Still A Nurse
Host Tristan, BSN has set out on a journey to discover just what the nursing profession has to offer. Using a mix of guest interviews, and solo shows, she shares nursing stories and encouraging conversations about the joys and challenges of nursing so you can hear what life is truly like as an RN. Learn alongside the host as she uncovers the wide variety of roles and positions you can obtain with your nursing knowledge and skills so that you never feel stuck in your own career as a nurse. From this podcast you'll learn about all things nursing from the nurses themselves. Listen as they share personal experiences with different nursing programs, to advanced nursing degrees, a wide range of clinical nursing positions, nurse administration, becoming a nursing instructor, nurse case management, starting your own nursing business or side hustle, remote nursing work, rural nursing, keeping your license active, and how to use your nursing skills when nursing at the bedside is no longer an option. Whether you're working 12 hour shifts, a nurse entrepreneur, a nursing student, or a stay-at-home-mom looking to make a career comeback, you're still a nurse and this podcast is for you!
Still A Nurse
21: University life not for you? Give the flexibility of small tech college programs a try!
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Tristan RN
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Season 2
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Episode 21
We have heard from several nursing students this season that have chosen to enroll in various tech programs over university nursing programs. This week our guest Kaelia gives very compelling reasons why this may be the best option for you!
Show Notes:
- Kaelia is attending her first semester of the Draper, UT Ameritech College nursing program.
- This degree program is 5 semesters to finish your pre-reques and earn your associate RN.
- You are able to apply right out of high school, no college pre-requisite courses are needed to apply as they are built into the program.
- It is one year more of online courses to complete the BSN degree.
- This program brings in a more varied student body with some straight out of high school, some CNA veterans, some parents, and others switching careers.
- With much of this program on-line, there is added flexibility, though some classes and labs are in person.
- Kaelia is able to work full time as a CNA full time while going through this program.
- While she earned her CNA as a junior in high school and has found value in having experience there prior to nursing school, she does not feel it is essential to success. In some cases it easier for those without that experience as they do not have to "un-learn" anything.
- The 5th semester is the capstone where you get a great experience working with a nurse instructor to get your hours completed. It is also the semester where they prepare you to take and pass the NCLEX.
- Upon completing your RN you are automatically enrolled in the BSN program where you have the option to spread the online learning out over a period of 1-3 years.
- Kaelia's favorite part about this program is that all of the lessons feel pertinent and valuable, not excessive.
- While Tech programs are often more costly than a university program, they can be completed faster and are flexible enough to allow most students to work full time. In her opinion, the time cost weighs in the favor of a tech program.
- Kaelia shares why she chose to be a nurse, and how the experiences she has had working in various fields as a CNA have given her more confidence and empathy.
- Her advice when trying to pick a program is to "pick what works for you." Find what your goals are that are driving you and what your preferences are as well. Are you looking for more flexibility? More online learning? Do you excel with in person class time? Are you looking for the friendships and comradery that a university setting will offer? Or do you just want to get done as quickly as possible? Let what works for you guide you to the learning option that will fit your needs best.
Links:
- https://www.ameritech.edu/nursing-programs-overview/ For more info on the programs Ameritech has to offer, click the link above.
- https://atitesting.com/teas-prep For more information on the TEAS test that is required to get into the program click here.