. One important factor that I could have done more research on is the fact that the nursing school is in a different location than the main campus. I did not visit the nursing school before applying to my college because I did not think it was too important and that I could handle the change. However, after becoming familiar with the city, campus, teaching style, and people, it will be difficult to move away from the small town where I have learned so much into a larger, more unfamiliar city.

I would also encourage other students considering nursing to research the cost of attending a certain college. Because a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is virtually the same at every school, I think it is important to choose a college that is affordable and will not require a significant amount of loans. For example, the college I chose is a private university, making the cost a lot higher than a community college that offers the same degree. However, it depends on the financial aid each individual receives; by searching out and applying for as many scholarships as possible, students like me will be able to decide on a college without worrying so much about the cost.

It is also crucial for students to decide on which type of nursing degree they want to pursue; for example, an Associate's Degree in Nursing takes less time to complete, but does not pay as well as higher educational degrees such as a Master's Degree.

Finally, I would recommend that prospective nursing students take classes in high school that can be transferred into the college of their choice. I took a few dual-credit classes in high school that enabled me to take a smaller course load each semester and therefore focus on the nursing classes more. However, I think it would have been more helpful if I had taken more of the general education classes earlier to get them over with and allow myself to begin the nursing courses sooner. Overall, it is essential to understand that a nursing school should not be a place where students take courses just to finish them; it needs to allow students to grow in education, experience, and as a person. Therefore, prospective nursing students should research many possible schools and choose the one that will help them strive to be the best nurses in the world.

Upon applying for MSUs Nursing program, I am really blessed that I didn’t have any issues. I got accepted, went to an orientation, met the instructors, and learned about what the program was about and what was expected of me as a nursing student at MSU. One thing that would be good to know if a student is looking for a University to attend is that Wichita Falls has 2 main hospitals, so clinicals are limited to those two places, but I like it because the whole hospital district is downtown and very close to each other. It has that small town feeling, and it’s easier to build relationships with the staff because you see them a lot when you go to clinicals and do SIMS lab, which is where we practice medical procedures. I like this atmosphere, but some students may want a bigger variety of hospitals to do clinicals. Another thing I like about the nursing program at MSU is that the classes are smaller and that gives more of a personal and helpful student to teacher ratio. We aren't just numbers to our instructors. They actually know us by name, and to me that is very special and encouraging because I know I can go to them with nursing issues and concerns.

Coming from an extensive medical background, I knew that nursing school was not going to be easy, but I was up for the challenge. I have no regrets choosing to attend Baylor University, but I do wish that I did not have to re-apply and be accepted to the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas, TX. Most of the other universities offer a four year nursing program, but Baylor offers a two year pre-nursing program in Waco and two nursing program in Dallas.

My best advice that I would give to those considering entering a nursing school would be to look at all your options. See what schools have the best nursing program and visit those campuses. I would also recommend that you start studying before you go to college, especially with subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology. Classes move in a rapid pace in college and often, a student will find themselves overwhelmed with information. But in the end, I do not regret choosing Baylor University and I know that I am receiving a quality education from this great institution.