The competition for nursing schools is tough, but there are ways to increase your chances and make yourself stand out amongst the other applications. Here are 3 ways to set yourself apart and set yourself up for success.
1. Volunteer!
Not all programs require volunteer work, however admission counselors will commonly recommend this to applicants.
A community clinic or hospital is an ideal environment to provide volunteer help. The volunteer work will give you a close-up, first-hand view of the nursing profession. And all this experience will enhance your application and make it more compelling.
And besides, this will help you determine if the nursing profession suits you.
You can futher expand your volunteer resume by joining an organization such as the American Red Cross. While the majority of volunteers are needed internationally, the Red Cross does have local chapters with volunteer opportunities.
One benefit of volunteering with the Red Cross is that they allow volunteers to tailor their experience toward their nursing career goals. For example, if a volunteer is interested in child health, there are opportunities to work in daycare and school settings. According to the American Red Cross website, additional opportunities for nursing students include teaching first aid, assisting with local blood drives, and providing disaster response.
2. Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
Becoming a CNA can add valuable work experience to a prospective nursing student’s resume. CNA education requirements take only several months to complete but can provide great insight into the healthcare field. Additionally, it also can help pay for nursing school. The yearly salary range for a CNA is $32,000 to $42,000, so a lot of people start their nursing practice as CNAs.
3. Know Why You Want to Be a Nurse
This may obvious, but it’s really important. Most nurses can describe the moment they realized they wanted to be a nurse and why. It’s important to know why nursing is your passion or at least why you think it is.
During the job interview process, application committees will want to know why you are interested in the nursing profession. You need to have a clear, concise answer.
Knowing why you want to become a nurse will also help motivate you when you’re bogged down in microbiology, human anatomy, and general education coursework that seems to go on forever.
The nursing school application process can be competitive and stressful, but stay positive! If you know nursing is what you want to do with your life, you’ll make it happen.