3 Ways to Answer the “Why Do You Want to be a Nurse?” Question

3 Ways to Answer the “Why Do You Want to be a Nurse?” Question

3 Ways to Answer the “Why Do You Want to be a Nurse?” Question

Getting into a nursing school or applying as a new nurse will always have an interview date. During this interview, you will be asked several questions that you must answer truthfully and in the best way possible.

One of these questions includes, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” Don’t be nervous. Preparing yourself for this question is the key to acing your interview. In this post, we will give you helpful tips on answering your interviewer with this question in total confidence.

 

Get Ready to Be a Nurse

When asked, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” gather your thoughts first. Take your time answering. You can take several steps to plan your answer during the interview.

Writing your answers is helpful; you should avoid memorizing them. It may sound nice in your head, but it won’t sound as genuine to the one interviewing you. Here’s how you can prepare for your interview. 

 

1. Be Genuine 

There’s no need to embellish your answer or create a response so you sound good to the interviewer. You only need to take some time to reflect on your core values. Think of the reasons why you felt inspired or motivated to pursue a career in the nursing field.

If you’re unsure how to answer it directly, think about this – what’s with nursing that makes you excited or happy? What made you interested in being a nurse? And what do you hope to achieve once you become a nurse? 

If you can answer all these questions, you can also answer the question, “Why do you want to be a nurse?”

 

2. Have a personal anecdote

Sometimes, sharing your personal story about why you want to be a nurse shows your employers a glimpse of your values. Bringing anecdotes into your interview sets you apart from other candidates.

One good example is that you may pursue a nursing career because one of your family members is a successful nurse and inspired you to be one too.

It could also be because one of your family members experienced a health problem that pushed you to become a nurse. Whatever reasons you have for pursuing this career, the question allows you to relate and articulate the different factors of your life.

Besides, sharing a personal story is always memorable. Why not share yours? 

 

3. Get inspiration from your experience

Use your background and interests to draw your answers. For example, let’s say you’ve been helping children, volunteering in a senior home, or feeding the homeless.

If you’ve worked with these people, you can share your experience and how it has impacted your life. Including your experience in your answer will add value to the interviewer. It’s excellent input to add too. 

Once you’ve answered the question, close your answer with a nod to the future and what you’d like to accomplish in your nursing career. Bringing your answer from the past and into the future shows that you’re thinking ahead and have the determination to make your dreams a reality. 

 

In Closing

Nursing is an exciting profession, but it’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. It involves your skills and knowledge and may require your physical strength. So, you must be sure that you are ready for this job.

Answering the question, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” is your first step. If you can answer it honestly, you’re one step away from a bright future! 

 

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!

EP 201: Lab Values to Know as a Nurse

EP 201: Lab Values to Know as a Nurse

Lab Values to Know as a Nurse

What are the lab values to know as a nurse? Lab values and what they show could mean so many things. They are used to determine the patient’s overall well-being and health and on nurses to base their care plan.

Different factors affect the patient’s lab values result, but the most common factors affecting it are the patient’s age, race, gender, medical history, and presence of any underlying conditions. Knowing and understanding lab values is essential in your nursing career.

There are different lab values to know as a nurse. In this episode, we will talk about all the different labs we look at in the hospital. We will go over their normal values, what they signify, and what can happen if they are out of their normal range.

This will be a good refresher episode for everyone who deals with labs and a great one for any nursing students because these are the labs you’ll need to know to pass some of your classes and the NCLEX.

Electrolytes

Potassium K+

  • Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. 
  • Normal level: 3.5-5 mEq/L
    • Hyperkalemia signs: heart arrhythmias, numbness, and tingling, breathing problems
    • Hypokalemia signs: muscle weakness, fatigue, heart arrhythmias
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Acute renal failure, Crushed/burn injury, acidosis 
    • Decreased level: vomiting/diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, gastric suction, Diuretics 

Sodium Na+ 

  • Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body’s fluid balance.
  • Normal level: 135-145 mEq/L
    • Hypernatremia signs: lethargy, myoclonic jerks, confusion, nystagmus, tachycardia
    • Hyponatremia  signs: nausea and vomiting, lethargy, seizure, neurological deficits
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Dehydration, severe vomiting, diarrhea, Heart failure, hepatic failure, Cushing’s disease 
    • Decreased level: vomiting, diarrhea, gastric solution, D5W, SIADH,

