Is Nursing For You?

What is Nursing?

Nursing is generally defined as the process of caring for or nurturing another individual. The term nurse refers to individuals who have completed formal education and training in the art and science of nursing. Professional nurses integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, including biology and psychology, to promote the restoration and maintenance of health in clients or patients. As critical members of the healthcare team, nurses provide direct patient care, monitor health status, deliver health-related education to patients and families, and serve as patient advocates.

If you are someone who is concerned with health and well-being, has a desire to help others, and is interested in how the human body functions in both illness and health, nursing may be the profession for you. In addition to a caring disposition, nurses must possess strong observational, decision-making, and communication skills. Nurses provide hands-on patient care and frequently operate complex medical equipment. They must be able to both give and follow directions and work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Nurses often coordinate or supervise the work of other healthcare providers, requiring leadership and management skills. While the nursing profession is demanding and can be stressful, it is also highly rewarding.

Types of Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

There are two major categories of nurses: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). LPNs commonly work in physician offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. They practice under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or physician. LPN education typically consists of a 12-month program offered through Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology located throughout the state. Upon graduation, candidates must successfully complete the Practical Nurse Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to obtain licensure.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses provide and supervise patient care across a wide range of healthcare settings. These settings include hospitals, clinics, health departments, surgical centers, physician practices, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies, school systems, and employee health programs in industrial settings. Tennessee colleges and universities offer Associate and Baccalaureate degree programs that prepare graduates for RN licensure through successful completion of the Registered Nurse Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Advanced Practice and Graduate Nursing

Advanced practice and graduate nursing degrees, such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), allow RNs to specialize further in clinical practice, research, leadership, or nursing education. These programs are typically pursued after an RN has gained professional experience and identified a specialty area of interest. Graduate programs generally require two to four years of study, depending on whether the student attends full-time or part-time.

Preparing for a Nursing Career

If you are a high school student thinking seriously about a career in nursing, you should talk with your high If you are considering a career in nursing, you should plan your high school coursework to include science, mathematics, and health-related subjects. Students interested in becoming Registered Nurses are encouraged to enroll in college preparatory courses whenever possible.

High school students who are seriously considering nursing should consult with their school guidance or career counselor. These professionals can assist in developing a plan of study that aligns with typical nationwide college and university admission requirements.

Suggested High School Preparatory Courses

• English: 4 years (strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills are essential)
• Mathematics: 2–4 years (algebra is foundational for medication administration and chemistry)
• Science: 2–4 years (biology and chemistry are required in most nursing programs; anatomy and physiology are strongly recommended)
• Computer Science: Basic computer proficiency is required, as technology is integral to healthcare delivery
• Social Studies: 3–4 years (psychology is essential; sociology, history, government, and economics are recommended)
• Foreign Language: 2 years (Spanish and other languages are increasingly valuable in diverse healthcare settings)
• Health Studies: 1–2 years (basic healthcare and wellness principles are beneficial)

If you have identified a specific college or university, contact the admissions office or school of nursing for detailed high school prerequisite requirements. Your guidance counselor can assist with locating this information.

Typical College Courses

Colleges and universities require completion of general education coursework prior to admission into a school of nursing. Common prerequisite courses include:

• English Composition – 2 semesters
• College-Level Mathematics – 1 semester
• General Psychology – 1 semester
• General Chemistry – 1 semester
• General Biology – 1 semester
• Anatomy and Physiology – 2 semesters
• Microbiology – 1 semester
• Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology or Anthropology) – 1 semester
• Pathophysiology – 1 semester
• Music or Art – 1 semester
• Basic Computer Science – 1 semester

Nursing Program Coursework

After completing general education requirements and gaining acceptance into a nursing program, students begin coursework specific to the nursing curriculum. Typical nursing courses may include:

• Fundamentals of Nursing: Core health concepts, nursing process, and theory – 1 semester
• Pathophysiology: Disease processes and clinical implications across the lifespan – 1 semester
• Health Assessment: Assessment skills applied to health status and function – 1 semester
• Pharmacology: Drug classifications, actions, interactions, nursing implications, and relevant legislation – 1 semester
• Adult Nursing I & II with Clinical Applications: Care of adult patients across the lifespan; development of critical thinking and accountability – 2 semesters
• Nursing of Children with Clinical Applications: Pediatric nursing care from infancy through adolescence – 1 semester
• Family Nursing with Clinical Applications: Care of the family during antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn periods – 1 semester
• Community Health Nursing with Clinical Applications: Population-focused care in community settings – 1 semester
• Mental Health Nursing with Clinical Applications: Care of individuals with mental health needs – 1 semester

Courses in professional nursing management, leadership, research, theory, and contemporary nursing issues are offered at varying levels depending on the degree pursued (Associate, Baccalaureate, or Advanced Practice).

Prospective students should always consult the specific nursing program they plan to attend for detailed curriculum requirements.

Financing Your Education

Pursuing a nursing education is an investment, and a variety of funding sources may be available to help offset educational costs. Students are encouraged to explore federal, state, private, and institutional financial aid options early in the planning process.

Federal & State Financial Assistance

The U.S. Department of Education, through its Federal Student Aid programs, offers several forms of financial assistance to eligible students.

Pell Grants are need-based grants that do not require repayment. These grants are generally awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree and who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Direct Loans (formerly Stafford Loans) are available in both subsidized and unsubsidized forms. Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need, and the federal government covers the interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during approved deferment periods. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need, and interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed until it is fully repaid.

In Tennessee, students may also be eligible for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, which provides merit-based financial assistance to qualifying residents. Additional Tennessee scholarship and grant information is available through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.

Private Funding

Private funding opportunities may be available through local, state, or national organizations. Civic groups, community foundations, and professional associations frequently offer scholarships for students pursuing nursing education. Examples include organizations such as local Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Civitan Clubs, and chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Availability, eligibility criteria, and award amounts vary by organization and location.

Some employers and corporations offer limited scholarship or tuition assistance programs for employees or dependents. These opportunities are subject to change and may be location-specific, so students should verify current offerings directly with the organization.

Healthcare systems and facilities may also provide scholarships, grants, or tuition assistance programs for individuals pursuing nursing education, often in exchange for a work commitment following graduation. Students are encouraged to contact healthcare organizations in their communities to inquire about available opportunities.

National nursing organizations and foundations maintain searchable databases of competitive nursing scholarships. Students should carefully review eligibility requirements and application deadlines when using these tools.

The Johnson and Johnson Discover Nursing website has a Nursing Scholarship search tool that provides information about many competitive nursing scholarships.

Institutional Funding

Colleges and universities offer a range of institutional financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. These resources vary by institution and academic program. Prospective students should review the financial aid information for each school they are considering and consult directly with the institution’s financial aid office to understand application processes, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.

Because financial aid policies and funding availability change over time, students are encouraged to review financial aid information annually and submit all required forms as early as possible.