Articles

Nursing Schools pose serious challenges and - considering the nature of a nursing career and Medical Training - they're really a trial-by-fire. I am involved in a nursing programme and I will graduate the LVN programme in August, 2007. I attend evening and weekend classes, to continue to do my current job as well. It's hard, tiresom, even frustrating at times - yet often magical after all. It may be quite easier if you could attend a full time school without working, but it's impossible to survive. You will miss spleed and forget to have a life for up to a couple of years.

Hands-on experience is vital to any type of Medical Training, and no training would be complete without it. My own experience and the observations I've made of fellow students proves that "book smarts" alone are not enough to be an effective doctor. Effective training simply has to include interaction with real patients. The mannequins we use to practice procedures like injections, insertion of NG tubes, catheters, and assessments are useful, but incomplete. Mannequins don't have the feel of a real body or give the feedback a real patient does (both positive and negative).

It is very important to research the Nursing Schools you are considering on attending, and to consider the various Nursing Careers that are available to you. Be sure you will be satisfied with the level you aim for. Will LVN allow you to do what you want? Are there other Nursing Careers that may be more suited to you?

You have to verify if the private Nursing Schools have the accreditation you need if you want to branch into other Nursing Careers later down the road. Does that program give you an AA or BS? Does it give you a state-specific license only? What credits can be transferred to a community college or to a university if you choose to go onto a Bachelor's or Master's degree?

Another thing to think about is how much you'll have to spend! Private Nursing Schools have broader acceptance levels, but the tuition is a great deal more than community college. I had to take the private school option as my local community college had a waiting list for the RN program that stretched out to 2011! I had to pay their higher fees to get my schooling within a sensible time frame.

I would suggest one last consideration; take advantage of the tours and even sit in a class or two. Talk with the teachers and staff. Observe the caliber of students the school attracts. You will be trapped with these people for up to two years and it is important to understand what you will be facing. It may or may not be for you. Also see if you like the style of teaching. Is it challenging enough? Too challenging? Do you like the teachers? How is the staff? This will all make a big impact on your level of satisfaction.