Here are some tips and tricks gathered from industry veterans who have been conducting or have been in nursing school interviews over the past several years.

1) Try to always think there are more fish in the sea.

You may have a dream nursing school that you’ve been wanting to get into since you were seven. However, even if you don’t get into your first choice, know that many nursing students who wound up going to their “alternate” schools found that their alternate schools was actually the best choice!

2) Have some “practice interviews.”

It’s always better to get your initial jitters out. Use your least desirable schools as a springboard to practice your speaking and answering skills. By the time you get to your preferred schools, you will be on a roll.

3) Don’t be modest.

Remember everything your grandma talked to you about being modest? Don’t be. Highlight your strengths and your achievements. You are competing against some of the brightest in the nation and you have to outshine them.

4) But don’t be a pompous, arrogant jerk.

Don’t overdo tip #3.

5) Background research = very important

Although you are interviewing for a nursing school, take the opportunity to interview them as well. They will want to know that you did enough research in the school as it shows your true interest.

6) It never hurts to sound passionate

Students who sound knowledgeable and passionate about nursing will get the extra advantage - be articulate in describing nursing issues and be prepared to have a strong opinion backed by facts and reasoning.

My entrance to nursing school was a rough one. My husband and I were going through some tough marital times and we also had severe financial difficulties. We had two little girls who were the joys of our lives (Jenna, at age 5 and Stephanie, at age 7) but they were also putting a strain on our finances. I was working two jobs as a pharmacy clerk and a night job at the local fast food restaurant. The money was barely enough for us to feed our family, pay our rent and save a little bit for a rainy day, let alone achieve any of our hopes and dreams of one day owning our own home.  I thought to myself, “there must be something better out there for me and my family.”

After another late night argument about our finances, my husband was laid off as an electrician the next day and had trouble finding work. I knew that my daughters depended on us as providers, and I felt like a failure not being able to provide for them. We decided to have my husband become a stay at home dad while I pursued something that some of my friends were talking about: 100% online schools for nursing. It felt like my particular program was made exactly for me -they had flexible class times, I could learn at my own pace and it gave me enough time to see my daughters each day at home and hear about their school day.

I quit my night job and started to get into the material and felt instantly happier – I felt like I was getting somewhere! The school advisers were incredibly helpful and I even got to meet up some of my “classmates” at a nearby coffee shop once we found out that we were all nursing students living nearby. I no longer felt like I was running in a hamster wheel, but actually making progress toward a fulfilling career. Upon my third year, I found an externship nearby that allowed me to put some of my skills and curriculum learned online – they hired me right after I graduated! I am now working as a nursing assistant in a hospital near my house and not only is the money finally right, but I can go forward in my career and take it anywhere I want to.

Although it was extremely difficult to balance raising two kids, working a day job and earning a degree at night, I found that the end rewards were worth all of my hard work, persistence and stress. I made the big leap and never looked back.

Statement: I can immediately make a 6 figure salary ($100,000+) with a nursing degree.

Reality: this is only half true – if you receive a BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing), your starting salary will be extremely competitive compared to most entry-level careers (likely mid $50,000s). However, before you can reach 6 figure salary, it is likely you will need some sort of advanced nursing training or specialization along with a Master’s Degree in Nursing. Luckily, a BSN is a great starting point for any budding nurse and online Master in Nursing degrees will allow you to work at your job and advance your career at the same time.

Statement: Nursing is easy! I can bankroll my way to success without a hitch.

Reality: Although nursing can be an extremely lucrative career, you must have a passion for helping your patients and others as well as a true dedication to teamwork. You won’t make it past your first clinical exam without motivation to aid those that need help. Patients have an innate sense in knowing if you care about that or not, and this makes a big difference when you are working hard to save a patient’s life!

Statement: All I need are nursing courses, right?

Reality: Nurses need a strong background in a multitude of subject areas, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, microbiology and algebra. Nurses with an aptitude for science classes will find that they do extremely well in the later, more advanced classes. Other online nursing programs also may require English, psychology or other general education courses. Pro-tip: take prerequisite nursing classes before enrolling in a nursing program to save time and units.

Statement: I don’t need a nursing certification.

Reality: It really depends on your school. Some schools do require a basic nursing assistant certification to enroll, so make sure to check with your counselor. Pro-tip: even if it’s not required, it will help you to get into nursing school if you have this certification because it shows the school that you are already familiar with the medical/clinical environment.

Statement: Nursing careers are extremely stressful!

Reality: This is half-true – nurses do have odd hours when they start their career and the medical environment is extremely fast paced. However, nursing is usually described as one of the most rewarding career paths out there because of its combination of helping others & its lucrative career options.

As well as hard copy text books you can also obtain books in digital edition ready to download onto your electronic reader, or computer, to read at your leisure. This can sometimes be easier than carrying around heavy text books. The disadvantage of this is that you won’t have the books to hand if you need them in the classroom.

