The first step to a nursing career is getting into nursing school. Nursing school helps prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to pass your licensure exam to begin a career in nursing. But what should you expect from the application process?

This overview will guide you through the nursing school application process. Check out our five basic steps for getting into nursing school:

STEP 1: Find the Right Program and Degree

Did you know there are multiple nursing degree options? You can become a registered nurse (RN) with only an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, some states and employers are requiring nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

• 40.6% of hospitals and other healthcare settings , and 77.4% have a strong preference for BSN program graduates, according to a 2021 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
• , such as New York, require RNs to complete BSN degrees.

Additionally, some advanced nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner (NP) roles, require a master���s degree or doctorate. For working nurses, an online program such as WCU���s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can be the right choice.

The first step to getting into nursing school is to decide what degree you want, and find a program that aligns with your needs. Here are some good questions to ask when researching schools:

• Is it an accredited nursing program?
• Do they offer the degree you want?
• Is there a waitlist to get into the nursing program?
• What kind of hands-on training do they provide? Can you take a tour of the classrooms or simulation labs?
• What are the clinical rotation requirements and opportunities for placement?
• How big is the program?
• Do they offer financial aid?
• Is it a flexible nursing program that fits into your schedule?

Try to attend an information session or a schedule one-on-one call with an admissions advisor. This is the best way to make sure you have all the information you need before committing to a school.

STEP 2: Satisfy the Prerequisites

Once you have narrowed down your list to a handful of nursing schools, take a look at their prerequisites. These will vary by program but might include any of the following:

• GPA requirements
• Entrance exams (ACT, SAT, HESI)
• General education requirements

While some programs will require that you have completed some general education requirements, others will not. For example, when you enroll in 返字心頭���s BSN program, all classes are included in the program. This means you could enroll at WCU straight out of high school, without completing any other prerequisite courses.

For more advanced nursing programs there may be more requirements, such as a previously earned nursing degree or nursing experience. For example, WCU���s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program requires that you have a BSN and a valid RN license. You can always check our catalog for admission requirements for our and in nursing.

STEP 3: Fill Out an Application

The application process will also vary between nursing schools. Your nursing school application process may require any of the following:

• Application fee
• Essays
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview with a program representative
• Unofficial or official copies of your transcripts

If you’re interested in enrolling in a WCU nursing program, you can .

STEP 4: Apply for Financial Aid

Start filling out the (FAFSA) before you get your acceptance. The information from your FAFSA is used by schools to determine financial aid eligibility, to make sure you keep track of deadlines.

Pro tip: For a quick overview of what you can expect on the form, check out Your Quick Guide to Filling Out the FAFSA on our blog.

In addition to completing the FAFSA, research and apply for nursing scholarships. Employers and foundations provide a variety of scholarships every year. In fact, are offered annually.

Find out if your employer offers scholarships or tuition assistance, and just begin with a simple web search. Apply for as many scholarships as you can to maximize your chances for funding. More is more!

And if you’re applying to a WCU nursing program, make sure to explore our scholarships and grants.

STEP 5: Enroll!

Once you receive acceptance, it���s time to enroll! The enrollment process may include steps such as confirming your information, submitting official copies of your transcript, and signing up for classes.

Most universities will include a student orientation. This is when you will learn about student resources and get set up for your classes. Once you have completed orientation, you are all set to begin your nursing education!

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

WCU Distance education programs are delivered out of the Orange County and Dallas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN and DNP degree programs.

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, the University has moved some of the on-ground courses into a distance education modality. However, as soon as the COVID-19 circumstances change, students will be expected to return on campus to complete their program onsite in the regular learning modality as approved by WSCUC and outlined in the university catalog.

Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.

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In nursing, we hear the word ���care��� a lot.

It���s the language we use to describe the profession. But what does it mean?

For nurses, care isn���t just that soft, fuzzy feeling of a hand on your shoulder or a kind word. It���s more than that. It���s the courage and grit to care when things get hard. It’s the stamina to keep caring when the odds are long. It���s the fortitude to make decisions and act when life hangs in the balance.

It takes a certain kind of person to do this work ��� and that’s because caring is a calling.

It���s caring when your shift feels endless��� when the ward is over capacity��� when your patient takes their fear out on you��� when the prognosis is bad. Nurses are leaders, teachers, and caregivers who act in the moment for the benefit of others. They show up and they keep up.

Let���s dispel the myth of nursing as a profession of the nurturer and embrace the nurse warrior, who cares deeply in the fight for life. Let���s take a moment to appreciate what the profession of nursing entails and why nurses are essential to the health and well-being of our society at large.

Healthcare Isn���t a System ��� It���s a Collective

Those of us inside the healthcare ���system��� know that it���s a misnomer. ���System��� is a reductive term for something that is much more than that. Care comes from the people, not the system, and the people of healthcare are stronger, wiser, and more dedicated than their organizational infrastructure.

