How Do I Become A School Nurse
Specific education requirements and certification to become a school nurse will vary by state, but there is generally a path to follow to enter this profession.
1. Earn a bachelors degree
One of the first steps to becoming a school nurse is to get the right education. A bachelors degree is the first requirement for nursing. Students need a BSN because this degree will give them specific practice and knowledge in the situations they may face in a nursing job. It will help them learn about the specific medical situations like anatomy and physiology, as well as nursing theory that helps them learn about community health, working with younger patients, and more. They will be better prepared for their job after pursuing higher education and fulfilling those requirements.
A nursing prelicensure program is a great place to start. Students can either pursue an RN-BSN degree if they are already a registered nurse, or they can get their BSN degree and prepare to become a registered nurse at the same time. Either one of these degree programs will help students get on their way to becoming a school nurse. A Masters in Nurse Leadership and Management or an RN to MSN program could give aspiring school nurses a leg up. The right education is the first step to a job in nursing.
2. Get certified
3. Pass the exam
What Is Accreditation And Why Is It Important
Accreditation means an independent body, such as the Commission on the Collegiate Nursing Education or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, has determined a nursing program meets industry standards. This matters because employers often only hire graduates from accredited nursing programs.
Doctor Of Nursing Practice
Doctors of Nursing Practice deliver high-quality advanced nursing care in a clinical setting. A DNP is a terminal degree for advanced practice nurses.
DNP graduates are leaders in advanced nursing practice that bring evidence-based knowledge into the clinical setting to help improve healthcare outcomes and strengthen the leadership role of nurses in both the clinical and academic setting.
In 2019, on average NPs make an annual salary of $115,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics interestingly, there is minimal concrete data on the average annual salary of a DNP.
Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $125,000 to $150,000 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has very limited data on DNP salaries but the reported average is $135,830.
Recommended Reading: Christ College Of Nursing And Health Sciences
Why Become A Travel Nurse
You may wish to become a travel nurse for plenty of reasons. For example, you may simply find the prospect of traveling and of having new assignments every few months exhilarating. If so, a career in travel nursing may be a good fit for you.
Some additional benefits to travel nursing include the following:
Flexibility. Many travel nurses love the level of flexibility they have to choose assignments. For example, following a 13-week tenure with a specific facility, you may have the option of continuing your assignment or switching to something new. Higher pay. Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than nurses who occupy more traditional roles. The average base salary for a travel nurse in the US is about $113,000 as of 2021, with overtime pay averaging about $14,000, according to Indeed. Professional development opportunities. Travel nursing also provides you with the opportunity to work in different fields and departments across the country. This can really help you develop your skills and fill out your resume.
Bsn Requirements And Licensure
BSN program requirements vary based on the program and state licensing requirements, so be sure to consider these when applying. Because the courses are designed for the RN licensing examination, the core curriculum does not vary much, but clinical hour requirements do.
BSN admission requirements generally include:
- A high school diploma or GED certificate
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher, with courses in math and science
- Recommendations from teachers or employers
- An application and fee
- Regular renewal with continuing education hours
You May Like: Accelerated Nursing Programs In Charlotte Nc
How To Become A Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are health professionals who provide medical care and support to patients in hospitals and other health care establishments. Unlike enrolled nurses, registered nurses can work independently, earn higher salaries and have a clear pathway for career progression.
Knowing how to become a registered nurse and the requirements for entry into the field can help you decide whether this profession is right for you. In this article, we discuss the duties and responsibilities of a registered nurse, describe how to become a registered nurse and list the salary, skills and characteristics of successful nurses.
Continue Your Nursing Education Journey
As a nurse, your education never really stops. You’ll be required to keep up with your Continuing Education Units each year. Additionally, for nurses, salary is closely linked to your level of education. So, if you want to earn more down the road, you may want to go back to school for your BSN, MSN, DNP or more.
Also Check: Baccalaureate Of Science In Nursing
What You’ll Learn In An Adn Program
The ADN program is focused solely on nursing core classes and clinicals. Classes focus on the clinical aspect of nursing instead of the leadership, research, and management focus seen in other nursing programs.
Students are not required to take courses that are outside of their curriculum and, as we mentioned, the program can typically be completed in two years.
