Becoming a Nurse as a First Generation College Student
Find out what it’s like to become a nurse when you’re the first person in your family to go to college. Are you the first one in your family to attend college and study nursing? Being a first-generation student can be tough, especially with the demanding nursing education and the challenges unique to being the first in your family to attend college. Although being a first-gen student has its difficulties, there are good reasons to overcome obstacles and become a valued registered nurse (RN).
Discover what first-gen nursing students can expect in school, including advice on studying and managing your time. Learn about taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), becoming licensed, starting your new career, looking after yourself, and advancing in your nursing journey.
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For more information on applying to nursing school and getting financial help, check our guide for First-Generation Nursing Students Applying to Nursing School.
Succeeding in Your Classes
Being the first in your family to go to college might mean facing some unique challenges that other students might not experience, or at least not to the same extent:
– Dealing with financial stress, especially if your family has a history of low income (first-gen students often receive less financial aid)
– Not having enough support, understanding, or guidance from parents or guardians who are unfamiliar with higher education
– Not having family members with experience in college
– Feeling like you don’t belong or experiencing impostor syndrome
– Struggling with academic preparation for nursing school
– Not having easy access to technology or a personal computer
If you come from an immigrant family where you’re relied on to contribute financially to the household, managing your time as a nursing student might be a challenge. Taking care of younger siblings or elderly family members can also take away from your study time. Planning specific hours for studying and grouping similar tasks together can help you succeed. If your family isn’t familiar with computers or online learning, they might not understand your need for quiet study time or the value of online education. Tips for succeeding in online nursing education can help you stay on top of things.
Understanding Nursing School Prerequisites
Classes You’ll Take in Nursing School
Before entering nursing school, you’ll likely need to pass several prerequisite classes:
– Anatomy and physiology
– Biology
– Microbiology
– Chemistry
– English composition
– Human growth and development
– Psychology
– Statistics
During your nursing program, you’ll encounter common nursing courses such as:
– Fundamentals of nursing
– Pathophysiology
– Pharmacology
– Gerontology
– Mental health nursing
– Ethics
– Leadership
– Maternal and child health
– Pediatrics
– Microbiology
– Community health
Pathophysiology and pharmacology can be tough for most students. Clinical assignments offer hands-on practice in patient care, and every nursing student must become skilled in areas like medical-surgical, oncology, orthopedics, home health, trauma, and cardiac nursing.
Obtaining Your Nursing License
Once you graduate from nursing school, your next step is to become a licensed RN. Understanding the NCLEX exam is essential, and your nursing program should prepare you well for this important test.
Every new nursing graduate wants to pass the NCLEX on the first attempt, and there are many resources available to help you prepare thoroughly.
Each state and U.S. territory has its own nursing board responsible for professional licensure. While licensing regulations may be similar, there are differences, including:
– Application fees
– Waiting times for receiving your license
– Continuing education requirements
– Renewal procedures
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to practice in most states without needing multiple licenses. There are fewer non-NLC states, and some are working on enacting NLC-related laws. Having a multistate license can be very advantageous for nurses who live near state borders or want the freedom to work in different states.
Starting Your Nursing Career
Embarking on your nursing career as a first-gen college student is a significant achievement. You’ve overcome obstacles and challenges to arrive at this point, with clinical training, a professional license, and a promising future ahead.
In this section, we’ll explore finding your first job, taking care of yourself, and strategies for advancing your career as you grow from a beginner to an experienced nurse.
Finding Your First Job
After passing the NCLEX and becoming licensed, your next goal as a new graduate nurse is finding your first nursing job.
As a first-gen nurse, you might have family responsibilities that prevent you from pursuing job opportunities in other states like your peers. If your family members haven’t had professional careers, they might not understand the importance of a nursing resume or how to help you with it. They might also not be familiar with the nursing job interview process. Doing your research, practicing with peers, or seeking guidance from a career coach can all improve your chances.
Understanding Nursing School Prerequisites
When you’re looking for your first job as a new nursing school graduate, your family might have strong opinions about where you should work or the specialty you should choose. There could be pressure to earn as much money as possible quickly.
They might not grasp the concept of paying your dues in the early years of your career to secure a higher salary later on. They might disagree with your chosen nursing specialty.
There are many nursing specialties to explore, and it’s important to select one that interests you and aligns with your preferences. Hospitals and employers vary in terms of work environment, so researching potential employers can guide your job search.
When comparing employers, inquire about the benefits they offer. Some might provide tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness for new nurses.
Prioritizing Your Well-Being
Nursing school and the early years of your career can be stressful but rewarding. Given the potential for stress, self-care is essential during both your education and your professional journey. Self-care comes in various forms.
Burnout can happen at any stage, so learning to manage nurse burnout is vital. Establishing professional nursing relationships can provide support, and building a strong nursing network is part of that process. Finding a nursing mentor can be invaluable, offering the wisdom and experience of a seasoned colleague. Serving as a mentor yourself can also be rewarding. As a first-gen student, your family might not understand the concepts of mentoring, networking, and burnout.
New nurses might face challenges like stress management, coping with patient loss, dealing with workplace bullying, and handling pre and post-shift anxiety.
Learning to advocate for yourself as a new nurse and handling mistakes are other crucial skills to develop.
Self-care is an ongoing process, tailored to your needs and evolving over time. Be kind and patient with yourself. Lean on peers and colleagues for support, especially when your family might not fully comprehend how to assist you.
Advancing Your Career
Progressing in your nursing career is an exciting lifelong journey, and career development can vary for each nurse. Nursing offers numerous paths for career growth, both in clinical and nonclinical roles.
– Non-Hospital Jobs
– People might assume that nurses primarily work in hospitals, but according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), only about 55% of nurses are employed in hospitals. The remaining 45% have different roles.
– There’s a wide range of non-hospital nursing jobs to choose from, making your nursing career a fascinating adventure.
– Exploring a New Nursing Specialty
– Even if you start working in a hospital, you can always explore a different specialty later on. Your nursing license opens countless opportunities, and connecting with nurses in various specialties can aid your professional growth.
– Not all
specialties require certification. Some might need you to gain significant clinical experience before applying for certification.
– Certification demonstrates your commitment to learning and professional advancement.
– Seeking a Higher Salary or Promotion
– Advancing your nursing career could involve negotiating a better salary, asking for a promotion, or aiming for leadership roles. Taking on more responsibility showcases your value as a professional.
– Volunteering
– You can volunteer within your workplace for special projects or committees. Volunteering outside work can help you meet people, network, and explore new opportunities.
– Pursuing Further Education
– Further education, such as a master’s or doctorate in nursing, can enhance your nursing career. Higher credentials often lead to promotions, higher pay, recognition, and specialization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse
Why is the first year of nursing school tough?
The initial year of nursing school can be challenging as you’re applying what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. If you’re a first-gen nurse, your family might not fully grasp the difficulties of starting a new professional journey, so you might need to educate them about the realities of being a new nurse.
Which semester of nursing school is the hardest?
The toughest semester varies among students. For many, the first semester can be challenging due to learning new concepts and experiencing clinical training as a student nurse. Nursing school is demanding and requires strong focus and organization, regardless of the semester.
What’s the most crucial class in nursing school?
No single class is the most important. Each step of nursing school builds upon the previous ones. While classes like pathophysiology and pharmacology can be tough for many, every class contributes to your success as a nursing professional.
How many hours should a nursing student study each day?
Study time varies from student to student. Some study more efficiently, while others might need more time. Each student has their own learning style, whether it’s memorization, test-taking skills, or excelling in clinical assignments. The quality of your study time and study habits matter more than the number of hours you spend studying.
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