Ask A Nurse

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

See What Others Are Asking

Check out previously answered questions from our experienced nurses.

Ask a Nurse: FAQ

Ask a Nurse See what others are asking. Ready to start your journey? See What Others Are Asking Check out previously answered questions from our experienced nurses. Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree? Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you …

Mar 21, 2024

Ask a Nurse: As an NP, Do I Need an MBA to Own a Business?

Thinking about getting your MBA? If you are a nurse practitioner business owner or in a leadership position in a healthcare facility, learn more about the pros and cons of obtaining an MBA.

Jul 26, 2023

Ask a Nurse: What Are My Choices as an NP if I Don’t Want To Open My Own Practice?

Explore these eight alternatives for nurse practitioners who do not want to open their own practice.

Jul 21, 2023

Ask a Nurse: What Have You Learned as a Nurse That Nursing School Didn’t Teach You?

While you learn the basics of patient care in nursing school, experienced nurses know that the real learning starts on the job. Learn six crucial lessons that nursing school doesn’t teach.

May 31, 2023

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: How Do I Deal With Imposter Syndrome as a New Nurse Practitioner?

Suffering from imposter syndrome (IS) as a new nurse practitioner? Research shows IS is more common in high-achievers. Learn more about the phenomenon and how you can manage and eventually overcome it.

Mar 7, 2023

Ask a Nurse: What Are the Must-Have Gadgets as a Nurse?

Check out these must-have gadgets that can help improve the administration of patient care and make nurses’ shifts run more smoothly.

Feb 11, 2023

Ask a Nurse: Is It OK to Date a Nurse Coworker?

When you spend hours together each week, an attraction can develop. Consider the benefits and challenges to dating a nurse coworker.

Feb 10, 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?

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: What Should Parents and Guardians Know About RSV This Year?

With the current surge of RSV, many parents and guardians are concerned. Learn more about RSV and how you can take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Nov 4, 2022

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?

Many NP programs are changing to the DNP degree by 2025. Discover how this move will impact nurses.

Oct 13, 2022

Meet Our Nurse Contributors

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

Experienced Nurses

Real Recommendations

Currently Work in Healthcare

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.

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.

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.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

You might be interested in

HESI vs. TEAS Exam: The Differences Explained

Nursing schools use entrance exams to make admissions decisions. Learn about the differences between the HESI vs. TEAS exams.

Feb 14, 2024