Calcium Ca+ 

  • It is a mineral that is necessary for life. In addition to building bones and keeping them healthy, calcium enables our blood to clot, our muscles to contract, and our heart to beat. About 99% of the calcium in our bodies is in our bones and teeth.
  • Normal level: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
    • Hypercalcemia signs: bone pain, muscle weakness, excessive thirst, lethargy, nausea
    • Hypocalcemia signs: numbness and tingling in digits, muscle cramps, wheezing, fatigue
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Hyperparathyroidism, malignant neoplasm of bone, lung, breast, kidney, multiple myeloma, and prolonged immobilization. 
    • Decreased level: Diarrhea, malabsorption of calcium, Hypoparathyroidism

Chloride CI- 

  • Chloride is one of the essential electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids.
  • Normal level: 95-105 mEq/L
    • Hyperchloremia signs: diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, dry mucous membrane
    • Hypochloremia signs: diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, dehydration
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Dehydration, hypernatremia, head injury, metabolic acidosis.  
    • Decreased level: Vomiting, gastric suction, diarrhea, hypokalemia. 

Magnesium Mg+

  • It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps adjust blood glucose levels. It aids in the production of energy and protein.
  • Normal level: 1.5-2 mEq/L
    • Hypermagnesemia: diminished deep tendon reflexes, flushing, headache, nausea, drowsiness.
    • Hypomagnesemia: muscle weakness, twitches, or tremors; irritability, insomnia, drowsiness
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Severe dehydration, renal failure, leukemia
    • Decreased level: Protein malnutrition, malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, hypokalemia

Phosphorus 

  • It is a mineral that makes up 1% of a person’s total body weight. It is the second most abundant mineral in the body. It is present in every cell of the body. Most of the phosphorus in the body is found in the bones and teeth.
  • Normal level: 2.5-4.5 mg/dl
    • Hyperphosphatemia signs: osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease
    • Hypophosphatemia signs: changes in mental state, bone pain/fragility, fatigue, weight loss, weakness
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Renal failure, hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism 
    • Decreased level: starvation, hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, chronic alcoholism

Ammonia

  • Ammonia is a waste product made by your body during protein digestion.
  • Normal level: 15-50 μmol/L
    • Hyperammonemia signs: Lethargy (ETOH Pt), rapid or heavy breathing, Altered mental status 
  • Clinical problems
    • Increased level: Hepatic failure, High protein diet with liver failure, acidosis. 

Uric acid 

  • It is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines.
  • Purines are usually produced in the body and are also found in some foods and drinks.
  • Normal level 0.18-0.48 mmol/L
    • High signs: Joint pain, joint stiffness, redness, and swelling. 
  • Clinical problems
    • Increased level: Gout, alcoholism, severe eclampsia, renal failure

Creatinine

  • Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. It is removed from the body by the kidneys.
  • Normal level 0.8-1.3 mg/dL
    • High signs: Nausea, muscle cramps, vomiting, fatigue, HTN
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Hypothyroidism, CKD, intense exercise, dehydration 
    • Decreased level: Renal impairment, hyperthyroidism, ALS

BUN 

  • BUN is the end product of protein metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys
  • Normal level 8-21 mg/dL
    • High signs: Frequent urination, itching, muscle cramps, fatigue. 
  • Clinical problem
    • Increased level: Dehydration, GI bleeding, prerenal failure, Acute MI, sepsis, shock
    • Decreased level:  Severe liver damage, overhydration, malnutrition

Specific Gravity

  • A urine-specific gravity test compares the density of urine to the density of water. This quick test can help determine how well your kidneys dilute your urine.
  • Normal level 1.010-1.030 
    • High signs: Dehydration, Diabetes, Proteinuria, SIADH
    • Low signs: Polydipsia, Diabetes Insipidus, Diuretics, early stages of CKD

LDH 

  • Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) is an intracellular enzyme in nearly all metabolizing cells, with the highest concentration in the heart, skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, brain, and RBCs.
  • Normal level 50-150 U/L
    • Increased level: Acute MI, P.E, Sepsis, shock, CVA, sickle cell.

Hematology

RBC 

  • The reticulocyte count is an indicator of bone marrow activity
  • Normal level 4.5-5.0 million
    • Increased level: sickle cell, hemolytic anemia, leukemias 
    • Decreased level: Anemia, radiation therapy, post hemorrhage, cirrhosis of the liver (alcohol suppresses reticulocytes)

WBC 

  • White blood count, part of a complete blood count, is composed of 5 types of WBCs 
  • Normal level 5,000-10,000
    • Increased level: Acute infection, Inflammatory diseases (RA, gout), Tissue damage (acute MI, burns)
    • Decreased level: leukemias, immunosuppressive agents

