Prepare in High School
Nursing is a highly skilled profession that is based on a strong understanding of physical sciences such as chemistry and physics, life sciences such as biology, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology, as well as math and computer skills.
Social sciences such as sociology and psychology will also play an important role in the holistic approach to patient care. Cultural differences, coping mechanisms, and emotional issues all affect the patient's ability to understand and make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent illness and promote health.
Nurses also have to have a strong sense of compassion and empathy and a desire to help people and alleviate pain and suffering. As a nurse, you will need to be emotionally stable and able to help patients and families cope with illness, pain, suffering, birth, loss, and death.
Entrance ExamsNursing schools will require a variety of entrance exams. Almost all schools require one of the College Board exams such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). In addition, many nursing schools now require one of several Nursing Entrance Exams such as the Pre-Nursing Guidance Exam from the National League for Nurses, or the Entrance Exam for Schools of Nursing from the Psychological Testing Corporation.
The College Board exams test language and math skills and branch into essay exams in specific areas of study such as foreign language, sciences, and history.
The nursing entrance exams test skills in math, reading comprehension, and the rate at which you read. A proficiency level in algebra is expected as well as a reading comprehension at a minimum tenth grade level. Algebra is required for tasks such as adjusting and verifying medication administration scenarios. The reading comprehension at a tenth grade level is necessary for comprehending most science textbooks.
These nursing exams also evaluate your test taking skills, personal learning style, stress level, and social interaction profiles. These areas are used to predict your success rate in the nursing program and they are used to rank you in the admissions process.
If you are in school, work with your guidance and career center counselors to determine a course of study that prepares you for a career in nursing. Utilize the resource materials available on the Internet and in your school or public library or career center to determine which entrance exams are needed. Locate practice test materials or live opportunities to determine your abilities to excel on these exams. This will also provide you with an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in both test taking and various subject matters.
Basic computer skills are essential to almost any career now and nursing is no exception. You will need word processing skills and a good understanding of how to research topics on the Internet in order to survive college or vocational school. Health care is rapidly becoming automated, from programmable pumps for IVs to computerized medical records. A comfort level in utilizing computers is essential for anyone pursuing a nursing career today.