Whether you purchase your books or borrow them from a friend, here are some of the best hard copy books you may want to consider reading as a nursing student.

Gray’s Anatomy

This classic well renowned anatomy text book was first published in 1958. Gray’s anatomy is the book every nursing student should own. It contains clear photographic images demonstrating the different sections of the human body in dissected form, coupled with accompanying descriptions. The book is easy to refer to, and an excellent all round must have addition to your reading list.

Mosby’s pocket guides to nursing

These pocket size guides to different areas of nursing can be easily transported around in your bag or pocket and give easy to read, simple information, at a glance. The guides cover topics such as fetal monitoring, and nursing skills and procedures, giving clear detail on how to carry out day to day nursing techniques and providing information on the rationale behind the skills you will use.

Alexander’s Nursing Practice

This comprehensive book is aimed at the discipline of adult nursing which nursing students will cover during their studies. The text book provides excellent detail on the whole range of areas covered in adult nursing. You will be able to read about the skills you will need to offer nursing care and learn the theory behind the nursing practices you will adopt. This book also has links to its website where students can complete tests and quizzes which will provide a unique learning experience.

Bailliere’s Nurses’ Dictionary

A good nursing dictionary is essential for all nursing students. Balliere’s nursing dictionary is one of the most popular choices for students and qualified nurses due to its easy to read format and comprehensive listings in a range of nursing areas. The dictionary covers medical terms in areas such as:

• Research
• Diet and nutrition
• Alternative medicines
• Emergency room nursing

Fundamentals of Nursing

This useful and detailed study guide will assist you in sitting your exams and ensuring you get the best grades. The guide has a number of sections including case studies and tests and additional learning skills sections. The study guide will help you to develop your nursing skills and understand the necessary nursing procedures and processes. You will be able to adequately explain the theories behind these when you read this guide. This book also has links to an interactive website where you can find further information, and tests to complete.

In addition to dealing with the elderly people in your care, you will be required to deal effectively and sympathetically with family members. For some families, this may be their first experience of placing an elderly relative in a nursing home and they may be experiencing mixed emotions. You will need the skills to communicate with the family and explain the situation to them whilst listening to their concerns and providing them with advice and support.

As a nursing home nurses you will need to develop ways of managing your emotions when experiencing of the death of patients who you may have gotten to know well during their time in the nursing home. You will also be required to manage your stress when dealing with patients who have deteriorated, often rapidly, and have developed illnesses, such as dementia, that affects the way they communicate.

Despite the challenges of working as a nursing home nurse, the role is extremely rewarding and those who chose this career develop lasting relationships with families of the elderly patients they have cared for. As a nursing home nurse you will also gain a sense of satisfaction that comes from the knowledge they have done their upmost to make the remaining years of a person’s life as comfortable and rewarding as possible.

There are many aspects to the role the nursing home nurse performs. You will be involved in a number of tasks depending on the nursing qualification you have achieved. These day to day tasks include the following:

• Patient care and completing care plans
• Administering medication
• Advising family members
• Dealing with patients suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Dealing with the death of a patient
• Feeding patients
• Supervising staff
• Educating staff
• Checking and cleaning wounds
• Performing minor surgical procedures

Nursing Assistants working in nursing homes deal with the more practical aspects of caring for the elderly patients. The nursing assistant will help dress and bathe patients and be involved in feeding them if this is necessary.

For a nurse qualified to the level of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) the role carried out in nursing home is usually one of day to day patient care involving checking the care plan is up to date, assessing the overall health of the patient, checking and cleaning and re-dressing wounds, administering medication and dealing with queries from family members.

A Registered Nurse (RN) will perform similar day to day tasks as the LPN but is also experienced in performing minor surgical procedures such as suturing. As a RN in a Nursing Home you will be involved in supervising other staff including the LPN and Nursing Assistants. You will also contribute to management meetings and make decisions around resourcing and patient care. You will also be expected to identify any improvement to service that can be made.

All three nursing home roles should also aim to spend time with their patients, interacting with them and stimulating them as much as possible. The nursing home nurse must also be proactive in ensuring all required records are kept up to date including, drug sheets, wound dressing changes, feeding records and daily care plans. If a patient suffers any sort of fall or accident it is also imperative that a thorough record of this be completed.

