Nurse Insights: How Can Second-Degree Students Become Nurses?

Are you considering pursuing a second degree in nursing? While the costs and adjustments may seem daunting, there are many resources available to help you along the way. In this article, we’ll explore the financial considerations to keep in mind and provide guidance on adapting to nursing school culture, managing study hours, and handling stress as a second-degree nursing student.

Nurse Insights

How Can Second-Degree Students Become Nurses?

In our Nurse Insights series, experienced nurses offer an insider’s perspective on the nursing profession by addressing common questions, challenges, and triumphs of their careers.

Financial Considerations for Second-Degree Nursing Students

In pursuing a second degree in nursing, cost is an important factor to consider. Typically, you’re looking at tuition and fees related to coursework, textbooks, and supplies, which can differ widely depending on the institution. Some costs associated with clinicals, such as health tests and immunizations, may also apply. These expenses can add up quickly, but there are various forms of financial aid available.

Understanding the Cost of a Second Degree in Nursing

Knowing the estimated cost of your studies is a vital step in your financial planning. The cost for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can range anywhere from $40,000 to $200,000 total, depending on variables like state residency and whether you choose a public or private institution. Remember, this is in addition to the costs incurred from obtaining your first degree.

Exploring Financial Aid Options

While these costs may seem imposing, there are resources to help mitigate them. The financial aid office at the institution you choose will be a key resource in exploring options that suit your situation.

Federal and State Aid

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, offers aid in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and low-interest loans. State-specific aid is also available, though this will vary by location.

Scholarships and Grants

Nursing-specific scholarships and grants are another great avenue to explore. These are typically merit-based or need-based and don’t require repayment. Examples include the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, the AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund, and the Hurst Review Services Nursing AACN Scholarship Program.

Loan Forgiveness Programs

For those considering work in public service post-graduation, loan forgiveness programs offer a solution to student debt. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, for instance, is an initiative that forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

Remember, while pursuing a second degree in nursing can seem financially challenging, there are many opportunities for assistance. Doing your research and consulting with a financial aid officer can help ease the burden and make your nursing career aspirations a reality.

Making the Transition Into Nursing

Adapting to the culture in nursing school might seem daunting, particularly as a second-degree student. However, treating these changes as opportunities, rather than challenges, will pave the way for a smooth transition.

Understanding the Nursing School Culture

The culture in nursing school revolves around collaboration, empathy, and lifelong learning. Here, patient care takes center stage, and everything you learn is applied in the context of improving patient outcomes. It’s essential that you immerse yourself fully in this culture, adopting an open and inquisitive mind. Reach out to peers and instructors for clarifications and discussions. Maintain a respectful and empathetic attitude toward patients during clinical rotations. If you haven’t already, start developing your ethical decision-making skills, as these will be invaluable during your nursing career.

Managing Study Hours

Nursing school can be time-demanding, but balancing your workload is achievable with disciplined time management. Prepare a consistent study schedule, allocating dedicated time for lectures, labs, clinical rotations, and self-study. Prioritize your work based on deadlines and importance. Don’t forget to include some downtime for relaxation and hobbies to prevent burning yourself out.

Handling Stress

Nursing school can be mentally taxing due to the volume of information learned and the emotional implications of patient care. Mindfulness practices, yoga, or regular exercises can help maintain your mental health. Join study groups where you can share your thoughts and experiences with peers who can relate to your situation. Don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling if the stress becomes overwhelming.

You might feel out of place as a second-degree student amongst traditional students. Always remember, your diversified experience is your strength. Utilize it to bring fresh perspectives to the classroom or clinical settings.

Clinical Placements and Practical Training

Clinical experience forms the backbone of your nursing education, providing invaluable real-world application to the theory you learn in the classroom. As a second-degree student, you might be initially overwhelmed by the jump from studying to practical application. Effectively handling this transition is key to your success as a nurse.

Understanding the Purpose of Clinical Experience

Clinical placements allow you to develop essential skills that cannot be learned in the classroom alone. These practical experiences expose you to diverse healthcare settings, patient populations, and clinical situations, giving you an opportunity to apply your knowledge, gain skills, and hone your professional judgment.

Navigating Clinical Placements

Here’s where effective planning comes into play. As a second-degree student, you might face constraints due to other responsibilities. Therefore, understanding the commitments required by clinical placements beforehand might help manage your expectations and schedule.

1. Know Your Hours: Clinical placements can require extensive hours. Learn about the time commitment expected by your program for each placement.
2. Explore Potential Sites: Gather information on potential placement sites. Consider what learning opportunities they offer, their location, and working hours to make an informed choice.
3. Prepare and Adapt: Clinical experiences can be unpredictable and demanding. Prepare to adapt and learn on the job. Take proactive steps to learn about your rotations before beginning them.

Balancing Studies and Clinical Experience

Balancing your studies with clinical placements can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. Here are a few proven strategies:

• Time Management: Prioritize tasks and plan your schedule. Make sure to allocate time for personal care and rest as well.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and shifts. This might require the use of a paper planner, digital calendar, or a project management tool.
• Open Communication: Be open about any difficulties you encounter with your faculty. They can provide guidance or potentially help adjust your workload if necessary.

Everyone’s journey to becoming a nurse is unique. Take the time to understand what works best for you, and don’t be hesitant about seeking support when necessary. With perseverance and commitment, you can successfully navigate your program’s clinical components.

Licensure and Post-Graduation Steps

After you’ve graduated from your nursing program, your next step towards becoming a registered nurse (RN) is pursuing licensure. To do this, all nursing graduates must sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Prior to the exam, each state’s nursing board requires an application process and typically a background check.

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is a comprehensive test covering all aspects of nursing practice. To prepare effectively, consider using resources such as study guides, practice tests, and prep courses. Studying consistently over a planned timeframe can help you feel more prepared when the exam day arrives.

Seeking Employment

Once licensed, you’re ready to start applying for RN jobs. You may want to consider beginning your career in a general nursing role in order to gain a wide range of nursing experience. Hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings usually have a mix of entry-level and specialist roles.

As you build your resume and search for jobs, don’t forget to leverage networking opportunities. Professional nursing associations and alumni from your nursing school may provide job leads, mentoring, and career advice.

Pursuing Specializations

If you’re interested in specializing, there are many directions you can take as a registered nurse. However, additional certification, education, and work experience will be required for these roles. For example, you could pursue additional training to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, or nurse practitioner. Shorter-term certificate programs are also available for specialties like pediatric nursing, palliative care, or wound management.

When considering a specialty, think about what areas of nursing you felt most engaged in during your education and where you want to make an impact in patients’ lives. Then, get ready to continue your career progression in nursing.