Plt 

    • Platelets (thrombocytes) are essential elements in the blood that promote coagulation.
  • Normal level 200,000-400,000
    • Increased level: Polycythemia vera, trauma, acute blood loss, Metastatic carcinoma
    • Decreased level: Multiple myeloma, Anemias, Leukemias, liver disease, lupus, DIC, Cirrhosis 

Hgb 

  • Hemoglobin responsible for the transportation of oxygen
  • Normal level 
    • male 13-17 g/dL
    • female 12-15 g/dL
  • Increased level: Dehydration, polycythemia, COPD, HF, severe burns
  • Decreased level: Anemias, Hemorrhage, cirrhosis of the liver, Leukemias, Hodgkin’s disease, kidney disease

Hematocrit 

  • The hematocrit is a ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the volume of all these components, called whole blood. The value is expressed as a percentage or fraction.
  • Normal level Male 40%-52% Female 36%-47%
    • Increased level: Dehydration/hypovolemia, severe diarrhea, diabetic acidosis, burns.
    • Decreased level: Acute blood loss, anemias, RA, lupus, CKD, cirrhosis

PTT 

  • Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is a blood test that looks at how long it takes for blood to clot. It can help tell if you have a bleeding problem or if your blood doesn’t clot properly.
  • Normal level 25-35 sec.  If on Heparin 1.5-2.5x normal
    • Increased level: Hemophilia, cirrhosis, vitamin k deficiency, Von Willebrand disease, DIC. 

PT 

  • Prothrombin Time. It is synthesized by the liver and is an inactive precursor in the clotting process.  
  • Normal level 11- 14 sec
    • Increased level: Liver disease, Clotting factor issues (Factor 2 deficiency), Heart failure, leukemias
    • Decreased level: Thrombophlebitis, MI, P.E 

INR 

  • The international normalized ratio (INR) is a laboratory measurement of how long it takes blood to form a clot. It is made to monitor patients receiving warfarin. 
  • Normal level 0.9-1.2 If on Coumadin 1.5 – 3

Reticulocytes

  • Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (RBCs).
  • Normal range  0.5-1.5%

Neutrophils 

  • Are the most numerous circulating WBCs, respond mainly to inflammation & tissue injury.
  • Normal range 2-8 x 10^9/L

Bands 

  • Basophils increase during the healing process
  • Basophils are white blood cells that defend your body from allergens. Basophils release histamine
  • Normal Range < 1 x 10^9/L

Lymphocytes 

  • Increased during chronic and viral infections
  • Normal range 1-4 x 10^9/L

Monocytes 

  • The second line of defense. More extensive and more substantial than neutrophils can ingest large particles and debris.
  • Normal range 0.2-0.8 x 10^9/L

Eosinophils 

  • Increase during allergic and parasitic conditions 
  • Normal level < 0.5 x 10^9/L

HBA1C 

  • The hemoglobin A1c test tells you your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. It’s also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin.
  • Normal level <6.5%

Glucose 

  • Simple sugar is used as an energy source and is stored as glycogen in the liver and skeletal muscles.
  • Normal level 70-110 mg/dL
    • Increased level: DM, Diabetic acidosis, adrenal gland hyperfunction (Cushing’s) 
    • Decreased level: Hypoglycemia, malnutrition

Gastrointestinal

Bilirubin

  • Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin by the reticuloendothelial system and is carried in the plasma to the liver. Bilirubin (unconjugated or indirect) is bound to serum albumin and transferred to the liver, which is conjugated to glucuronate by glucoronyl transferase. Conjugated (direct) bilirubin is excreted into the bile.
  • Normal level 
    • Direct Bilirubin 0-6 µmol/L 
    • Total Bilirubin 2-20 µmol/L
  • Increased level: Obstructive jaundice caused by stones, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer
  • Decreased level: Iron-deficiency anemia. 

Albumin 

  • Albumin is a protein made by your liver. Albumin helps keep fluid in your bloodstream so it doesn’t leak into other tissues. It also carries various substances throughout your body, including hormones, vitamins, and enzymes.
  • Normal level 35-50 g/L
    • Increased level: Dehydration, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea 
    • Decreased level: Cirrhosis of the liver, acute liver failure, severe burns, severe malnutrition, preeclampsia, renal disorders, prolonged immobilization. 

ALT/AST

  • ALT/AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver cells and is effective in diagnosing hepatocellular destruction.
  • Normal level 5-30 U/L
  • Increased level: Acute (viral) hepatitis and liver necrosis (Drug or chemical toxicity).

Amylase 

  • Amylase is an enzyme derived from the pancreas, the salivary glands, and the liver. Its function is to change starch to sugar. 
  • Normal level: 30-125 U/L
  • Increased level: Acute pancreatitis, obstruction of the pancreatic duct, acute cholecystitis, diabetic acidosis, diabetes mellitus, renal failure. 