Healthcare is a team sport ��� a collaborative effort dedicated to the relentless pursuit of health and life. It���s check-you-chart, check-your-morale, check-on-your-teammates work where the sum is greater than its parts. Nurses work in lockstep with each other and with the entirety of a healthcare facility���s personnel to save lives.

Each patient participates in their own health, too, and the connective tissue between a patient and their treatment is often their nurse. After all, nurses make up the , and they���re the primary providers of patient care in hospitals, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Nurses are synapses of communication between patients and their doctors, keeping both sides informed, empowered, and on the right path to health.

Nursing Roles: Touching All Aspects of Life

There���s no overestimating the impact of nurses throughout our lives, including during many milestones. Nurses work with every age population, from neonatal to hospice. They help bring us into the world, and they help ease us out of it. They take our vitals and ask us about our medical histories without judgment. They participate in some of our most critical medical moments. Even when we don���t know them by name, we .

The settings in which nurses work are as varied as their skill set. Nurses work in hospitals, in homes, in schools, and in prisons.^1,2 They can specialize in family medicine, geriatric care, pediatrics, women���s health, and more. They can conduct research, teach in universities, and affect healthcare policy. And all of that is by no means a comprehensive inventory of the nursing purview.

When it comes to care, nurses strike just the right balance between science-based decisions with human compassion. Becoming a nurse means relating to a patient in more ways, perhaps, than any other profession.

An Education That Lays the Foundation for Quality Care

To say a nursing education is a well-rounded education is a gross understatement. Nurses at the undergraduate level study general education topics as well as a series of demanding subjects that require a high level of versatility. (To get a sense of their diversity in education, check out WCU���s )

Nurses who pursue advanced degrees face additional rigor, and those who pursue the highest levels of education and specialties must develop fluency in complex disciplines.

Nursing school at all levels is for students with an appetite for challenge. It���s an education that is equal parts academic and hands-on learning, and it trains both your intellectual and muscle memories for work that requires all-in commitment. This is not a desk job, and even when you are doing paperwork, the stakes remain high.

As a nursing student, you���ll study the sciences and fundamentals specific to nursing, but you will also learn about communication, public health, research, mental health, family and community dynamics, and more.

You���ll do homework and lab work. You���ll participate in simulations and clinical experiences. You���ll graduate with knowledge and skills you���ll need to make a difference for those who will need you.

返字心頭���s Devotion to Future Nurses

At WCU, we are continuously inspired by the nurses of tomorrow that we see in our classrooms today. We���re invested in each and every student���s success, from the first day of their program until well beyond graduation.

We���re focused on our students getting to where they need to go to create the impact they want to in the world. At WCU, that means giving you a quality education and helping you achieve your goals to embark on the exciting, intense, challenging, and deeply rewarding work of a nurse.

Getting Started on Your Nursing Education Journey

Whether you���re ready to start working toward your goal of becoming a nurse or you want to build on your skill set as an existing nurse, we have the curriculum and learning resources you need. Explore our online and campus nursing programs, or fill out the form on this page to request more information.

We want to help you achieve your goals so you can make a bigger impact!

Citations:

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, ���,��� Updated Sept. 8, 2022

² International Association of Forensic Nurses, ���,��� Accessed April 27, 2023

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Whether you���re an aspiring nurse, a newly graduated nurse, or a nurse advancing your degrees or credentials with a specialization, exams and licensure tests are milestones of your educational and professional career in healthcare. Testing is stressful, but it���s an essential component of assessing your readiness for the next stage of your career.

Your first test will be your nursing school admissions exam: The HESI A2. Then, before you can practice as a registered nurse, you���ll need to pass the NCLEX. You���ll take a test such as the HESI Exit Exam or the ATI Comprehensive Predictor test before you take the NCLEX, as an indicator of your preparedness for the licensure exam.

These are the core exams most nurses will take at different times in their careers, but there are also other exams that may come into play once you get into advanced specializations and certifications (if such tests are required by your state).

Below is an overview of the core assessments: the HESI, ATI, and NCLEX exams, as well as tests for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certification. You���ll get a summary for each exam, but feel free to click the provided links for a deeper dive.

Exams for Student Nurses

HESI Exams

 The HESI A2: Nursing School Admissions

The HESI A2 entrance exam is required by the majority of nursing programs to evaluate applicants for school admission. The test itself varies in terms of content, since it is administered by each school individually and that school will tailor the sections and questions according to what it hopes to assess.

You can expect the HESI A2 to include some mix of the following topics:*

• Language skills (reading, vocabulary, grammar)
• Basic math
• Science (biology, chemistry, anatomy, physics)
• Learning style
• Personality profile

*Please note: WCU currently only tests on language skills and math skills. You will receive four hours to complete the test.