• Pediatrics
• Theater nurse
• Care of the elderly
• Emergency room
• Mental health

Once you are in a programme in a nursing school you will have the opportunity, through your clinical rotations, to consider whether you wish to specialize in a certain area or whether you wish to work as a general nurse. If you decide to work in a specific area you will need to take further exams and show you have worked a certain number of hours in the relevant clinical area. There a number of different nursing qualifications you can work towards. The entry level nurse will qualify as a Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN. To gain this qualification you will need to perform well in your high school exams and subsequent college exams you sit. You will need to ensure you obtain the best grades in Sciences, Mathematics and English as well as other relevant subjects you may sit such as sociology and psychology. Any additional subjects such as these will add weight to your application. In addition it is essential you demonstrate that you have done volunteering or paid work in a nursing environment or a similar environment. This could include a school, nursing home, hospital or care in the community. As an LPN you can use the hours of experience you have gained and complete further studies in nursing school to gain a degree in nursing and become a Registered Nurse or RN. The role of a RN has more responsibility and the RM will be involved in decision making and managing other staff. You can also apply to become a RN without already being a LN, if you already have an undergraduate degree. To prepare to become a RN you will need to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and show you have great communication skills. It is always a good idea to speak to qualified nurses who have attended the nursing school you are applying for, and ask them what criteria the school uses when sifting applications. There are also accelerated nursing programmes available for those who have sufficient qualifications and can show they have been working in a relevant setting for a certain length of time. In addition to the LPN and the RN, if you sit further exams and obtain a master degree or doctorate, coupled with your experience as a Registered Nurse, you may sit exams to become an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). As an APN you will have much more of a role as a highly skilled professional, perhaps as a midwife manager, working in mental health services or as a nurse educator, training other staff. Whatever qualification you decide to apply for in nursing school you can give yourself the best preparation for your course by studying and reading relevant books beforehand, working as a volunteer in different areas, getting yourself organized, speaking to others already in the role, and by making sure you are healthy and mental ready for the challenge ahead.

Once you have decided that Nursing is the career for you, you will need to ensure you give yourself the best chance of securing a place in the Nursing School of your choice.

These top tips will give you some pointers about how to make your application stand out from the crowd, and will provide you with some ideas you may not yet have considered for getting that important Nursing School place.

Firstly, make sure your academic qualifications are the best that you can achieve. This may sound obvious, but you really need to get the best possible grades to get the best chance of getting onto the nursing course you have chosen. As well as obtaining qualifications in required subjects, such as the Sciences, English and Mathematics, you could consider doing some extra studying in night school or via an online distance learning courses. Any courses which focus on healthcare, psychology or advanced sciences will be useful to add to your application.

You need to make sure you are in excellent health, being a nurse is a demanding role, physically and mentally and you must be able to face the day to day challenges of the role. Remember also that you will be required to provide references with your application and these will talk about your sickness and also your time-keeping. Use this as a chance to improve if you have a tendency to be late and to get yourself organized, in you daily routine and your studies. Organization is vital skill that the Nursing School will be looking for.

Volunteering

This is essential; most Nursing Schools will be looking to take on candidates who can demonstrate that they have carried out a certain amount of hours in a clinical or other type of healthcare environment. Whilst for most prospective students this would be as an unpaid volunteer, for older students it can include working as a paid nursing assistant or helping elderly patients in their own homes.

Your application

Again this may sound an obvious one but the way you complete your application and the research you have done before hand may be what gets you that all important place. Once you have selected the Nursing School of your choice a good idea is to speak to the admissions center and try to establish what type of candidate they are looking for. If they cannot advise you then make a point of visiting the school and speaking to current students and tutors.  Some schools prefer the purely academic students whilst others are looking for those with more vocational skills. Other schools may have a preference for students who can demonstrate their analytical skills and those who are excellent communicators. Once you have established the answer to these questions you can tailor your application accordingly.

References

Personal references can make the difference to your application being selected over another. Make sure that you build up a good relationship with the person who is supervising you in your volunteer work, their letter of recommendation will be imperative to your application. Also your mentor at your high school and college will provide a letter of reference. Maintaining a good relationship with them and making sure they appreciate your commitment to a career in nursing will come across in their reference. The letter of recommendation will highlight all the skills you developed that will make you the ideal candidate over all the others.

Healthcare options

First of all, there are a number of different options available to nurses within the clinical nursing field, with options of further training in the future and specialize in specific areas if that is what you wanted to do later on. There are an endless amount of other job functions which recognize a nursing qualification as a valuable qualification to have, including being a; school nurse, practice nurse, district nurse, occupational health nurse, community visitation nurse, nurse consultant and prison nurse.

Education options

Many people who take up nursing, do so for their love of the subject, and after a career as a practicing nurse decide to go down the educational route with their qualifications. Some people choose this as a primary route for their career and wish to teach nursing or associated subjects in a variety of different learning environments including; School nurse training, nursing school teacher, science teacher, or other medical certification courses, first aid training. The educational possibilities are endless, especially with the high number of short conversion courses that can be taken to advance your expertise.

