My 16-year-old daughter is interested in a career in nursing. What programs are available for her to complete now to better prepare her for the future and secure a part-time position in a hospital setting?

Question:

Dear Donna,

My 16-year-old daughter is interested in a career in nursing. Her long-term goal is to be a nurse practitioner. Her short-term goal over the next few years is to become certified so that she can work in a hospital setting. What opportunities/coursework/programs in nursing are available for her to complete now to better prepare her for the future and secure a part-time position in a hospital setting?

Kathy

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Kathy,

I would suggest that your daughter become a certified nurses aide (CNA) now. As soon as she has that certification, she will be able to work in a hospital. She will also be able to continue to work as a CNA during nursing school. This will give her a jump-start and make her a better nurse in the long run.

To find programs in your area, contact your state board of nursing (https://www.ncsbn.org/515.htm), state hospital association (do an Internet search for “[your state] hospital association”) or do an Internet search for “certified nurses aid courses in [your state and/or county].” Your daughter’s school guidance counselor may even be able to help with this. And some schools have health careers programs or sponsor chapters of Health Occupations Students of America .

Best wishes to you both!
Donna

Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional. To ask Donna your question, go to www.nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call (800) 866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.