Lipase 

  • Lipase, an enzyme secreted by the pancreas, aids in digesting fats. Appears in the bloodstream following damage to the pancreas. 
  • Normal level: 10-150 U/L
  • Increased level: Acute and chronic pancreatitis, cancer of the pancreas, and obstructions. 

Hormones

Hydroxyprogesterone 

  • IHydroxyprogesterone is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, two glands on top of the kidneys. A 17-OHP test is used for Hydroxyprogesterone levels to help diagnose a rare genetic disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
  • Normal level: 0.2-1 mg/L

Adrenocorticotropic ACTH 

  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is made in the pituitary gland. It is needed for your adrenal glands to work properly and help your body react to stress. ACTH stimulates the release of another hormone called cortisol from the adrenal gland’s cortex (outer part).
  • Normal level: 4.5-20 pmol/
  • Increased level: Addison’s disease, Stress, pituitary neoplasm, pregnancy. 
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, a pair of walnut-sized organs above the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce essential hormones, including Cortisol, which regulates the body’s response to illness or stress.

TSH 

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T3), and triiodothyronine (T4)  which stimulates the metabolism of almost every tissue in the body.
  • Normal level: 0.5-5 mIU/L
  • Increased level: Hypothyroidism, acute thyroiditis, viral hepatitis, myasthenia gravis, preeclampsia
  • Decreased level: Hyperthyroidism

Thyroxine

  • Serum T4 levels are commonly used to measure thyroid hormone concentration and the function of the thyroid gland. 
  • So, if your T3 and T4 levels are too low, the pituitary gland will release more TSH. If they’re too high, the gland will release less TSH — but this give-and-take system only works if everything functions properly.
  • Normal level:
    • Free T3 0.2-0.5 ng/dL
    • Free T4 10-20 pmol/L
    • Total T4 4.9-11.7 mg/dL
    • Total T3 0.7-1.5 ng/dL
  • Increased level: Hyperthyroidism, acute thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, preeclampsia
  • Decreased level: Hypothyroidism, Protein malnutrition.

Follicle-stimulating hormone 

  • FSH, a gonadotropic hormone produced and controlled by the pituitary gland, stimulates the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicle to produce estrogen in females and promote spermatogenesis in males. 
  • Normal level:
    • (FSH) 1-10 IU/L (M/F) 
    • 5-25 IU/L (ovulation) 
    • 30-110 IU/L (postmenopause)
  • Increased level: Gonadal failure such as menopause, Pituitary tumor, Turner’s syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome 
  • Decreased level: Neoplasms of the ovaries, testes, adrenal: polycystic ovarian disease, hypopituitarism; anorexia nervosa. 

Growth Hormone 

  • Human growth hormone (hGH), a hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, regulates the growth of bone and tissue. 
  • Normal level: (fasting) 0-5 ng/m
  • Increased level: Gigantism (children), Acromegaly (adults), major surgery. 
  • Decreased level: dwarfism in children, hypopituitarism

Progesterone 

  • It is secreted by the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland that the female body produces after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
  • Normal level 70-280 ng/dL
  • Increased level: Ovulation, pregnancy, ovarian cysts, tumors of the ovary or adrenal gland. 
  • Decreased level: Gonadal dysfunction, luteum deficiency, threatened abortion, placental failure.

Prolactin 

  • It is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, which sits at the bottom of the brain. Prolactin causes breasts to grow and develop and causes milk to be made after a baby is born. 
  • Normal level: < 14 ng/mL
  • Increased level: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, pituitary tumor, amenorrhea, hypothalamic disorder, endometriosis, chronic renal failure, Addison’s disease.
  • Decreased level: Postpartum pituitary infarction

Testosterone (male):  

  • Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In male humans, testosterone plays a crucial role in developing male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate and promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass and body hair growth.
  • Normal level: 10-25 nmol/L
  • Increased level: Adrenal hyperplasia or tumor, polycystic ovaries in females
  • Decreased level: Testicular hypofunction, Klinefelter’s syndrome (primary hypogonadism), Alcoholism, hypopituitarism

Lipids

LDL 

  • LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.
  • Normal level: 85-125 mg/dL
  • Saturated fat and cholesterol in your food make your blood cholesterol level rise.

HDL 

  • HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body.
  • Normal level: 40-80 mg/dL

Triglycerides 

  • Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells.
  • Normal level: 50-150 mg/dL
  • Increased level: Hyperlipoproteinemia, acute MI, Hypertension, cerebral thrombosis, hypothyroidism
  • Decreased level; Hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and protein malnutrition.

