How Do I Get A Nursing Degree

How Long Does It Take To Become An Rn

Theres more than one path to become a registered nurse. You can become an RN by earning an Associates Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree .

Both ADN and BSN registered nurses have broader scopes of practice than LPNs, and roles will vary based on the job location, whether its in a clinic, a hospital or ambulatory care. Registered nurses often choose to focus their careers on specialized patient care. Popular specialties include pediatrics, geriatrics, intensive care or oncology nursing.

Bachelors Of Science In Nursing Guide

A bachelors in nursing prepares you to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. Learn how you can switch careers and earn a BSN degree.

Nothing, besides the format, differentiates online levels from traditional programs. Online learners get the same degree and education, gaining knowledge from professors who focus on campus. Instructors use online learning platforms to satisfy accept students or assign online work.

• Registered Nurse
• Clinical & Lab Components in a BSN Program
• Advantages to a BSN
• Disadvantages to a BSN

Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Degree

Those interested in becoming a registered nurse also have the option of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing . There are a few options for earning a BSNthe best fit for you will depend on your academic background.

An RN to BSN program is a great option for registered nurses whove already completed an ADN program and would like to advance their education. Registered nurses in this program can earn a BSN in as few as 12 to 18 months.1

For those who arent already nurses, a standard BSN program can be completed in as few as 33 months with an accelerated program.1 Or, if you already have a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing field, you can leverage that experience to obtain a BSN in as few as 18 months in an accelerated BSN program.1

If youre having trouble deciding whether to pursue your ADN or BSN, dig deeper with our article: ADN vs. BSN: Your Guide to Help You Decide on a Nursing Degree

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Making A Career Change Toward Nursing: Choose An Accelerated Bsn Nursing Program

Its never too late to get into the nursing field.

If you have initially chosen a different career path and already have a bachelors degree in another field, you can opt for an Accelerated BSN. Also known as a second-degree nursing program, it allows learners to earn the BSN degree in less than a year and a half. This means that no matter the age and where your career has taken you up to this point, you can get a BSN degree.

Accelerated BSN programs offer a flexible schedule, with classes mainly taking place in the evening or on weekends. However, since a lot of information is packed into a shorter period of time, these programs can be quite challenging.

What Classes Are Required In Order To Get A Bsn Degree

Of course, the classes depend on what type of BSN program you ultimately choose and on how many prior courses you manage to transfer. If you are already an RN or an LPN, you will not need to complete the full BSN program. Also, any science-based prior courses could be taken into account when starting your BSN.

Although there are some variations in courses from one program to another, generally, a BSN program curriculum touches on the following subjects:

• Emergency Care
• Adult, Pediatric, and Geriatric Nursing
• Nursing Theory
• Nutrition and Diet

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Bachelor’s Degree In Nursing Programs

While RNs can begin working with as little as an ADN, practitioners often choose to earn a BSN or complete RN-to-BSN programs due to the advantages a bachelor’s degree provides in the nursing field. For instance, an ADN focuses on the technical skills RNs require, while a BSN provides knowledge and skills that prepares graduates for leadership roles.

BSN programs include liberal arts coursework, which explore ethics, legal issues, informatics, and emphasizes research. BSNs also provide vital skills, including critical thinking, compassion, excellent communication, and organization. Core coursework includes anatomy, social and behavioral sciences, and science technologies. This degree also offers ample hands-on experience through clinical coursework.

Students can access multiple test preparation programs. However, nursing programs typically provide NCLEX-RN preparation. BSN coursework allows graduates to consider higher levels of nursing degrees, including an MSN and a DNP. Earning a BSN also leads to more employment opportunities. For instance, RNs with a BSN qualify for unit management positions and specialty nursing roles.

Hospitals often participate in the Magnet Recognition Program offered by the American Nursing Association. This program recognizes institutions that align their nursing goals to produce the best patient outcomes and this includes hiring highly trained professionals.

Before Taking The Exam

You need to apply for your RN license through the state board of nursing for your state. That state board will decide if you have met the criteria to sit for the NCLEX exam. They will check that you have passed an accredited nursing diploma program .

After you have applied for your RN license, you will be mailed an NCLEX Exam Candidate Bulletin. At that point, you need to register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to take the exam.

After the state board has verified that you may sit for the exam, you then will get your Authorization to Take the Test, or ATT. You also will get a testing center list ad instructions on how to set up the time to take the test.

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Labor And Delivery Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses guide women through childbirth, coaching them through sometimes difficult contractions, administering medication, watching for any potential complications, and helping new moms breastfeed their newborns for the first time.

