What to do before you even start

Not all nursing programs across the United States and Georgia specifically are equal in terms of clinical placement quality, mentorship quality, and overall preparedness for nursing. This means that it is crucial for everyone who wants to pursue nursing to do their research on any programs they may be considering. In Georgia, the Georgia Board of Nursing publishes pass rate data by program annually. If a school's pass rates are consistently below the national average, that is worth weighing seriously.

Common classes in many nursing programs include Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry. By getting a basis of these classes, you would be getting a head-start on some of the most crucial classes during your nursing career. Nursing school will build on these concepts quickly and without much review. Students who struggle in the first semester of clinical coursework often trace it back to shaky foundational science knowledge.

Nursing students routinely report underestimating the time commitment. A full-time ADN or BSN program can require 40–60 hours per week when you factor in labs, clinicals, and study time. Before your program begins, establish:

• A realistic weekly schedule that protects study blocks

• A support system - including friends, family, etc - who understand the demands

• A financial plan that reduces the need for excessive work hours during the program