Associates degrees in nursing are offered by many community colleges and some four-year institutions. An ADN program will blend hands-on training with classwork. ADN programs are designed to train students in the technical skills needed to become a nurse in an entry-level position and about a patients basic health needs.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program Requirements
Though every CRNA degree program is different, all have to meet the entrance requirements that the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs imposes in order to gain and maintain accreditation. These generally include:
- Unencumbered, active RN license
- BSN degree
- Minimum of one year of experience as an RN in a critical care setting
- Official transcripts demonstrating academic success in Bachelors-level degree programs
- Minimum 3.0-grade point average
- Minimum GRE score of 300 or better
- Prerequisite courses
- Personal letters of recommendation
- TOEFL test if applicable
- Applicants for DNP-level CRNA programs must have both ACLS and PALS certification before beginning clinical activities and should have demonstrated independent decision=making skills using and interpreting advanced monitoring techniques based on knowledge of physiological and pharmacological principles
Graduates of CRNA programs must also pass the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists credentialing exam and to continuously recertify on an 8-year cycle that is administered using a two-year check-in program to ensure that CRNAs maintain their licensure.
You May Like: Ucla Nurse Practitioner Program Requirements
Paths To Becoming A Registered Nurse
Becoming a Registered Nurse is a process that can take from 2 to 4 years and that can vary greatly in cost. The cost and the time involved depend on how quickly you want to get the training done and the path you choose to becoming a Registered Nurse!
Although there are variations of the paths, there are three main paths to becoming a Registered Nurse: a Diploma program, an Associate Degree in Nursing , and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree . For those interested in moving beyond these degrees, there is also a Masters degree in Nursing and a number of degrees at the doctoral level. In general, those degrees are not entry level pathways to the Registered Nurse license. This article will look at the three entry level paths. It should be noted that all three of these paths adequately prepare the student to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses .
Considering A Nursing Career Or Ready To Take Your Nursing Career To The Next Level
A career in Nursing can enrich your life and the lives of others every day offer diverse challenges take you around the world and you could be employed within just months of graduating, as our aging and growing population means skilled nurses are in demand. Start by looking at the options of becoming a Registered Nurse or an Enrolled Nurse .
Registered Nurses have a high level of expertise and responsibility, and they can take on many challenging and rewarding roles. For example, they can be a unit manager, team leader or work in medical administration. The RN has the training and experience to give their patients the highest level of care in a range of complex situations.
Also Check: New Jersey Nurse Practitioner License
Choosing The Right Program
Whether you choose to pursue a traditional four-year BSN, an accelerated degree, or your MSN, its important to first do your homework so that you are sure you are choosing the best program to help you reach your goals.
In selecting a program to enroll in, Akanegbu recommends students find a program that offers a curriculum specifically designed to help them pass the NCLEX.
Out of everything, I would have to say the most challenging part of becoming an RN was the NCLEX, she says. High-quality programs understand the importance of this exam and use that understanding to shape their curriculum so that graduates will be prepared to take and pass the exam.
Additionally, Akanegbu recommends finding a program where you know you will be learning from faculty who are actively practicing in the field of nursing.
I feel as though one of the most positive things about Regiss Nursing program is that our faculty aren’t people that have been retired for 10 or so years, she says. Theyre actively working in hospitals, which means theyre not just going off the textbook, but teaching us about what they’ve been through and what they continue to experience as a nurse.
How Much Money Do Rns Make
The salary of an RN can vary greatly depending on their specialty, level of education and experience, additional certification, and workplace location.
Salaries are also dependent on where in the U.S. you live. Top-paying locations include California, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and Oregon.
Read Also: What Accreditation Do Nursing Schools Need
Theresa Granger Phd Mn Np
With over two decades of teaching and clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner, Dr. Granger is an expert in nursing education and clinical practice at all levels of education . She has published and lectured extensively on nursing education and clinical practice-related content. Her expertise ranges from student advising and mentoring to curricular and content design to teaching and formal course delivery. Dr. Granger is one of the founding faculty members of the University of Southern Californias first ever fully online graduate family nurse practitioner program.
Enroll In Nursing School
Once youve decided which degree path youd like to pursue, its time to find a nursing school that aligns with your goals and enroll in a nursing program. Weve covered how to get into nursing school before, but heres a brief summary.
After graduating high school, youll need to research different nursing programs and then complete an applicationtypically requiring you to round up some letters of recommendation, write the requisite essays and more. Youll also likely need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills exam and prepare for your entrance interview.
It may sound like a lot is required of you right from the get-go, but when you break each step down and tackle it one piece at a time, youll start to see your path toward nursing success take shape. The time and effort put into each phase of your process are important factors that can help you get into the school youve set your sights on.