The HESI Exit Exam

At the end of your BSN nursing program, but before you take the NCLEX, you���ll likely take the HESI Exit Exam. This test will help you evaluate your readiness for the NCLEX, and help you identify where you���ll need some additional review before signing up for the official licensure test. The HESI Exit Exam is designed to test you on the same topics you���ll face in the NCLEX:

• Nursing process
• Client needs
• Specialties

You aren���t required to take the HESI Exit Exam to secure your license to practice, but it is implemented into many nursing programs.

To learn more about the HESI A2 and the HESI Exit Exam, check out our post covering what’s on the HESI and the steps for taking the test.

The ATI Predictor Exam

The is another exam many nursing school graduates take instead of the HESI Exit Exam. Like the HESI, it is designed to assess readiness for the NCLEX licensure exam. Based on your ATI results, you���ll be able to take the NCLEX with relative confidence or pinpoint the areas where you need more preparation.

Much like the HESI Exit Exam, the ATI test uses subjects and competencies evaluated by the NCLEX, both :

• Safe care environment
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Physiological integrity
• Psychosocial integrity

As part of their studies at WCU, nursing students are rigorously prepared for this exam. Based on your results, you���ll know whether you can take your NCLEX with confidence or you need additional remedial study to increase your likelihood of a passing score.

To learn more about the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam, check out our Guide to ATI post.

Exam for Registered Nurses

NCLEX-RN: Registered Nurse Licensure

Before you can join the workforce as a registered nurse, you must take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN), administered by the ). This exam tests all the knowledge and theory you study in nursing school to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your readiness to practice.

The NCLEX questions are designed around the core competencies of nursing:

• Process
• Caring
• Communication
• Documentation
• Teaching and learning
• Culture and spirituality

The five-hour exam is rigorous and requires preparation. Students in 返字心頭’s BSN program receive rigorous preparation for the NCLEX-RN as part of their program. You can learn all about the exam, what to expect, how to register, and how to prepare in our NCLEX-RN overview post.

Exams for Advanced Nurse Practitioners

APRN Board Certification Exams

If you pursue a  degree to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you may need to pass a certification exam within your specialized discipline, if it is a requirement in your state. There are five licensure test administrators for APRNs include:

• (ANCC)
• (AANPCB)
• (PNBC)
• (NCC)

Each licensing body offers specific certifications of different types, including:

• Nurse practitioner certifications
• Specialty certifications
• Interprofessional certifications

Within each of the categories above are a variety of areas of focus such as adult-gerontology and family nurse practitioner (FNP). Feel free to explore the ANCC���s and AANPCB���s websites to learn more about the certification exams they offer.

Some Closing Advice

As you move forward in your career, you���ll be able to pursue certificates and earn other qualifications to bolster your experience. As you learn and grow in your career, always remember to check state and local requirements for licenses and certifications.

And make sure to choose a nursing school that will help you properly prepare for your licensure and certification exams!

返字心頭 has been delivering quality, student-centric healthcare education since 1909. Explore our website to learn more about our nursing programs, or fill out our form to request more information.

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WCU���s Guide to the Pre-NCLEX Nursing Test for Prospective RNs

The is one of the
standard tests graduating nursing students will take in preparation for the nursing licensure
exam ��� the NCLEX-RN, which all nurses must pass in order to achieve licensure and begin
practicing professionally.

The ATI Predictor is an alternative to the HESI Exit Exam. (Nursing schools individually determine the exam their students will take near the end of their academic program, which indicates the individual students��� likelihood for success on the NCLEX exam.) Both of these test options evaluate graduating nurses��� readiness for licensure requirements.

The ATI Predictor has a dual purpose: First, it is designed to predict a student���s likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN; and second, it helps direct efforts in remedial study for areas where a student has underperformed on the test. In both senses, this exam���s intent is to ensure you are set up for success when you take the must-pass NCLEX.

In short: It���s the test before the big test.

What���s on the ATI Predictor Exam?

The ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor tests you on the subjects and competencies you can expect to be included on the NCLEX. It includes 180 scored questions (most multiple choice) with a limited number in other formats that appear on the NCLEX, such as fill-in-the-blank and ordered-response questions. All questions will focus on , including:

• Safe and effective care environment
  • Management of care
  • Safety and infection control
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Physiological integrity
• Psychosocial integrity
  • Basic care and comfort
  • Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
  • Risk reduction
  • Physiological adaptation

The test is administered and proctored by your nursing school and is four hours long. This means you have more questions and less time than you���ll face on the NCLEX-RN, which has up to 145 questions with up to six hours allowed for completion.

ATI Scoring

The ATI scoring relies on intricate weighting and calculation of the value of questions. Each question is graded according to a scale of difficulty ��� not all questions will carry the same scoring weight.