Its a nursing role that can be by turns intense, stressful, and joyful. Every new moms delivery is different, and that means labor and delivery nurses must be critical thinkers who can quickly switch from coaching a laboring mother to taking charge if a complication arises.

They must also be prepared for the times when there is a heartbreaking outcome and be able to accept loss.

How Do Nursing Internships Differ From Practicums And Externships

Aspiring nurses can get valuable trainee learning experiences in a few ways, including the following:

• Practicums
• Externships

How do these experiences differ?

Practicums, also referred to as clinicals, make up a key component of nursing program curricula. To graduate, nursing students must complete practicums, which involve clinical hours under the supervision of a registered nurse and nursing program faculty member. Unlike many nursing internships, practicums arent paid.

Though some nursing programs require students to complete nursing internships, these positions dont involve faculty supervision. Most, in fact, are independent of nursing programs altogether. Additionally, nursing internships typically provide more varied and deeper experiences than practicums.

Externships are similar to nursing internships in that they involve shadowing experienced nurses and performing duties like those of nursing interns. However, these positions tend to last for a shorter period of time, usually between one day and eight weeks.

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Diploma In Practical Nursing

Earning your diploma in practical nursing is the fastest way to jumpstart your nursing career as a licensed practical nurse . LPNs provide basic nursing care and work closely with registered nurses and physicians in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, hospice and urgent care clinics.

Demand for LPNs is expected to grow by 12 percent through 2026, adding more than 88,000 new jobs, according to 2018 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wage for LPNs was $46,240 in May 2018, with the top ten percent earning more than $62,160. Find the average licensed practical nurse salary in your state.

Many nurses start out by becoming an LPN before choosing to advance their education and nursing career through an associate, bachelors or masters degree program.

Compare LPN vs. RN and discover the main differences so you can better determine if youd like to start out as an LPN or start working towards becoming an RN right away.

Benefits Of Nursing Internships

Internships give nursing students a chance to gain valuable learning experiences that help them bridge the gap between theory and practice. Paid internships can also help nursing students defray the costs of their degree and learn at the same time.

Consider the numerous benefits of nursing internships.

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Cna Certificate Or Diploma

A certified nursing assistant certificate is a nondegree diploma offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Both classroom and online options are available, though all clinical hours must be performed in person at an approved location.

As a CNA student, youll learn how to provide basic healthcare services and help patients with their daily activities. Other duties typically include:

• Transferring patients in and out of bed
• Bathing and feeding patients
• Communicating with family members
• Changing bedding

The curriculum includes training in emergency procedures, personal care skills, and infection control. To increase your employment options, you can also earn voluntary certification in specialized areas such as psychiatry or geriatrics.

Work For An Insurance Company

Nurses can be an excellent resource for insurance companies. Insurance companies look for maximum transparency about healthcare processes and costs so that they can evaluate risk and set rates as accurately as possible. Nurses are valuable in collecting that data, interpreting it correctly and understanding how to act on it.

A nurse working for an insurance company may perform clinical research, audits or medical billing and coding. Possible job titles include Health Coach Consultant or Quality Management Nurse Consultant. This is an excellent choice for nurses who are looking for a non-clinical job, since many positions will be in a typical office setting and some may allow for remote work.

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What Do You Need To Do To Get Your Bsn Degree

To successfully get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you need to start preparing early on, especially if you have no prior experience, but you also need to follow a number of requirements during your studies.

There are a number of steps you need to follow before applying for the BSN program. These steps are meant to improve your chances, improve your skills and make you the best nurse you can be. To get through everything, you need to commit and dedicate to bettering yourself.

Heres what you need to take into consideration:

Virtual Site Review For Continuing Accreditation

The College of Nursing at St. Petersburg College will host a virtual site review for continuing accreditation of its Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program.

You are invited to send written comments to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education prior to our virtual visit on November 15 to 17, 2021.

Written comments are welcomed and should be submitted directly to CCNE to using the following link:

All written comments should arrive at CCNE by .

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Is Your Goal To Become A Registered Nurse

Earning an associate degree or bachelors degree in nursing is the biggest step towards becoming an RN. There are a few more steps to take after graduation, including passing the NCLEX-RN and meeting the board of nursing requirements in your state. Learn how to become an RN and become a difference maker in healthcare.

After earning your BSN and becoming a registered nurse, you can reach the next level in nursing by earning your masters degree.

