2006-08-28 10:24:56 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
medical assisting or certified nursing assisting. i took the CNA coure and i worked as a CNA for 2 and a half years. then i went to school to be a phlebotomist (draw blood) and i LOVE IT!! i want to be in labor and delivery eventually but take any and all health and health related classes in high school including medical terminology if your school offers it. i did and i have had great success since i graduated in 2005 i started working while in mu junior year. GOOD LUCK
2006-08-28 10:29:24 · answer #1 · answered by TEMPTRESS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
None are required other than graduating with good grades of course.
You will however need to be proficient in math, reading comprehension, observation, and multi-tasking. You will need to train your memory to recall important facts. So, depending on how early in High School you are starting and what your strengths and weaknesses are-focus on things that will help you in the most areas.
The math is important for calculating dosages and dispensing. Very Important! At the vocational school (w/classes to be an LPN) I attended I was asked to assist with remedial math classes. The entire class was held back until this was passed.
I mention reading comprehension (not because people are stupid) but because learning how to isolate main points and recall important details is not specifically taught. If that is not your strong suit...look for classes or tasks that will help you refine that.
You will need to be able to express yourself well both in written notes and when giving patient instruction.
I also suggest starting at the bottom. As someone else mentioned starting as a CNA/PCA (when I went it was a 3 month course) gives you valuable experience.
On top of that if you start working even as a volunteer in a hospital, that relationship can be a REAL help in many ways. For instance, some offer mentors for Nsg. students; also, getting hired with no work exp. is harder than it sounds.
If they've known you and worked with you all along, likely they will be willing to hire you.
The best and most balanced medical professionals will tell you that most started at the bottom and worked their way up. Not for status but experience. Just think, if your doctor was a nurse first, his bedside manner would reflect it. You learn what fields interest you the most, and what doesn't; or you may even learn your tolerance for certain things is not what you thought. If you start out with the CNA and then go on for LPN and then for RN; it may take a little longer, but at the end you will have been able to work in your field sooner than the rest, and have much more experience. And if you are unable to complete your training for some unforeseen reason you will have something you can already use. You will find that once a hospital hires a CNA for example and learns she wishes to become an RN; the support and programs for help jump up.
I know this was way too long but hope you can find some useful thoughts. Best Wishes!
PS> the other comments about chemistry and the like are also good...I was just referring to the basics. Sometimes being really good at the basics is more valuable than only at one subject. Just my opinion.
2006-08-28 20:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You dont need to take specific courses in high school to become a nurse. You will need to graduate high school with the required curriculum and then apply to a nursing school where you will receive the specific classes and training. Taking all the biology and chemistry you can get wouldn't be a bad idea though.
2006-08-28 17:28:16 · answer #3 · answered by rweasel6 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually any advanced placement of Biology, Chemistry and if you can Physics can help alot for your basic classes and some colleges take them! Also Latin if your school has it is great for medications! Good Luck from a fellow RN studying for her masters as a Nurse Practitioner! If you ever need help in your classwork IM me!
2006-08-28 20:50:07 · answer #4 · answered by natmys333 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to lunch in the high school cafeteria always made me feel like I needed to go to the nurses office. Does that count?
2006-08-28 17:30:37 · answer #5 · answered by oldman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what your school offers.... if it offers Chemistry, biology, health, healthcare occupations, psychology, etc... than i recommend you take all or some of those classes. You will also need as much math as possible. Good luck.
2006-08-28 17:59:54 · answer #6 · answered by Brandy U 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
like the one lady said... latin and anatomy and physiology your senior year of HS... Go to a college that has the program you want, not where your friends are going, and when you start a health care major, you'll know what classes to take.
Plus now a days you need to have a foreign language to get to college... latin for sure will help... stupid names
2006-08-29 00:16:18 · answer #7 · answered by JenM_02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the sciences you can fit into your schedule. Math is good too. Debate would also help develop your critical thinking skills.
2006-08-28 17:40:31 · answer #8 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure to take biology and chemistry.
2006-08-28 17:27:42 · answer #9 · answered by Elizabeth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the career center
2006-08-28 17:26:56 · answer #10 · answered by OHIO STATE IS THAT DEAL!!!!!!!!! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