Biochemist for Nursing

Hello,

I just joined this forum. I have a Master's in Biochemistry and would like to get an RN and hopefully a NP as well, (depending on my getting into a program at the UW in Seattle). Several questions that would appreciate the answers to:

• What health care hands-on experience is necessary to strengthen my application? I've looked into volunteering at a hospital that offers mostly clerical volunteer jobs, wuld those be appopriate?
• Does one have to have all pre-req courses completed at the time of application (I have to re-take some due to the long time elapsed since I took them)?
• What personal qualitites are important for the nursing profession?

Thank you so much!

biochem nurse:wink2:
Hi!I am actually in a similar situation as you, I have a degree in Bio/Chem and have decided to pursue nursing. I have already applied and been accepted to several schools' Master's Entry Program (for people with at least a BS in a field other than nursing, and I will graduate with my MSN in family practice). This would be the best route for you as well if you would like to become an FNP. Anyhow, the best advice I can give is to become a CNA first--volunteer experience in the hospital won't really teach you anything--I did it for over a year and barely saw the inside of the patients' rooms. Also, schools like to see that you are REALLY serious about the career change, and trust me, being a CNA is some of the hardest work you will ever do--if you can get through that and still want to be a nurse, then you are definately making the right choice! From my experience, most schools do not worry very much if you don't have all of your pre-reqs done when you apply. They obviously will require you to get them before you start and will consider your acceptance contingent on your passing those courses (usually with a B or better). Considering you already have a MS, I would not worry one bit! I'll bet you will be a shoe-in for any school. Like I said, try to pursue a CNA certificate (or phlebotomy, etc--courses usually offered at community colleges--these will give you extremely valuable experience). Good Luck!!!!
Hello,Thanks for this great advice and encouragement! I am working full time and looking to apply for a graduate entry program that leads to RN and NP, as well as considering community college as an alternative. I wondered what would strengthen my application for the grad program in terms of health care experience. The CNA would require me to not work for awhile which I cannot afford right now, but seems like a great way to gain valuable experience, as you suggested. Don't know what other alternatives except volunteer clerical work at a hospital which does not involve direct patient care, unfortunately. best regards,
Biochemnurse2b: I just thought of something else you can do to strengthen your application: job shadowing. I live in a smallish town with not many nurse practitioners and even fewer ones willing to let me shadow them, but I found a kidney specialist NP (working in a dialysis center) to shadow. I cannot tell you how valuable this experience was. I was able to ask very frank questions about the job, including those about pay, politics, and stress, etc. Also, this is can be considered volunteer/intern experience if you do it right. Shadowing can be done on weekends, or evenings, when many NP's work. Also, as a side note, the experience I gained by shadowing really helped me to write my application essays. I was better able to articulate why I want to be an NP, which is what many of the schools want to know.
Thank you for this valuable advice. How did you go about asking for job shadowing? Did you record it somehow? I will definitely try it out.regards and Thanks again!