Before giving a speech about the rewards of a nursing career, be sure to read these Frequently Asked Questions:

Is nursing school hard?

Nursing school is as challenging as any other college experience. If you are dedicated, committed, have good study habits, and work hard, you will succeed.

What courses should I take to prepare for nursing school?

Nursing schools require a high school diploma and a sound academic standing in high school English, algebra, chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology. An understanding of computers and technology also is a great asset.

What kinds of courses do you take in nursing school?

Courses include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, nursing theory and practice, social sciences, and humanities. In addition, students get supervised, clinical, hands-on experience in hospitals and other health care settings.

What degrees are available?

Three types of training programs prepare you for different roles once you graduate:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – a four-year program offered at colleges and universities around the country.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – a two-year program offered at many community and junior colleges. Some hospital schools of nursing, colleges, and universities also offer ADN degrees.
• Hospital Diploma – a two- or three-year program based in hospital settings. Many diploma schools are affiliated with junior colleges where students take basic sciences and English requirements.

Of the three types of degrees, the BSN gives you the most opportunity for advancement and is required for a master’s degree in nursing. A master’s degree is required for those who want to practice in advanced specialty areas, such as: nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, and RN first assistant in the operating room. Nurses interested in becoming a researcher, professor of nursing, or senior nurse administrator, generally need to obtain a Ph.D.

Do many men go into nursing?

Yes! Traditionally, more women go into nursing than men. In Maryland, a full 10 percent of nurses are men. Nationwide, in 1996, 5 percent of RNs were men, up from 4 percent in 1992. And, the number of men enrolled in BSN programs increased from 9.5 percent in 1992, to 11 percent in 1997. During this same period, the number of men in graduate programs jumped from 4.6 percent to 7.8 percent.

By no means is nursing a “girl” job. More and more men are taking advantage of the benefits of a nursing career. Men want flexible hours along with a challenging career. They, too, appreciate the technological and scientific challenges of nursing, along with the personal rewards of the job.

Can I become a volunteer at a local hospital or health care center?

Most hospitals and health care facilities have extensive volunteer programs. Check with your local hospital, rehabilitation center, or nursing home to find out how to apply. This is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for what nurses do.

Do nurses use computers?

Computers are an essential tool in health care, just as they are in almost every professional work setting these days. Having a good working understanding of computers is a real asset for nurses. Computers are used for everything from tracking patient care to communicating patients’ conditions with doctors’ offices and other members of the patient care team. Most diagnostic equipment and hundreds of operating room devices are computerized. Almost every patient room is equipped with computers that monitor heart rhythms or other body functions. There’s even a new specialty area called “nursing informatics,” which is the integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to collect and manage data to support nursing.

What kind of hours do nurses work?

Nurses have a lot of flexibility in their work schedules. Some nurses work days, some work evenings, and some work nights. A nurse’s shift can be 8-12 hours. Some nurses work 36 hours in 3 days or 40 hours in 4 days, then have 3-4 days off. Others prefer to work part-time or only on weekends, which can be great for families with young children. Generally, though, nurses work 40 hours per week like other professionals.

Is overtime required?

Hospitals have to provide round-the-clock care, so some nurses do work overtime. Generally overtime is voluntary. When nurses do work overtime, hospitals are very mindful of the need to ensure patient safety. Therefore, overtime is kept within safe limits and patient outcomes are closely monitored. The need for overtime, however, would be greatly reduced if there were not a nursing shortage. That’s why it is so important to attract more people into nursing.

Do nurses have to work on holidays?

Yes. Hospitals are open 24/7. Doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff do need to care for patients on holidays. However, most hospitals are flexible and don’t require nurses to work every Thanksgiving or every 4^th of July. Nurses often volunteer to work on a holiday to help make patients feel better about being in the hospital on a holiday.

What do nurses wear?

Nursing uniforms have changed a lot over the years. Some female nurses still wear a cap, but that is rare. Most male and female nurses wear “whites” (white tops with slacks/skirts, white dresses, white shoes or clogs) or other approved uniforms, usually determined by the hospital or office where they work. Operating room and emergency room nurses generally wear scrubs and lab coats. Nurses who make helicopter or ambulance runs may wear other types of uniforms. Nurse administrators generally wear business clothing such as suits. Some also wear white lab coats.

Do nurses have to deal with blood and needles?

Yes, most do. But you get used to it with practice. It’s a little like learning to drive a car. At first you’re nervous. But, with practice, you develop confidence and comfort as your skill level increases. Eventually, it becomes second nature. And remember, taking blood samples and giving medicines help people get better. It’s an essential part of health care.

Is there a risk of getting HIV/AIDS?

All health care professionals who come into contact with bodily fluids and contagious diseases must follow a very specific set of rules and procedures called “standard precautions.” These procedures include when and how to wear gloves, masks, or other protective coverings; how to dispose of needles and medical waste; hand washing; and, other important measures that protect the health and safety of the nurse, doctor, and other hospital workers. There are very few recent cases of health care professionals contracting HIV/AIDS from a patient.

What if you catch something?

In addition to the standard precautions that protect health care professionals, hospitals usually provide on-site health care services for their employees. Typically, hospital-based employee health centers provide testing and diagnostics, regular immunizations, training, medical exams, and many other services.

Isn’t it hard to deal with death?

Death is a certainty of life. And sure, it can be tough. But many nurses specialize in areas in which death is a part of their jobs; e.g., hospice nurses, intensive care nurses, nurses who work with the elderly, and trauma nurses whose patients are too badly injured to be saved. One of the most important roles for these nurses is helping family members and friends deal with the death of a loved one. Providing compassion for the families, having a thorough knowledge of the dying process, and helping people understand what the patient is going through – all are part of what nurses do. In many cases, nurses are the first to know that a patient is nearing death. Much of their work in the last days involves minimizing the patients’ pain and suffering and communicating to the patients’ loved ones. Indeed, many nurses feel that it is a privilege to be part of such a profound experience. Of course, not all nursing jobs involve this part of the cycle of life. Some nurses bring lives into the world.

Do you have to change bedpans?

Bedside nurses often do, but many nurses don’t, especially those who work outside of hospitals. And, certainly, neonatal and nursery nurses change diapers. The more experienced nurses who are in management roles perform fewer of these types of duties.

More questions you could be asked . . .

Be prepared to answer these questions from your own experience. Be positive and upbeat with your answers.

What do you like best about nursing?

When did you decide to become a nurse?

Did you like nursing school?

What is the grossest/scariest thing you’ve ever seen as a nurse?

Talk about an experience in which you were able to play a significant role and make a positive difference in the outcome, even if the outcome was the death of a patient.

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