Administrative Options

Many extremely important administrative job roles require a working knowledge of nursing, backed up by nursing qualifications, and there are a whole range of different options available if you choose to go down this route. Some of these jobs include; patient advocate, legal nurse consultant, healthcare executive, healthcare and operations inspector, healthcare information technology, healthcare recruitment.

If you have your heart set on becoming a practicing nurse in a medical environment, the good news for you is that there are a large number of career choices which you could go down in the future, if for whatever reason you are no longer able to continue with such a practical job role. Equally, you do not have to feel as if getting a nursing qualification is going to narrow down your potential future career options. This is simply not the case, and there are a wide range of interesting, and highly paid jobs that require people that have such qualifications. Nursing is a valuable and interesting career choice, and one which can lead you down many different paths. Lots of people find that once they have begun their nursing careers, they become interested in specializing in certain subjects or care issues, and the first step towards this was gaining their (RN) Registered Nurse qualification.

Advantages

There are a number of advantages to going into a nursing career; some of them are practical advantages, and some of them emotional. One of the most important things for anyone in their life should be seeking joy and happiness in their work, and a nursing career offers caring people the chance to spend their lives helping people and trying to tend to their needs when they are unwell or injured. The intrinsic value of this noble work is what drives many nurses throughout their careers, and it is something that not many other professions can offer. The feeling that your work is valuable and important to many people on a personal level is a great motivator, and something which many nurses say is the best part of their job.

Apart from the personal fulfillment that can be gained from helping others and being valued in your work, there are many professional advantages of getting into a career in nursing. Unlike in many other job roles, nursing opens up an endless amount of other job possibilities. There are a huge amount of different specialty nursing posts and job roles, which means that you can progress into different areas of nursing as you become more interested in them. There is also a very high amount of job security for nurses compared with other professions. Nurses will always be necessary, and qualified nurses are always valued in a large number of job roles, both in their home country and abroad.

Disadvantages

One of the major problems that people seem to encounter as a nurse is the work hours and shift patterns that are more often than not a necessity of the job. The typical work pattern for a nurse will involve long shift work, which means working three of four long shifts per week, over long and unsociable hours if necessary. This can prove to be very difficult for some people, who do not get on well with the changing patterns of work, do not work well at unusual hours, have a family to care for, or do not enjoy this pattern of work. It may be necessary to work evenings, nights, weekends and during holiday periods, and this can be difficult for some people, especially depending on their home situation.

The work involved can also be physically demanding, especially due to the long shifts and changing shift patterns. Many nursing jobs require you to be on your feet for many hours at a time, and possibly even lifting or moving patients during this time. It can become a very tiring job physically and emotionally, as you may also be dealing with some difficult emotional patients and families at the same time.

Nursing is a fulfilling job for hard working, caring people, and there are so many career options open to nurses that gaining nursing qualifications could be just the start of a long and varied career path. It is important to ensure that it is the career for you and to think about all aspects of the job role before entering into it.

John Hopkins School of Nursing

John Hopkins School of Nursing is a college that comes extremely highly rated by many industry professionals, researchers, and poles, and these opinions are backed up by the figures. The school, which is based in Baltimore, takes on over 800 students each year, with a range of 13 different course options. These courses range from the standard degree level (RN) Registered Nurse course, to the (MPH) Master of Public Health and (DNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice. The high percentage of degree graduates finishing each year is a testament to the quality and proficiency of this well known nursing school.

University of Pennsylvania 

Another one of the top nursing schools in the country is the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  This school has a huge student intake in comparison to the John Hopkins School of Nursing, with over 25,000 students each year. This is a private research school, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and over higher level Masters Degree courses. There are many different learning options available for students wishing to take on higher level degrees, with accelerated learning options.

University of Washington

The school that was voted best nursing school for over 10 years running by the US News and World Report was the University of Washington in Seattle. This is a very large nursing and medical school, offering a large range of different course options in a range of specialties at higher degree levels.

How do I choose a nursing school?

There are many things to consider when looking into which nursing school you will choose. First off, the school with the highest result rankings may not be the best one for you. This is an important point to remember, as there are a number of other factors to consider when deciding where to study. You need to find a school that is going to suit your needs, personality and learning techniques best, and this may not be one of the schools which appear highest on the list of rankings. Your specialty subject may not be one of the schools strong points, which should be take into consideration. Always select the course, and then find the schools that run that specific course, not the other way around.

Personal considerations

One thing which many people seem to forget when they are looking into, and applying for nursing schools is that in order to be successful and learn well, you have to feel settled and happy in your school. This means that there are a number of personal considerations to take into account when looking at the options. Some of these factors include; location and size of the college, ethos of the college, access to teacher assistance and other learning aids, and accommodation options. If you do not want to move too far from your home town, or you would not feel comfortable joining a huge college, then it needs to be considered before applications are made. You need to visit as many colleges as possible to get a good feel for them, and to try and imagine if you could thrive there or not.