Total chol 

  • A measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. It includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
  • Normal level: 3-5.5 mmol/L

Cardiac Markers

Creatine kinase

  • Creatine kinase is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Increased amounts of CK are released into the blood when there is muscle damage. 
  • Normal level:  25-200 U/L
  • Increased level: exercise and inflammation of muscles, called myositis, and myopathies such as muscular dystrophy. Rhabdomyolysis.

Troponin 

  • Troponins are a group of proteins found in skeletal and heart (cardiac) muscle fibers that regulate muscular contraction—used for cardiac disease diagnosis of acute MI.
  • Normal level: 0-0.4 ng/mL
  • Increased level: MI, myocardial damage

C-reactive protein 

  • It is produced in the liver in response to tissue injury and inflammation. 
  • Normal level < 5 mg/L
  • Increased level: Chronic infections, cardiovascular and peripheral disease, acute MI, Stroke, inflammatory bowel disease, RA, Lupus, bacterial meningitis.

D-dimer 

  • D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product, a small protein fragment in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis.
  • Normal level: < 500 ng/mL
  • Increased level: DIC, P.E, Thrombosis, COVID 

BNP

  • Brain Natriuretic peptide is a neurohormone secretion primarily in the cardiac ventricles and will increase in response to volume expansion and pressure overload.
  • Normal level:  < 100 pg/ml
  • Increased level: Heart failure, Left ventricular hypertrophy, myocarditis, AMI, Renal failure, prolonged systemic hypertension.

Tumor Markers 

Alpha-fetoprotein 

  • Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a screening test, is usually done between 16 and 20 weeks gestation to determine the probability of twins or to detect low birth weight or severe birth defects, such as neural-tube defects. 
  • Normal level: 0-44 ng/mL
  • Increased level: Cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, Spina bifida, Fetal death, fetal distress, Turner’s syndrome
  • Decreased level: Down’s syndrome, absence of pregnancy

HCG 

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by cells that surround a growing embryo, which eventually forms the placenta after implantation. The presence of hCG is detected in some pregnancy tests. Appears in the blood and urine 14-26 days after conception.
  • Normal level: <5 IU/I
  • Increased level: Pregnancy, Chorionepithelioma of pregnancy is a malignant tumor originating in connection with pregnancy. 
  • Decreased level: Nonpregnant, dead fetus, postpartum (3-4 days)

CA 19-9

  • Cancer Tumor Markers (CA 19-9) is a cancer antigen in diagnosing pancreatic, hepatobiliary, gastric, and colorectal cancer. 
  • Normal level: <40 U/mL
  • Decreased levels = Effective response to treatment, benign disease
    • There are also different tumor markers. You won’t need to know all of these, but we thought we should include them. 
    • CA 15-3: Metastatic breast cancer, ovarian, lung, pancreas, cirrhosis, colon cancer.
    • CA-27.29: Recurrence of breast cancer
    • CA 50: Gastrointestinal tumor, biliary tract tumors
    • CA 125: Ovarian breast cancer, uterine tumors, pancreas, breast, colon, lung, cirrhosis, pancreatitis.  

CEA 

  • Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been found in the gi epithelium of embryos and has been extracted from tumors in the adult gastrointestinal tract. 
  • Normal level: <4 ug/L
  • Increased level: GI tract (esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, rectum cancer), leukemia, Ulcerative colitis. 

PAP 

  • Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) originates in the prostate and usually is present in small amounts in the blood. 
  • Normal level: 0-3 U/dL
  • Increased level: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

 

PSA 

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is always present in low concentrations in the blood of adult males.
  • Normal level: <4 ug/L
  • Increased level: Prostate cancer

Vitamins 

Folate 

  • Folate is one of the B vitamins needed to make red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, convert carbohydrates into energy, and produce DNA and RNA.
  • Normal level: 7-36 nmol/L
  • Increased level: Pernicious anemia (is a deficiency in red blood cells caused by lack of vitamin B12)
  • Decreased level: Folic acid anemia, vitamin b6 deficiency anemia, malnutrition, malabsorption syndrome (small intestine), pregnancy, liver disease.

Vitamin A 

  • It is a Fat-soluble vitamin absorbed from the intestine in the presence of lipase and bile. Vitamin A moves to the liver and is then stored in the body as retinol.
  • Vitamin A is vital for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development.
  • Normal level: 30-65 µg/dL
  • Increased level: Hypervitaminosis, Chronic kidney disease
  • Decreased level: Night blindness, liver, intestinal, or pancreatic disease, chronic infections, cystic fibrosis, protein malnutrition, malabsorption, celiac disease

Vitamin B6

  • Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs for several functions. It’s significant to protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.
  • Normal level: 5-30 ng/mL
  • Decreased level: Malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, gestational diabetes, pregnancy, lactation, small bowel inflammatory disease, renal failure.