Don’t Miss: West Palm School Of Nursing
Complete Nursing Coursework And Clinicals
After youve been accepted into nursing school, it may seem like all of the hard work is behind you. But the next stretch of your life will be spent building and strengthening the foundational knowledge and skills required of successful nurses. You can expect to encounter coursework relating to chemistry, biology, anatomy, nutrition and more.
You will also be expected to complete a series of nursing clinicals to help gain hands-on experience and witness what its really like to work as an RN. Clinicals provide students with an opportunity to apply what theyve learned in a real-life healthcare setting, serving as a critical capstone to your education as you learn how to gain your footing in the world of nursing.
Who Is An Adn Right For
Some of the primary reasons aspiring nurses choose an ADN program are:
You May Like: Private Schools With Nursing Programs In California
Earn An Undergraduate Degree In Nursing
Ready to begin?
Prepare for nursing school!
Nursing school can be a challengebut the challenge is what prepares you best to succeed in your later career. We always strive for a steady balance: the curriculum and clinical experiences equip you with the skills and knowledge to truly excel while providing extensive resources to ensure things never get too overwhelming.
Complete Prerequisites For An Adn Or A Bsn
Whether nursing students choose an ADN or BSN degree, they must complete liberal arts, math, and science prerequisites. Common prerequisites for nursing school include basic anatomy, physiology, biology, psychology, and anatomy. Nursing schools often require that incoming students earn a minimum “C” grade in these courses.
You May Like: Nursing Schools In San Fernando Valley
Which Nursing Path Will You Choose
Now that you know the various steps youll need to take to become an RN, its time to decide how youll get there. Whether youre hoping to get into your scrubs faster by earning an ADN or youre ready to put in the extra time now to ensure some career advancement later with a BSN, time is of the essence.
With that in mind, youll want to jump right into the research phase of your journey toward nursing school. Once you pinpoint the specific nursing degree you want to pursue, youre that much closer to finding the right college. Gain the insight you need about earning your nursing degree and dig into the host of ways Rasmussen University can help you achieve your goal by checking out our article 10 Facts You Didnt Know About the Rasmussen University Nursing Program.
1Completion time is dependent on the number of transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.EDITORS NOTE: This article was originally published in April 2015. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2021.NCLEX-RN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
What Is The Crna Recertification Process
The recertification process for CRNAs can be confusing. It is a combination of continuing education hours, practice hours, and examinations. CRNAs will have to recertify both their state-level APRN as well as their CRNA certification. Some of the hours can be used for both requirements but it depends on the states individual requirements.
The NCE recertification is broken down into two-year blocks. CRNAs will have to complete a two-year check-in and by year four are expected to complete the following:
- 60 Class A CE Credits
- 40 Class B Credits
During the second four year cycle, the requirements are:
- 60 Class A CE Credits
- 40 Class B Credits
- First CPC Examination
Also Check: Suing A Nursing Home For Wrongful Death
How Long Does It Take To Get A Nursing Degree
The time it takes to earn a nursing degree depends on the program you choose. An ADN will likely take two years to complete, while a BSN typically takes four.
An ADN usually takes two years to complete a BSN takes about four.
If you already hold an ADN and want to pursue a BSN, you may be able to do so in a shorter time than it would take to earn a typical bachelors degree. Similarly, if you are already a licensed practical nurse , you can use your education and experience as a starting point to a higher paying job with more responsibility.
Becoming A Successful Rn
Merely deciding to do a nursing course is no guarantee that you will go on to have a successful nursing career. Your professional success will depend on your own effort and hard work. The following points form a good roadmap for becoming a successful registered nurse:
1. Pick a Good School
Make sure that the school you study nursing at has a solid reputation and a record of accomplishment for producing RNs who go on to find a place in good hospitals and healthcare facilities. A school that is not accredited, stuffs too many students in a single class or has students dropping out of the course all year long is a bad choice. You might get a nursing degree, but it will likely not be worth much in the professional world.
2. Start Waking Early
An RN’s shift starts from early in the morning, and your body needs to become used to starting the day much earlier than others start. Try to develop the habit of falling asleep early to wake up as soon as possible until it becomes a matter of routine. Nothing gets in the way of doing your duties as an RN like being tired and sleepy.
3. Get Practical Experience
Being an RN requires you to know how to do a great many complicated procedures by hand. Becoming good at such procedures will take more than book learning. Grab every chance you can get to gain practical experience by helping out at hospitals, and learn from professional nurse how to dress wounds, read hospital machines, perform basic surgical operations and interact with patients.
Recommended Reading: How To Become A Nicu Nurse In Texas