Author · 64 posts
RN · Medical-Surgical nurse & health writer
Meet Nathan, a registered nurse with over five years of experience in Medical-Surgical care, based in New York City. Having worked with a wide range of patients through some of their most vulnerable moments, Nathan brings a grounded, real-world perspective to his writing on healthcare. His goal is simple: to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and everyday understanding, making health topics feel less intimidating and more empowering for everyone. When he's not caring for patients, Nathan channels his passion for medicine into writing that educates, comforts and inspires.
Mental health NCLEX questions fall under Psychosocial Integrity (6–12% of the NCLEX-RN): therapeutic communication, psychiatric disorders, crisis intervention, and substance use. The most-tested skill is therapeutic communication — the response that opens dialogue and avoids advice, false reassurance, or 'why' questions.
To get into most U.S. nursing programs you need five things: completed prerequisites (A&P, micro, chem, stats, English, psych), a 2.5–3.0+ GPA (3.5+ to compete), a passing ATI TEAS or HESI A2 score, a full documentation package, and a 9–12 month runway. Cutoffs vary by program — always verify.
More than 40 U.S. states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), letting RNs and LPNs practice across member states on one multistate license. California and New York are notable non-members. The compact only applies if your HOME state is a member — verify the current list at nursecompact.com.
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is a 2-year credential proving you can run high-quality CPR, use an AED, and relieve airway obstructions for adults, children, and infants. Most U.S. hospitals require AHA Healthcare Provider BLS specifically (not Red Cross), so confirm your employer's HR rules before you enroll.