Vitamin B12 

  • Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia.
  • Normal level: 130-700 ng/L
  • Decreased level: Pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndrome, liver diseases, hypothyroidism (myxedema), pancreatic insufficiency, Crohn’s disease.
  • Increased level: Acute hepatitis, leukemia.

Vitamin C 

  • Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin important for forming collagen and certain amino acids for wound healing and withstanding stress, injury, and infection. 
  • Normal level: 0.4-1.5 mg/dL
  • Decreased levels: Scurvy, malabsorption, pregnancy, cancer, and severe burns. 

Vitamin D

  • Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin occurring from exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight and is absorbed in the presence of bile and stored in the liver. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. 
  • Normal level:  5-75 ng/mL
  • Decreased level: Malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, rickets, osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease

Miscellaneous

Rheumatoid Factor

  • RF factor is a screening test used to detect antibodies (Igm, IgG, or Ig)
  • Normal level:  <25 IU/ml
  • Increased level: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, tuberculosis, leukemia

ESR 

  • An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a type of blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle in unclotted blood in millimeters per hour. 
  • It can show if you have inflammation in your body.
  • Normal level: >2 mm/h
  • Increased level: RA, rheumatic fever, AMI, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, bacterial endocarditis, gout, hepatitis
  • Decreased level: Polycythemia vera, heart failure, sickle-cell anemias, factor V deficiency

ACE 

  • The ACE test measures the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood.
  • Normal level: 20-50 µmol/L
  • Increased level: Sarcoidosis, Diabetes Mellitus, hypothyroidism, Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Decreased level: Therapy for sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism

Lead

  • Found in lead-based paint, unglazed pottery, batteries, leaded gasoline
  • Normal level: < 25 IU/ml 
  • Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system.

Refresh your memory and relearn the lab values by watching the full episode here 👇👇👇

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
01:21 About the episode
02:35 Electrolytes Potassium K+
Sodium Na+
Calcium Ca+
Chloride CI-
Magnesium Mg+
Phosphorus
Ammonia Uric acid
Creatinine
BUN
Specific Gravity
Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH)
17:02 Hematology
RBC
WBC
Platelets (thrombocytes)
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
Hematocrit
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
Prothrombin Time (PT)
International Normalised Ratio (INR)
Reticulocytes
Neutrophils Bands
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
HBA1C
Glucose
27:25 Gastrointestinal
Bilirubin
Albumin
ALT/AST
Amylase Lipase
30:40 Hormones
Hydroxyprogesterone
Adrenocorticotropic ACTH
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroxine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
Progesterone
Prolactin
Testosterone
36:57 Lipids Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
Triglycerides Total Cholesterol
39:11 Cardiac Markers
Creatine kinase
Troponin
C-Reactive Protein
D-Dimer
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
41:56 Tumor Markers
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
CA 19-9 Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP)
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
44:15 Vitamins
Folate
Vitamin A
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
48:12 Miscellaneous
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
Lead

10 Skills Nursing Students Must Have to Succeed as a Nurse

10 Skills Nursing Students Must Have to Succeed as a Nurse

10 Skills Nursing Students Must Have to Succeed as a Nurse

So, you chose to be a nurse? Excellent choice! But do you have the skills to succeed in nursing school? To be successful, you must have innate qualities and skills to help you through studying and succeed as a nurse in the future.

Here’s what you need to have.

 

1. You must have confidence. 

Being a nurse requires you to meet and communicate with people from all walks of life. If you are not confident with yourself or have the confidence to talk to patients, how can you provide quality care? Not only that, but you will make decisions for your patient’s care and needs.. 

Confidence is not only about being able to carry yourself but also about being optimistic, assertive, and independent. It is about your enthusiasm for your work and emotional maturity to help you do your job at a higher level.

 

2. You must have communication skills.

Communication is the number one skill you must have as a nurse. You will always be talking to people in the hospital. Proper communication also helps in giving quality care to patients.

Remember that you will also be talking to doctors and other medical professionals. Good communication skills also foster meaningful workplace relationships with your peers. It will also aid you and your group in studying for nursing school. 

 

3. You must have leadership skills.

As a future nurse, one of your roles is to handle patients and families looking to you for guidance and updates. You will also work with your fellow nurses that may require your leadership.

You must know how to manage your time, especially when you have projects, emergencies, and conflicts in school or your future job. You have to be able to advocate for others as well as advocating for yourself. 

