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: What Can I Do as a High Schooler to Get a Head Start On Becoming a Registered Nurse?

Ask a Nurse: What Can I Do as a High Schooler to Get a Head Start On Becoming a Registered Nurse?

High school students can take these steps to improve their chances of admission into a nursing program and get a head start on their education.

Gayle Morris, MSN June 17, 2025
Ask a Nurse: How to Combat Nurse Bullying in the Workplace

Ask a Nurse: How to Combat Nurse Bullying in the Workplace

Although COVID-19 is at the forefront of healthcare, bullying is still a massive problem. Here’s what you should do if you experience bullying as a new nurse.

Joelle Y. Jean, FNP-C, BSN, RN November 5, 2024
Ask a Nurse: RN or PA program?

Ask a Nurse: RN or PA program?

Would it make sense to complete an RN program first or go right into a PA program? This Ask a Nurse series explains the difference between an RN and a PA, costs for both programs, length of time to complete, and the similarities and differences between an NP and a PA.

Joelle Y. Jean, FNP-C, BSN, RN November 5, 2024
Ask a Nurse: Can I Enroll in an MSN Program With a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree?

Ask a Nurse: Can I Enroll in an MSN Program With a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree?

In this article, an assistant professor of nursing discusses the types of MSN programs that admit aspiring nurses with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.

NurseJournal Staff November 4, 2024
Ask a Nurse: College vs. Technical School?

Ask a Nurse: College vs. Technical School?

Prospective nurses can start their training at colleges or technical schools. Learn from experienced nurses which option best fits your career goals.

Kristen Hamlin November 4, 2024
Ask a Nurse: What Is Personal Liability Insurance and Should I Get It?

Ask a Nurse: What Is Personal Liability Insurance and Should I Get It?

Should I get personal liability insurance? There are many benefits to having personal liability insurance. Read on to find out the pros and cons and how to pick the right coverage.

Joelle Y. Jean, FNP-C, BSN, RN November 4, 2024
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.

Gayle Morris, MSN October 28, 2024
Ask a Nurse: What Vaccines Are Needed To Travel?

Ask a Nurse: What Vaccines Are Needed To Travel?

Vaccinations protect you from getting sick while traveling, but which vaccines you need to travel domestically or abroad vary depending on destination.

NurseJournal Staff October 3, 2023
Ask a Nurse: How Do I Negotiate a Higher Salary?

Ask a Nurse: How Do I Negotiate a Higher Salary?

Want to know if you should negotiate your salary as a brand new nurse? The answer is, yes, you should! Learn here about what it means to negotiate, how to negotiate your salary, and what not to do when negotiating.

Joelle Y. Jean, FNP-C, BSN, RN October 8, 2021
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.

Gayle Morris, MSN August 10, 2022
Ask a Nurse: What Are the Must-Have Gadgets as a Nurse?

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.

Gayle Morris, MSN February 11, 2023
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.

Gayle Morris, MSN May 15, 2023

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.