When you receive the results of your ATI exam, you won���t just see scores. You���ll receive a detailed list of ���Topics to Review��� based on the missed answers in your test. This list won���t just include each topic, but also a breakdown of specific subtopics so you can focus your additional study with surgical precision.

Getting Your Virtual-ATI ���Green Light���

The ATI offers and administers a program called that many graduating nursing students enroll in to prepare for the ATI and, in turn, the NCLEX. This is a 12-week guided review of NCLEX-tested content, with one-on-one access to a nurse educator.

The coursework is self-paced and individualized so each student will have a custom study plan. VATI participants also have access to BoardVitals, which is a bank of test quizzes, including customizable and adaptive quizzes. At the end of 12 weeks, each student���s nurse educator assesses their readiness and either assigns additional remedial review or gives the ���green light.���

At WCU, VATI and BoardVitals are included in your tuition as part of your curriculum. You���ll complete 50% of VATI before you graduate, and the additional 50% afterward. We want all of our students to have access to this comprehensive resource, so you���ll be set up for success and confidence when you sit for the NCLEX exam.

Steps for Taking the ATI Predictor Exam

You can, and should, begin preparing for the ATI Predictor Exam as early as you can. Since the exam is administered by your educational institution, some procedures will vary, as will scoring requirements for graduation. Nursing schools may also require this test for LVN graduates, using a variation of the ATI. In general, though, this would be the approximate chronology of steps you���ll take:

• Enroll in an accredited nursing program.
• Begin preparing for the ATI Predictor Exam by the final year of your program.
• Register for the exam according to your school���s guidelines.
• Take the ATI Predictor Exam.
• Receive your results.
• If your score predicts success, begin taking steps to take the NCLEX.
• If your score indicates more study is needed, begin remedial study to retake the ATI.

Your program���s administrators and counselors may provide some additional timelines, steps, and guidance.

At WCU, We Help You Prepare

Here at WCU, our goal is your goal: to set you up for success and help you lay the foundation for a thriving career. That���s why we help our nursing students prepare for their upcoming nursing exams.

With guaranteed access to VATI and our continuous resources and support throughout your education, you should be able to take both the ATI Predictor Exam and NCLEX with confidence. And thanks to the ���green light��� aspect of VATI, any concerns about potential failure can be addressed well in advance.

If you would like to learn more about the various types of exams that nurses take, we invite you to visit our nursing exams overview post.

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Simulation labs are an opportunity to practice your nursing skills in a safe but realistic environment until you feel confident. Sim labs give you the opportunity to run through all kinds of scenarios you may encounter on the job so that when you start your clinical rotations, you feel like you���ve mastered your skills.

返字心頭 simulation labs are equipped with high-fidelity manikins that react just like real patients. Their pupils dilate. Their blood pressures rise and drop. They can even give birth! As a nursing student at WCU, you���ll be able to practice how to draw blood, administer drugs, listen to chest sounds, respond to changes in a patient���s condition, and more.

At WCU, we don���t just aim to equip you with knowledge. We want to arm you with confidence���and our simulation labs are an integral part of that effort.

Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of simulation labs for nursing students!

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Last Updated: 08/13/2024

What Aspiring RNs Need To Know About Entrance Testing

The Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exam is a computerized, multiple choice entrance exam required by many nursing programs. 返字心頭 uses this exam to test whether an applicant is qualified for admission.��

Here we provide an overview of the HESI entrance exam, including everything you need to know about registration, covered topics, and how to prepare.

What���s on the Exam?

Universities can customize the HESI exam to meet their needs. At WCU, you can expect a variety of questions covering the following topics:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Basic math

You will have up to four hours to complete the exam. Some students complete it sooner, but you should set aside all four hours to dedicate to the exam. Do not rush through the assessment. Give yourself permission to review and check your work. 

Steps To Taking the HESI

Once you���ve chosen your test date and location, begin preparing for the exam as early as you can. While the HESI can , WCU offers testing for free.

If you need to retake the exam, you might need to wait until you are allowed to retake it. Make the most of the time between attempts by reviewing material and completing practice exams.

Are There Alternatives to the HESI Exam?

Yes! As an alternative to the HESI, applicants can submit acceptable ACT, SAT, or TEAS V scores in place of the assessments. For more information about what constitutes acceptable scores, please view the Admission Requirements section on your program page.

Preparing for the Exam

There are a variety of resources online that can help you review. We encourage you to explore different resources until you find one that works for you. Below are some websites past students have used to prepare. These links are not endorsed by WCU or any affiliates.

• (to study metric conversion)

Additionally, students have had success finding review videos on YouTube and similar sites.

If you want a more comprehensive exam review, the organization that provides the HESI exam also sells a review book complete with sample questions and step-by-step explanations. You can find the on their website.