 

4. You must have critical thinking skills.

As a student nurse, you will constantly face situations that require you to observe, think critically, and make the right decisions. You must also remember that nursing students are often exposed to high-stressed situations like demonstrating procedures at school. 

You may have the skills to do the procedure, but the ability to think and make a decision in high-stressed situations quickly will bring you great success. Thus having critical thinking skills are vital.

 

5. You have a passion for nursing.

Besides your critical thinking and leadership skills, you must also have a passion for nursing. There has to be a passion for helping others. Otherwise, you won’t be happy with your career. 

As a student nurse, you’ll be constantly challenged to learn new skills. You will also study for exams. And if you are truly ready to become a nurse, your hard work and passion for this profession will be worth it. 

 

6. You have the drive to learn.

The learning is still ongoing once you have earned your degree. As you prepare for your job and even as a nurse, your learning does not end. You will constantly explore, develop your critical thinking skills, and question things you encounter at work. 

The healthcare field is always changing, just like a nurse’s role evolves. You must be ready, and having the desire to learn and adapt is essential. Whether a student nurse or a professional nurse, you’ll always have something to discover and learn about. 

 

7. You must have teamwork skills.

As a student nurse, you’ll meet different people from different places and with whom you’ll study. There will be situations where you will work together in class or hospital exposures. Without cooperation, you will fail nursing school. Understand that nursing and nursing school are collaborative fields. 

Working together as a team to accomplish goals is essential. You will also need this skill to succeed as a nurse and as you work with doctors, health aids, lab techs, and other healthcare team members. 

 

8. You know how to handle high-stress situations.

Nursing school can become stressful, especially in the months leading to your graduation. You will be dealing with a lot of exams, papers, projects, and a whole lot of requirements to pass and graduate. 

Not only that but as you become a professional nurse, you will also be constantly on the go and face stressful situations. You will deal with patients, their families, as well as other members of the healthcare team. 

When your patient is in critical condition, that stressful time is when you are needed the most. Being able to manage these situations and keep a clear head will help you become a great student nurse and future nurse. 

 

9. You must have the skills to ask for constructive criticism and feedback.

As a student nurse, you are there to learn everything in your school’s textbooks. You’ll probably feel clueless when you start, so be ready to seek guidance. Ask questions and accept constructive criticism from your mentors or instructors.

Remember, everyone, has been in your shoes, but it’s time you filled theirs. Seeking humility and accepting advice will help you become the best nurse you can be. 

 

10. You must be an advocate for patients.

As a nurse, you will be your patient’s advocate. Learning this skill will help you better assist a patient and become the person to debrief team members or interpret tests.

You’ll also explain procedures and instructions for patients and families. All of these are vital as you become a patient advocate. 

 

Your Takeaway

Nursing is a wonderful profession, and if you want to succeed as a nurse, you must train yourself to be the best while still in nursing school. And the more you adapt to that mindset, the easier it will be for you to handle any difficulties you’ll encounter in this job.

Start now; you’ll be glad that you did! 

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!

5 NCLEX Myths That Are Holding You Back

5 NCLEX Myths That Are Holding You Back

5 NCLEX Myths That Are Holding You Back

Are you planning to take the NCLEX but there are NCLEX myths that are holding you back? If this is the case you are facing right now, this post will help debunk their reasons.

Here are the most common NCLEX myths that you’ve probably heard of.

 

5 Myths About NCLEX

 

Myth 1. The length of the NCLEX exams matters.

Many test-takers believe that the more questions you answer, the more likely you are to pass the exams. However, this is not always the case. 

The NCLEX has a maximum of 265 questions [1], and if you get to answer them all, the myth says you’ve failed. On the contrary, reaching only around 75 questions means you’ve passed. 

While this may sound believable, NCLEX does not work that way. The length of the exams has nothing to do with you passing it. Instead, the length of your exam is based on how you answer the questions.

If you have answered correctly, the test presents you with more complex questions. The easier the questions, means you have answered incorrectly. Your exam will only stop when the computer has determined your competency level. 

 

Myth 2. You have to be computer savvy to take the NCLEX.

Even if you don’t have computer skills, you can still take the exams. The test administrator will brief the test-takers on how they can answer the exams on the computer and work through a tutorial. In this tutorial, you are taught how to use the keys and record your answers.

Administrators will also teach you how you can answer test questions that do not require multiple choice. So, don’t worry; the main thing you need to use during this exam is the space bar and cursor to highlight your answers and lock them. It will be a piece of cake!

 

Myth 3. NLCEX in other states is easier.

One of the many NCLEX myths that are holding you back is the idea that NCLEX examinations vary from state to state. In case you are planning to take this exam in a different state because it’s “easier”, stop right now!

