There are three entry level programs to the nursing profession. The first is a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, or BSN. A four-year nursing program is preferred over a two-year degree because this degree offers a steppingstone to higher degrees such as Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctoral Degree in Nursing. A two-year associate's degree in nursing focuses on technical skills rather than theory, but an associate's degree offers a platform for achieving a BSN. Another degree is a nursing diploma, which is a two- to three-program offered in fewer than 100 schools, preparing students to work in an inpatient setting or hospital.
Nursing courses require hands-on classes in health-care settings, such as a hospital or physician's office. These are referred to as "clinicals." These classes are supervised and offer real-world scenarios where nurses must perform. During lectures and clinicals, you need to participate and appear interested in every topic. Teachers appreciate the attention and help students who show more dedication in classes. During these hands-on courses, follow all instructions and study the professionals around you. If a procedure confuses you, then ask questions and look up information in your notes or books. Later on in your courses, nursing students work with an assigned nurse and assist them in procedures such as checking pulse, blood pressure, vision and weight. Nursing students often buy a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) review book, which offers practice tests and information on the licensing exam, which determines if you receive your license.
In classroom instruction, nursing students learn basic, intermediate and advanced nursing skills. Courses generally include basic nutrition, chemistry, psychology, human anatomy, physiology, human development, microbiology, nursing science, pharmacology and communication. In classes, just like in a clinical experience, your teacher teaches hands-on procedures as well as lecture and textbook knowledge. Paying attention in these classes is most important as this information is the foundation for your advanced growth as a LPN or RN.
A personal planner helps nursing students organize class schedule, volunteering, clinical courses, exams and other deadlines. Nurse Zone recommends taking notes with a laptop, creating outlines with headers, subheads and bullet points. Also, creating flash cards is one to prepare for quizzes and exams. A typical set of flash cards provides information on diseases, conditions, treatments, procedures, signs, symptoms, diagnostic tests and interventions. Taping lectures is another way to ensure that you retain the most information from your classes. Forming study groups with fellow students allows for discussion and questions as well as filling in any missed information from clinical experiences or classes. "Scrubs" magazine, a print magazine by nurses, suggests becoming familiar with your instructors and senior nurses by asking questions and volunteering your help.