Nervous?

That���s natural. The best way to tame your nerves is to make sure you feel adequately prepared for the test. For tips on how to combat pre-test stress, visit our post on test anxiety.

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Your preceptorship is an exciting time and a rite of passage for all students in nursing school. This is where you begin the work in earnest. This is what you prepared for. Under the guidance of your preceptor, you���ll learn on the job how to put your education into practice.

It can also be a nerve-racking time ��� a time of uncertainty and even self-doubt. But it���s also your time with your own dedicated mentor, to absorb and learn in the field and graduate with confidence. Don���t waste this time. Make the most of it.

But how? We���ll tell you.

In this post, we���ll explore some of the standard practices of what makes a good preceptorship, as well as some of the more case-by-case challenges and opportunities you might encounter. You���ll learn how to shine as a preceptee, how to maximize your learning, and also what not to do.

Every practicum experience is different, but beginning with confidence and knowledge is your best first step to success. Start here.

Note: The following tips are intended for students in nursing graduate programs ��� not precepting in the BSN program.

How to Be a Good Preceptee

When entering into your preceptorship and learning the role of a preceptee, remember The Four Cs: Be curious, be courteous, take cues, and communicate.

Creating a good relationship with your preceptor starts with your attitude and your work ethic. Keep an open mind and heart, and come ready to learn both academically and socially.

Be prepared. This, above all, will set you up for success.

���Preceptors appreciate preparation and initiative,��� advises Chelsea Vandine, Manager of Clinical Education at 返字心頭. ���Come prepared. Take notes. Don���t make your preceptor repeat themselves. Be fully present.���

You can even go above and beyond and consider coming in early to prep what you can that���s on the schedule. (Of course, do only what you���ve been authorized to do on your own.) Be ready to adapt to a new culture and set of rules. Make sure you���re queued up to absorb.

Understand Expectations

In your first meeting with your preceptor at the beginning of your practicum, try to nail down expectations on both sides.

Start with outlining your process as preceptor/preceptee. Perhaps you���ll meet at the end of each week for a review and feedback session, or maybe your preceptor will prefer to touch base daily. An example of something you might want clarity on is whether you can ask questions while with a patient, or whether you should hold them for the end of the day.

Basically, you���re asking your preceptor for house rules. Get all your initial questions answered, and then ask your preceptor if there is anything else you need to know that you haven���t already asked.

Also, let your preceptor know what you���re hoping to learn and accomplish through your clinical experience. They want to be a good preceptor as much as you want to be a good preceptee, so give them any useful information about your expectations and needs.

What to Expect on Week 1

It���s your first week. You���re eager to dive in and participate. Maybe you���re a little nervous, maybe you can���t wait to get started, maybe both. The truth is your first week is likely to be the most uneventful���at least when it comes to your role.

Every preceptor is different, and some may throw you into the deep end right away. However, the more likely scenario is that you���ll spend your first day, or even week, shadowing and observing.

Use this time to get used to get your feet wet and fully understand all the policies and protocols. You���ll get more out of your preceptorship by taking the time to absorb information, so try not to feel impatient or rush into work you���re not quite ready for.

Watch for Cues

Naturally, incidents will come up over the course of your practicum that you hadn���t thought to ask about, and this is where taking cues is important. Observe your preceptor for any clues for how to interact with patients and other nurses and doctors. Watch for any particular work habits your preceptor repeats and follow their lead.

Try to determine how much or little to interject or participate, especially early on ��� and if it���s not implicitly clear, just ask.

Don���t Take Anything Personally

You can enter your preceptorship as informed and prepared as possible, but you won���t be able to predict the culture and methodology of your assignment until you���re in it. Don���t be shocked if you hear a morbid joke or insensitive remark at the nursing station.

You might also discover that your preceptor is curt with you, looking over your shoulder more than you���d like, or coming off as judgmental. Again, don���t take this personally. This probably isn���t about you.

���Keep in mind providers are protective of patients,��� Vandine advises. ���If they seem harsh, remember that it���s not personal; they���re just being a good nurse.���

The same goes for the methodology you encounter when you arrive ��� every preceptor is different. Be ready to adjust and be adaptable. It might not be as warm and fuzzy as you like, but you���re there to learn.

Of course, if discourse during your preceptorship wanders into the abusive, discriminatory, or medically unethical, you may feel compelled to speak up. If you���re a nursing student at 返字心頭, this is a great time to consult with your clinical coordinator. They can listen to your concerns and help you determine how to respond. Discomfort when you���re in a subordinate position can be scary, and you don���t have to navigate these situations alone.

Remember That Your Preceptor Is Human

At the end of the day, your preceptor is just a person with a personal life who goes home and feeds their fish like anyone else. Don���t expect perfection, and don���t put them on a pedestal. Neither revere nor fear your preceptor. Don���t be afraid to ask questions and make requests. Two-way communication is a path to mutual respect.