It is not true though, keep in mind that this exam is a national exam. It means that the one you are taking is the same as other nursing students in other states. NCLEX is used nationwide, so it doesn’t matter where you take it. It is still the same exams wherever you choose to take it. 

 

Myth 4. The “select all that applies” answer shows that you are doing well in the examination. 

Among NCLEX myths, this one is probably my favorite. According to gossip, the more “select all that applies” or SATA choices given to you mean you are passing the exam. But are you, though? 

Again, this is not true as it could be subjective. Some may have ten SATA answers, while others may have more.  However, the best thing to do is focus on how you answer the examination and not on the types of questions you are getting.

Do your best and answer all questions to the best of your ability. 

 

Myth 5. It will take a long time before you can reapply for an NCLEX exam.

Absolutely not; you have 45 days till you can apply for another NCLEX examination [2]. And this is enough time for you to study for the tests again. If you failed on your first try, the nursing board would send you a CPR or Candidate Performance Report. 

This report will show you which exam areas you should focus on more so you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes. It shows your strengths and weaknesses as well, which helps assess yourself.

CPR also breaks down your performance and shows if you are above or below the passing competency level. 

 

Don’t Let the Myths Take You Down

Now that you know five of the NCLEX myths that are holding you back, go ahead and sign up for the examination. Don’t just believe the myths. Give it a try and see how you do.

If you fail, do not worry, you can always try again. You just have to figure out if you are on the right track or not. We hope that our list helped you identify these myths so that you can take the next step toward your RN license. Good luck! 

 

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!

How to Avoid NCLEX Prep Burnout

How to Avoid NCLEX Prep Burnout

How to Avoid NCLEX Prep Burnout

Preparing for an exam is stressful, especially if it is something as crucial as NCLEX. This examination will determine your capacity to become a full-pledged nurse by really testing what you know.

But how can you avoid NCLEX prep burnout? If you are asking this question right now, then you came to the right place. This post will talk about burnout and how you can avoid it. 

 

Plan out your tasks

To avoid NCLEX prep burnout, you must plan your steps well. Take note of how long you have till the actual examination and explore your study options before proceeding.

Do you want to review on your own? or do you want to use web-based testing resources? Gathering the materials you need for review is also essential, and choosing the study method is just as vital. 

Creating a schedule for your study time also plays a significant role in your preparation. Alternating your plan for study and review will also raise your chances of retaining information for NCLEX. 

 

Take one day at a time

Making efforts by preparing too much can lead to burnout. The key is to set time on how you can prepare for your exams. Talk about one or two hours of studying each day. When the exam day comes, put your notes and books away and let go.

Overthinking will make you anxious. So, taking it one day at a time will help you with overwhelming feelings that could make your mind spin. 

Break your studies into parts, especially if you are dealing with an important topic. It will help you master the content as you go and avoid NCLEX burnout in the long run. If you work with a test prep provider, they usually break broader topics into smaller ones so you can manage and study each section for your benefit.

However, if you choose to do this, make sure that you stick to the plan and not fall behind with your studies or work because it does take a little bit more time. Following through with the objective will give you confidence and keep you on course

 

Don’t forget to exercise and eat right

Studying all day and night will not help you, trust me. It will help if you take time off the books and take care of yourself as well. Getting enough exercise and eating well also enables you to prepare for the NCLEX.

It is also an excellent way to manage your anxiety and stress. Whenever you feel like you are knee-deep studying, stop. Stretch your muscles and do simple exercises. It will awaken your sleeping muscles and increase your endorphins to help motivate you further [1].

Eating the right food will also help nourish your body. Remember, you need to be in good condition when taking the exams. Adding superfoods like blueberries and dark chocolate to your meal will surely help you retain what you have studied. Don’t forget to hydrate appropriately too!

 

Take time to relax and reward yourself

You cannot study all the time. Sure, you need to learn, but you also need to take a break. Studying too much or trying to digest all topics at once can lead to burnout. Take a break, and do not feel guilty about it! It is necessary to take a breather; don’t forget to reward yourself for all the hard work.

Go to your local coffee shop or your favorite park. A venue change will freshen your mind and brighten your mood to study again. Eat ice cream, grab some nachos or chocolate, anything to help you feel better. Once you do, you will feel refreshed, and you will avoid NCLEX prep burnout!

 

Your Takeaway

Preparing for the NCLEX exam is no doubt stressful and overwhelming. Of course, this will determine your career as a future nurse! But if you follow these tips, you will surely avoid cramming at the last minute. So, relax, follow through with your plan, take a deep breath, and enjoy the process! Good luck!

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!