How I Switched from Retail to Studying Nursing: A Story of Immediate Choices

nursing student

Hi guys, my name’s Cristel, and I’ve been working in retail for a few years now. Honestly, it’s not really my thing, you know? I’m eager to switch to something that’s more human-related. I believe that there’s more to life than just making sales and dealing with unhappy customers. I indeed found a good reason to become a nurse; I’d like to help people in a more significant way. That’s why I’m thinking of pursuing nursing studies.

Why Did I Hesitate to Study to be a Nurse?

I guess nursing is a good career. Of course, like with any major decision, I’ve had my doubts, one of the primary reasons being the cost. A nursing degree can be quite expensive, and I wasn’t sure if it was worth the investment. And I asked myself “is it worth being a nurse?” You may also think “nursing is hard”… But, after doing my research and talking to people in the nursing field, I realized that there are many reasons for becoming a nurse. Getting a degree would not only bring in more money, but also make me more educated.

pro&cons board

Such Pro & Cons boards always help me make a decision

The nursing field of study is vast, and there are a few different levels of nursing. These include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Each level requires a specific degree and certification, and the level of responsibility and pay scale increase with each level. I wanted to become an RN, which requires at least an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). 

According to AACN, from 2021 through 2031, the federal government anticipates that more than 203,000 new positions for licensed nurses will appear annually. 

So, this profession will soon offer more working places!

What Nursing Schools Was I Choosing from?

I researched various nursing schools in the USA, and I found that each school had different requirements for enrollment. Some schools required a minimum GPA, while others asked for recommendation letters and a personal statement. I also found that some schools required that a cover letter be included in the application. ​​

top nursing schools

The best nursing schools – taken from Nurse.org

There are also private and public nursing schools. State or local governments own and operate public nursing schools; they receive funding from taxpayers. And private entities own and operate private nursing schools; they rely on tuition fees and donations to cover their operational costs. Tuition fees for private nursing schools are higher than those for public nursing schools. It was overwhelming, but I persevered and applied to a few schools because I want to learn to be a nurse

Let me tell you, there are a ton of schools to choose from! You can find a lot more places for studying nursing, guys!

nursing schools

The geography of the nursing schools I was considering

  • University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The school has a rigorous curriculum that includes such nursing study subjects as clinical experience, research, and leadership development. The school is also known for its excellent faculty and state-of-the-art simulation labs.

  • Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The school is famous for its focus on research and evidence-based practice. It also has a strong emphasis on leadership and innovation in nursing.

  • Duke University School of Nursing

The Duke University School of Nursing also offers a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The school has a strong focus on clinical practice and leadership development. It also offers students the opportunity to participate in global health programs.

How to Enroll in Nurse Studying School?

The requirements for enrollment in nursing schools vary depending on the school and the degree program. Generally, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet minimum GPA and test score requirements. You may also need to complete prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and other related subjects.

In addition to academic requirements, nursing schools often require applicants to submit a personal statement or cover letter. You need to write about reasons to go into nursing and reasons why to become a nurse specifically for you.This is an opportunity for you to explain why you want to enter the nursing world and why you would be a good fit for the program.

There are many programs for studying nursing. They offer associate’s degrees in nursing (ADN) and bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN). These programs have rigorous coursework and clinical requirements that can be challenging. Most schools set the lowest acceptable GPA at 3.0, but some programs allow you to enter with a 2.7-2.8 GPA. You should research these programs. Also consider the school’s graduation and NCLEX pass rates, their accreditation, and the reputation of the school and faculty.

The application process was challenging for me, but I made it through. I wrote a compelling personal statement that explained my reasons for wanting to be a nurse, and I included recommendation letters from previous employers. You should also think carefully about your reasons to be a nurse. I also worked hard to achieve a good GPA in my prerequisite courses, which helped me get accepted into a nursing program at a local community college. 

My Experience in Study Nursing

I won’t lie, studying nursing is no cakewalk. But maybe studying hard is your main reason for becoming a nurse, who knows:) The classes are challenging, and the material is complex; this is why nursing so complicated to study. I’ve learned the basics of anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care. I have also had clinical experiences where I observed and assisted with patient care in real-world settings.

study nursing

Source – Giphy

One of the reasons to be nurse is the variety of opportunities available. Nurses can work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and even in people’s homes. Now I’ve seen so many reasons to want to be a nurse! There’re many specialties within the nursing field, such as pediatrics, oncology, and emergency medicine. This variety means that I can choose a nursing path that best suits my interests and skills.

Becoming a nurse has been an enriching experience for me. I’m grateful that I took the plunge and pursued a degree. It has been worth the investment of both time and money. The things you learn in nursing school will help you to take care of people. What could be better than that? Not only do I have a more fulfilling career, but I also have job security and a higher income. I am excited about the future and the many opportunities that being a nurse will bring.

So, guys, nursing is a challenging but rewarding career that makes nursing worth it! I hope I’ve shown you so many reasons for nursing career. If you’re interested in studying for nursing school, I encourage you to research different nursing programs and schools in your area. Don’t be afraid of applying to multiple schools and reaching out to people in the field for advice and guidance. 

If you want to pursue studying to be a nurse, do it! It’s a fulfilling and satisfying career that provides a sense of purpose and meaning. 

    
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Cristel Roberts
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Cristel works in retail but is eager to switch to something that’s more human-related. As the mother of an amazing boy, she believes in the importance of permissive parenting. Recently, Cristel moved from Delaware to Philadelphia because of the love of her life, and though her personal life didn’t work out, she still finds great pleasure in exploring the history of this city.
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