Working While Earning A Nursing Degree

We know that school is expensive, and you may balk at the thought of quitting your job in order to pursue your dreams. While it may not be ideal, working through nursing school is doable. It may extend your time in school altogether, but earning money to pay for school and other necessities may be worth it.

Brittney Wilson, BSN, RN and blogger at The Nerdy Nurse, suggests finding a job that allows you time to study.

If you cant find something where you can study, find something where youll get good clinical experience, like working as a CNA, she says.

While you may want to finish school as quickly as possible, dont worry if you dont follow a traditional path. Wilson explains how it took her four years to earn an ADN. I did not get in the first time I applied, so I used the additional year to complete all the classes that would be required for my eventual bridge to BSN.

Find a schedule and combination of work and school thats right for you. Rememberyou are not alone, and many have been in your shoes before. With a little perseverance and determination, your nursing career goals can be achieved.

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Explore Your Other Patient Care Options

If none of these options sound appealing, you may want to re-evaluate whats really giving you doubts about life as an RN. There are many types of registered nurses with unique roles in patient care, and you may find less stress in an alternative.

For example, if working as a trauma nurse proves to be too taxing, becoming a school nurse or clinic nurse might be the change of pace that you need.

As you evaluate your options, keep these related nursing specialties in mind:

How Long Does It Take To Become A Practical Nurse

In most states, becoming a practical nurse takes roughly one to two years. This is a faster route to becoming a nurse, but students should know that career options may be more limited. LPNs might assist other nurses with routine medical responsibilities, or they may provide basic level care like dressing, feeding, and tending to patients.

LPNs are required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Even students that wish to take an accelerated path should be diligent in preparing for the exam, since there is a 45-day waiting period to retake the test.

There are many choices available when it comes to LPN programs, including traditional and accelerated options. It may be best to speak with an admissions or career counselor before you decide which program is best, based on your timeline and career goals.

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Find States With Nursing Needs

Research shows that some states will have nursing shortages in the coming years, while others will have surpluses. Moving to an area that needs nurses could potentially open doors to job opportunities.

The BLS projects 221,900 RN job openings through 2029, though the opportunities wont be evenly distributed across the country. States with the highest number of projected annual job openings during this period include California , Texas , New York , and Florida . States with the lowest number of projected RN job openings per year through 2028 include Wyoming , Vermont , Alaska , and North Dakota .

How Long Does It Take To Become A Registered Nurse

On average, an incoming nursing student can expect to become a licensed Registered Nurse in roughly three years. This is after a student fully completes the academic program at an accredited college or university.

If you are interested in becoming an RN but already possess a bachelors degree in another field, you may be eligible for an accelerated program. These programs may accept general education credits earned from other degrees, thus eliminating several semesters worth of coursework. When you pursue an accelerated nursing degree, the estimated time until completion is reduced to only 18 months.

No matter which program you choose, becoming an RN requires successful completion and a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination . In order to sit for the exam, students must apply with a state-level nursing board. Preparation is key, and the ability to pass this crucial test may play a factor in how long it takes to achieve RN certification.

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What Is Bachelor Of Science In Nursing

What is a BSN? Is There a Difference Between an RN and a BSN?. At Southern New Hampshire University, we believe there are no limits to what you can do, what you can be, or what you can achieve. This is a university that goes the extra mile so you can too.

Pursuing a BSN degree introduces nurses to topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety and quality within the healthcare system, said Elizabeth Christman, DNP, RN, CNE, a clinical faculty member of nursing programs at Southern New Hampshire University.

• How Long Does It Take to Become a BSN?
• BSN vs. RN Salary

Video advice: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

We had a great time connecting with students at Fanshawes Fall Virtual Open House in November, 2020!

Can You Get A Bsn Degree Online

Most BSN programs offer you the option of taking online courses that will require your physical presence only for a limited amount of time. You have the opportunity to combine online courses with on-ground nursing education where practical experience is needed.

Nightingale College offers all classroom instruction online, some of which include a virtual lab component where you can turn the information into practice. Nevertheless, on-site attendance is also required in cases where lab and clinical instruction is included. Also, the clinical hours required during the BSN and RN-to-BSN programs are dedicated to Community Health and Capstone Projects and can be completed in your local facilities.

These online courses are perfect for RNs who have passed the NCLEX-RN® exam or people who already have a bachelors degree in another field and wish to transition into nursing. The big advantage is that it offers flexibility, helping you find a good balance between your job, family, and education and still be able to pursue your professional goals.

Consult the RN-to-BSN program curriculum to find out more details about the courses.

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