And remember that like any human, your preceptor is flawed. You may witness your preceptor make a mistake, or even be reprimanded by their superior. Don���t judge. This is a moment for empathy. You may be in a similar situation someday, so this is a great learning opportunity for you.

If your preceptor is harsh with you, or even punitive, it���s important to remember that as their preceptee, the buck stops with them. Your mistakes become their mistakes, and the consequences for them can be very real because their license is on the line. Mistakes are natural, but if you fail to follow HIPAA, break regulations, or make a major mistake, they���ll be held accountable. Be sensitive to this, and take that responsibility seriously.

Dropping or Swapping Preceptors

You may be wondering about the likelihood or circumstances that could lead to ending your preceptor relationship early. This is extremely rare. Even when the preceptor-preceptee dynamic is imperfect, be it bad chemistry or real difficulty working together, most preceptorships find their way to completion.

Exceptions occur in cases when a preceptorship cannot continue due to impossible circumstances like illness or loss. Or occasionally, a preceptor may leave their job in the middle of your preceptorship, in which case you���ll likely be transferred to another preceptor. These circumstances are rare enough that you don���t need to think about them too much. Instead, be prepared to make your preceptorship work, and if you absolutely cannot, or circumstances beyond your control lead to a shortened preceptorship, work with your clinical coordinator to find a solution.

The Key Takeaway

In summation: Make the most of your preceptorship by showing up, being prepared, and making it work. Remember that everything about this time is meant to prepare you for more autonomous nursing, so every victory and every frustration is a learning opportunity. Carry your anticipation and enthusiasm with you into the first day, and then enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

For more helpful tips, check out our recent post on how to find a nurse preceptor.

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If you���re here, you probably already know what a preceptorship is, even if you���re a year or more out from starting your practicum. But in case you���re not already familiar with the term, a preceptorship is a mentorship agreement in which an experienced licensed nurse, medical doctor, or physician assistant provides guidance and, at times, supervision while you gain hands-on experience at a clinical site.

You complete these practicum hours as a requirement of graduation from your nursing program. Preceptorship provides an invaluable opportunity for you to glean from the knowledge of a seasoned professional in a real-life healthcare setting.

To help navigate the process of securing a preceptor, we consulted with Chelsea Vandine, Manager of Clinical Education at 返字心頭. Here are some best practices as well as some lesser-known tips to finding a good match and making a good impression.

Note: The following tips are intended for students in nursing graduate programs ��� not precepting in the BSN program.

When Should I Start Looking for a Preceptor?

��節岳���s never too early,��� Vandine stresses. ���Start tapping into your personal network right away.���

The preceptor search can take time, and there���s no reason to wait to get your hunt started. It���s not unreasonable to be actively seeking a preceptor well over a year before you expect to begin. Waiting until the last minute could severely limit your options or leave you shut out entirely. Also consider that your clinical affiliation can take a couple of months to clear, and that needs to be in place before you start.

So, the short answer to when you should start is ���Now.���

Why Should I Do My Own Networking?

Networking is your best strategy for finding a preceptor, and an even better strategy for finding the right one. Vandine recommends asking friends and relatives about their own doctors and nurse practitioners (NPs) as a great place to start. Looking to work in women���s health? Ask a friend if she likes her OB-GYN.

Put feelers out to friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers���you never know when that person seated next to you on a plane might turn out to be a provider or administrator at your hometown hospital. An opportunity might pop up when or where you least expect it.

Another reason to prioritize finding a preceptor through a personal connection is just that: it���s the personal connection. A preceptor with whom you have a pre-existing relationship of any kind is likely to have more of a personal investment in you.

How Can I Stand Out to Potential Preceptors?

When you meet for a possible preceptorship, above all else, be professional.

���Treat it like a job interview. Dress professionally. These doctors and nurses are getting emails nonstop, so anything you can do to stand out helps.���

-Chelsea Vandine, Manager of Clinical Education at WCU

Remember that you���re asking someone to spend significant time with you, and they���ll be looking at how you present yourself as an early sign of how you���ll conduct yourself during the preceptorship.

What else can you do? ���I���ve had students bake homemade cookies and bring them in. Food makes everyone happy,��� Vandine shared.

Coming to your meeting with food (or any offering) in hand is by no means a requirement, nor an expectation��� but an added personal touch certainly doesn���t hurt.

And don���t be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity shows you���re eager to learn and confident enough to make the most of your preceptorship. Be strategic ��� consider questions that show you���re as interested in what you���ll contribute as in what you���ll gain. Ask what your potential preceptor���s expectations are and how you���ll be able to add value while learning.

