Top 10 Nurse Posts - July 2010
ShareThis- The number of nursing continuing education units varies between states. Some may not require them at all. Turn to your state's Board of Nursing to find out what is required where you reside.
- One of the most challenging parts of securing nursing continuing education units may be finding topics that you feel are pertinent and valuable. Whether you are looking into obtaining online nursing CEUs or attending a workshop, your colleagues can be excellent resources in regards to courses they have found useful and interesting. Professional nursing publications may also list upcoming opportunities to obtain CEUs.
- Don't procrastinate! After finding out how many annual nursing continuing education units your state requires, it is a good idea to make a plan so you are not faced with having to satisfy all of the requirements at the end of the year.
Overcoming Obstacles in Nursing School
Applying to nursing school and becoming a nurse is not easy. There are lots of decisions to make and many challenges to be faced. Sometimes unrelated factors may make your journey more complicated. But remember, remaining determined and staying focused is your key to overcoming any obstacles. Following are several examples of "bumps in the road" a few readers shared on their journey to becoming a nurse.
Tattoo Troubles
A July post discussed one potential student's frustration about being turned away from nursing school because of her tattoos. Many schools are affiliated with health care institutions which require them to adhere to the facility's personnel requirements when accepting and evaluating students. You may have to do some digging to find out if the nursing school you are applying to has restrictions about tattoos, but it's certainly worth the extra effort. Keep in mind, there are nurses with tattoos and they didn't all get them after graduation.
Conquer Challenges
If you are coping with a chronic illness or injury, don't let the challenges stand in your way of becoming a nurse. There are many ways to move successfully through nursing school. If attending classes and traveling to school every day is too stressful, online nursing degree programs may be a good option. Both RN to BSN degree programs and LPN to RN options are offered via the Internet.
Stereotypes about Nurses
No matter how far we think we have come as a society, stereotypes still exist, particularly when it comes to men and nursing. If you are a man who finds himself having to defend his reason for wanting to become a nurse, following are some of the advantages you may want to share with your critics:
- The required shift work gives you time off in the middle of the week and allows for shorter work weeks.
- Opportunities for advancement in nursing are plentiful, especially as you pursue further education and earn advanced degrees.
- Nursing is flexible and portable. You can often transition somewhat easily from one field of nursing to another as well as move from one part of the country to another without many concerns about employment options.
Nursing: Stay Informed, Keep Your Options Open, Stay Positive
While nurses are currently enjoying job growth and high-demand, entering this field isn't always easy. If you are questioning what nursing school degree programs are right for you, research your options online or by talking with a career counselor at the nursing school you are considering. There are many opportunities, each with its own unique benefits. Our nursing expert offers some tips to help you find the career path that's right for you:
- If you have been out of the field for many years and are considering rejoining the nursing workforce, touch base with your state's Board of Nursing to inquire if you need refresher training courses before returning to work.
- Don't let what you've heard about a particular field of nursing cloud your judgment or steer you away from that area of practice. Talking to professionals in the industry is your most accurate resource for information.
- Try not to get discouraged. If you were in nursing school, but were not successful look closely at the factors that played a role in making your journey a difficult one. If you decide to reapply to nursing school, focus on building your confidence and building a plan for success so that you can present your strategy to the Admissions team. They will want to know why this time will be different.
