Ask A Nurse

In our Ask a Nurse series, experienced nurses provide an insider look at the nursing profession by answering common questions.

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See What Others Are Asking

Check out previously answered questions from our experienced nurses.

Ask a Nurse: Why Did You Become a Nurse?

Ask a Nurse: Why Did You Become a Nurse?

Nursing offers a unique set of opportunities in a variety of fields. Check out how it can be a means to an end, just like any other career.

Apr 11, 2023
Ask a Nurse: I Want to Become a Nurse but Am Starting Later in Life. Should I Become an LPN and Then an RN?

Ask a Nurse: I Want to Become a Nurse but Am Starting Later in Life. Should I Become an LPN and Then an RN?

Nursing is a rewarding and stable career choice. Choose from several options to achieve your goal when you start later in life.

Dec 1, 2022
Ask a Nurse: I Want to Return to School. Do Nursing School Credits Expire?

Ask a Nurse: I Want to Return to School. Do Nursing School Credits Expire?

Lower the financial and time investment of returning to school by transferring credits from your last program. Review several options to help achieve your goal.

Oct 24, 2022
Ask a Nurse: MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs Are Changing to DNP Programs by 2025. What Does This Mean for Me?

Ask a Nurse: MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs Are Changing to DNP Programs by 2025. What Does This Mean for Me?

Some nursing organizations propose requiring a DNP as the entry-level education for NPs. How could this affect graduates, and who supports the change?

Oct 13, 2022
Ask a Nurse: I Failed My BSN With Only One Semester Left. What Are My Options?

Ask a Nurse: I Failed My BSN With Only One Semester Left. What Are My Options?

Students who fail a BSN program have options to continue to work in nursing. Check out what you can do to have a career in nursing.

Oct 13, 2022
Ask a Nurse: What Are the Best Scrubs for Nurses?

Ask a Nurse: What Are the Best Scrubs for Nurses?

When you wear scrubs for 10 or more hours each day, it is crucial to choose the best scrubs for nurses. Consider these factors when you make your choice.

Sep 26, 2022
Ask a Nurse: What Are the Best Nursing Shoes?

Ask a Nurse: What Are the Best Nursing Shoes?

A nurse’s choice in shoes can make or break a shift. When comfort is your goal, these may be the best nursing shoes.

Aug 10, 2022
Ask a Nurse: How Can I Study for the Next Generation 2023 NCLEX?

Ask a Nurse: How Can I Study for the Next Generation 2023 NCLEX?

The NCLEX 2023 format has changed. Nursing students can consider these resources that may help their chances of passing the first time.

Apr 26, 2022
Ask a Nurse: Should Nurses Be Diluting IV Push Medications?

Ask a Nurse: Should Nurses Be Diluting IV Push Medications?

Find out why diluting medications run the risk of poor patient outcomes and legal trouble for nurses.

Apr 7, 2022
Ask a Nurse: What Tax Benefits Can I Claim as a Registered Nurse?

Ask a Nurse: What Tax Benefits Can I Claim as a Registered Nurse?

The tax laws have changed. Discover some of the tax benefits registered nurses can claim and tips for nursing students.

Mar 4, 2022
Ask a Nurse: What Are the Hardest Classes in Nursing School?

Ask a Nurse: What Are the Hardest Classes in Nursing School?

Nursing school consists of tough classes like pharmacology and pathophysiology. Here, nurses chime in on what you can expect when enrolling.

Mar 2, 2022
Ask a Nurse: My Options If I Get Rejected From Nursing School?

Ask a Nurse: My Options If I Get Rejected From Nursing School?

Thousands of nursing school applicants are rejected each year. Persistence and these strategies raise your chances of admission with your next application.

Mar 1, 2022

Meet Our Nurse Contributors

Take a look at who is answering your questions. Get information on their background, credentials, and more.

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Portrait of Joelle Y. Jean

Joelle Y. Jean

RN, FNP-BC
Joelle Jean has been a nurse for more than 10 years and family nurse practitioner for over three years. She has a background in pediatric emergency room, labor and delivery, and primary care medicine. Her passion for the nursing profession and writing led her to her current role as a senior writer for NurseJournal.




Portrait of Gayle Morris

Gayle Morris

RN, BSN, MSN
Gayle Morris practiced in pediatric medicine for over 20 years before hanging up her stethoscope and picking up a pen. She has been a full-time health and wellness freelance writer for over 10 years. Morris is a mom to four children. She is renovating her home on the weekends. When she has free time, you’ll find her reading, playing with her dog, or enjoying long bike rides.



Portrait of Alexa Davidson

Alexa Davidson

MSN, RN
Alexa is a registered nurse with over a decade of experience in neonatal and pediatric cardiac intensive care. As a travel nurse, she crafted a unique nursing style from working with pioneers in pediatric cardiology across the country. After earning a master’s degree in nursing education from Western Governors University, she began teaching as a clinical instructor for associate degree nursing students. Alexa is a lifelong learner and can be found reading at least one historical fiction and one nonfiction book at any given time.