How Can I Match with a Preceptor in My Area of Focus?

As a nursing student, you might feel certain that you want to work in a very specific area. The truth is you might not be able to find a placement that fits your exact requirements. We asked Vandine about imperfect placements, and she let us know this isn���t necessarily a bad thing.

���I went to school to be a math teacher,��� she shared. ���You might think you want to be on an oncology floor, but you don���t know what the future holds. That���s why it���s important to place according to the wider scope your license will allow, so you���ll be casting a wider net.���

Placing in a preceptorship that isn���t your preferred placement has its advantages because you���ll add versatility to your experience. Your license will cover a lot of medical treatments that you may or may not use in one given area of practice. Even though you may ultimately end up working in your planned discipline, a preceptorship in an alternate area of focus will give you exposure to a broader scope of practice. And who knows? Maybe you���ll fall in love with a new concentration.

Should I Offer to Pay for a Preceptor?

Whether a preceptor is paid, and by whom, varies. You should not assume you���ll be paying your preceptor, and you don���t need to offer. However, it���s not unusual for a potential preceptor to request payment for taking you on. There are a few things to consider in the event compensation is requested or expected.

First of all, this is not uncommon, and it���s not against the rules. Being a preceptor involves more than just sharing time and expertise ��� it also entails a degree of professional liability. While preceptors provide guidance and oversight, they also bear responsibility for the actions of those they supervise, including potential mistakes made under their supervision. Therefore, a request for compensation should not be entirely unexpected, given the added responsibility.

That said, a preceptor who is unpaid may have different motivations, such as a passion for teaching and a commitment to mentoring. This could suggest a strong investment in your development and success.

Similarly, when a preceptor is compensated through a healthcare organization, they are often assigned to you rather than selecting the role specifically. As a result, they may not have the same personal connection to your development as someone you���ve found through your own network who is offering their guidance voluntarily.

If you do decide to work with a paid preceptor, beware of the more unusual request to remit payment in cash. An off-the-books transactional preceptorship may involve someone who is hoping to evade paying taxes on the income, and this should be considered a red flag.

What Happens If I Can���t Find a Preceptor?

If you have done your best but have tapped out your personal network, don���t give up. You still have other ways to connect with potential preceptors. Students may reach out to clinics directly depending on the type of clinical site.

Fortunately, if you���re a nursing student at 返字心頭, you don���t have to look far for assistance. At WCU, each student is assigned a clinical coordinator to help with preceptorship placement.

So, you have many avenues to preceptorship in addition to your personal network. Just make sure these paths are supplemental to your personal networking.

We wish you the best of luck with your search, and with your upcoming preceptorship! For more, read our post on how to get the most out of your preceptorship while you���re in nursing school.

The post How to Find a Preceptor When You���re in Nursing School appeared first on 返字心頭.

This articles originally published in the September/October 2022 issue of Inspire Health.

Deciding to pursue a nursing career can be the beginning of an exciting and somewhat formidable chapter in one���s life. Yet students at 返字心頭 (WCU) find that their school has their back, especially those who are busy with work and family.

In the cases of Stephanie Pedre (who earned her BSN degree in 2021) and Georgia Bowman (who earned her BSN degree in 2020), WCU is the place that made balancing academic, personal, and professional goals possible.

“I fell in love with the campus. The people were candid, and the rigorous accelerated [nursing] program was great for working students.”

Stephanie Pedre, BSN ’21

Mother to a child with autism, Stephanie���s watershed occurred the night her son suffered a febrile seizure. In seeking the care he needed, it was then and there that she discovered a calling to help children and families with special needs. She began researching nursing programs and found WCU. A member of the 9th evening and weekend cohort, she found a family in her peers, as well as a support system in the faculty and staff. (Learn more about Stephanie’s story in her “Day in the Life of a WCU-Miami Student” video.)

Hands-On Support & Real-World Preparation from WCU Faculty

From the moment you step on campus, the admissions team is available to help you set realistic goals and plan a course of action that is right for your needs. They take the initiative to meet with students regularly and help prepare them well for their career search, as well as assist them with their resumes and portfolios.

���It was four months from graduation to when I had a job,��� says Georgia Bowman, BSN ���20. ���I graduated in November, took the NCLEX in January, and started working two months later.���

Students find that they feel extremely well-prepared for the nursing world. The practice NCLEX exams offered at WCU are said to be more difficult and detailed than the actual exam; however, the simulation labs implemented in the program were the most rewarding experience.

“You would go into these real-life simulations without knowing what you’re facing. You could go from being an emergency room nurse to delivering a baby.”

Georgia Bowman, BSN ’20

Cheering Students On & Helping Them Overcome Obstacles

To help alleviate all the personal, professional, and academic stresses students face, the Student Services department plans activities to boost morale. Students can participate in meditation and yoga to decompress from the pressures of school, work, and family responsibilities.

���The staff are your biggest cheerleaders. They make you feel like you are somebody to them,��� says Stephanie.

Even the faculty at WCU go the extra mile to make sure their students are succeeding. During the height of the pandemic, when the campus was closed and clinical rotations seemed unfathomable, they worked to provide students with alternatives to clinical education by incorporating simulation software into the curriculum. Instead of feeling deterred, Stephanie took advantage of the tools offered and jumped into all clinical units.

���My professors always encouraged us to be open-minded to the ever-evolving field of nursing. Don���t shy away in the background. Be curious,��� says Stephanie.

As a float pool nurse, she takes the initiative to work on unfamiliar cases, witness new procedures, and interact with patients from all areas.

When Georgia was rushed in for emergency surgery, she contacted the school and was met with incomparable support during and after her recovery. Student Services and faculty offered alternatives to make up work, and also suggested a leave of absence. Not only did she not feel the need to take the leave, but she was able to graduate on time.

���There was never a time that I was here at WCU that I did not feel that I had the great support that they offered,��� says Georgia.

Advice from WCU Nursing Alumni

Georgia���s advice to incoming WCU students is to make the most of their time in nursing school and all of the tools available to them.

���You have people who are here to help you along the way and not steer you wrong,��� she said. ���You are not alone.���

At WCU, you are more than a number. With peers, faculty, and staff, students find the motivation and support they need to succeed.

���Nothing in this world is without sacrifices,��� says Stephanie. ���If you���re thinking about WCU, do it and face it head-on. I am in love with my career because I get to make an impact, and at the end of the day, I get to spend more time with my son.���

With the COVID-19 endemic, the university is currently offering some on-ground courses in the distance education modality, as needed. As the situation changes, students may be expected to return on-campus to complete their program on-site in the regular learning modality as outlined in the university catalog.

The post WCU Nursing Alumni Stories: You���re Not Alone, WCU Cares appeared first on 返字心頭.

What Aspiring Registered Nurse Need to Know About Licensure Testing

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is a competency-based exam all student nurses must pass to practice in the United States. This nursing exam provides a comprehensive evaluation of your readiness to enter the healthcare workforce as a nurse. The NCLEX is rigorous and warrants adequate preparation before you sit for the test.

Both the NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses and above) and the NCLEX-PN (for practical nurses) have a five-hour time limit to complete. Individuals with an eligible disability or reason may , including extra time, additional breaks, or a separate testing room.

Do I Need to Take the NCLEX?

If you plan to practice as a registered nurse ��� or as a nurse at any level higher than an RN ��� you���ll have to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing the NCLEX is a requirement of licensure nationwide.

What���s on the NCLEX?

To better understand the content of the actual test, . This provides you with a comprehensive summary of what you���ll be tested on, and how it will be ordered and formatted. This plan is reviewed and updated every three years, so make sure the plan you have is current. Here���s a :

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • Management of Care
  • Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychological Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
  • Basic Care and Comfort
  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
  • Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Physiological Adaptation

Integrated within the above will be the core competencies of nursing, including:

• Nursing process
• Caring
• Communication
• Documentation
• Teaching and learning
• Culture and spirituality

The exam content is distributed in percentages, between 6-23% per topic. (Subject to vary. Reference the current test plan for up-to-date distribution.) Exam content will test your knowledge and comprehension across biological, social, and physical sciences.

Steps to Take the NCLEX

1. Apply for licensure with the
2. Register for the exam through (online recommended).
3. Receive your eligibility confirmation from NRB and registration acknowledgment.
4. Look for your Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
5. .
6. Take the test ().
7. in about six weeks (or two-day quick results for a $7.95 fee).

How to Prepare for the NCLEX-RN

Once you���ve graduated, registered, and received your Authorization to Test (ATT) for your test date, it���s time to do a sanity check that you���re prepared, packed, and ready for your nursing exam.

• Familiarize yourself with the exam format. The NCLEX uses the Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) format, which means the test is adaptive and no one test is identical.
• Optional: Take a test-prep course through a company like , , or one of many others.
• Practice: Take an or purchase a or online simulation. You can find many questions and practice tests for free online.
• Gather .
• Don���t forget to rest up before you test up!

What if I Don���t Pass the NCLEX?

If you don���t pass the NCLEX, . There is a 45-day waiting period before you can retake the exam. Follow the steps above. (You can skip step one.)

Nervous?

That���s natural. The best way to tame your nerves is to make sure you feel adequately prepared for the test. Here are a few tips to get your facts down and confidence up. Visit our post on test anxiety for strategies on how to combat pre-test stress. It may also be helpful for you to check out our post debunking three common exam prep learning myths.

For more helpful posts to assist you in your nursing school journey and career path, continue reading our blog!

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