Classes To Take Before Nursing School
Class requirements for nursing school applicants also will vary depending on the program. AACN recommends taking advanced courses in science and mathematics during high school, as it is preferable among many nursing programs.
To get specific admission information about a program of interest, contact the schools nursing department directly for guidance.
Interacting With Difficult Patients And Family Members
Nurses deal with difficult patients almost every day. Although patients can sometimes be frustrating and exhausting, its important to remain calm and treat them with respect and dignity. Behind the angst are feelings of helplessness. A patient and family member can be difficult because they feel that their situation is out of their control.
Tips for dealing with difficult patients:
- Be patient and honest.
- Listen and be in the moment.
- Be sensitive and listen to the patients concerns.
- Dont take anything personally its not about you as a nurse or person.
- Keep the conversation as objective as possible.
- Dont downplay their concerns or anger acknowledge their feelings.
- Remain supportive and work with them to find a solution.
Many difficult patients are scared or worried, which makes them lash out at nurses. Patients also often feel exposed and vulnerable when theyre in a hospital bed and dependent on others.
How Hard Is Nursing School
Nursing degree programs are known for their rigorous coursework. According to the AACN, in a university or college setting, the first two years of a traditional BSN program include classes in the humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, business, psychology, technology, sociology, ethics, and nutrition.
In the junior and senior years of university, the curriculum focuses on the nursing sciences, and emphasis moves from the classroom to health facilities. This is where students are exposed to clinical skills, nursing theory and the varied roles nurses play in the health care system.
Courses include nurse leadership, health promotion, family planning, mental health, environmental and occupational health, adult and pediatric care, medical and surgical care, psychiatric care, community health, management and home health care.
While nursing school can be a challenge, it is important to prepare students for their licensing exam, as well as a rewarding career in nursing.
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High Demand And Good Job Outlook
You do not have to worry about not finding a job as a nurse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the position of a registered nurse has a promising job outlook with a projected growth of 9% from 2020 to 2030. There will be around 194,500 job openings during this decade as nurses are in high demand and will continue to be so for a while.
Rn To Msn Bridge Program
Who is it right for? RNs that have an ADN or Diploma
If you have your Associates Degree in Nursing, or if you have a diploma RN, you can either earn your BSN and then apply to an MSN program, OR you can earn both your BSN and MSN at the same time, known as an RN-to-MSN bridge program.
These typically allow RNs to earn their MSN about a year sooner than the traditional route.
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Im An Rn And I Work Full
Absolutely! Our Nursing for Registered Nurses program is a convenient and affordable option for working RNs, especially those with families. You can take the knowledge you received in your associate’s degree or diploma program and apply it toward a two-year program.
With the number of health care employers preferring to hire bachelor-prepared nurses increasing, getting your BSN degree can be a smart choice. Plus, becoming a bachelor-prepared nurse has never been easier with our 100% online program.
How Hard Is Nursing School Really
Nursing school should be hard. Good programs take a rigorous, immersive approach to preparing you for patient care. There are pressing deadlines to meet, lab skills to master, and challenging exams to take. You may have moments of feeling exhausted, burned out, or defeated. You must be smart with the way you manage your time.
If you are thinking of going to grad school to earn your Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice , expect to put in the work. Graduate coursework can be very challenging because you are learning more advanced material. However, the level of difficulty will depend on the school and how well your prior education and work experience have prepared you. It also depends on the BSN programs flexibility. Some programs have self-paced options that allow you to accelerate your time to degree completion by proving your competency in areas of knowledge. Or, you may be able to take a lighter course load to more comfortably balance your work and life responsibilities.
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Associate Of Science In Nursing
You can also pursue your nursing career with the Associate of Science in Nursing degree . This course of study prepares students to take the National Council Licensing Examination for registered nurses exam and become a licensed registered nurse . Once you are an RN, you can perform diagnostic tests, operate certain medical equipment, consult with a physician on a course of treatment and administer medication. In addition to working in general healthcare practice, RNs can also specialize in areas such as pre-operative care, diabetes management, pediatric oncology, geriatric care, ambulatory care and dermatology.
Should I Get My Masters In Nursing The Factors To Consider
By Kirsten Slyter on 02/03/2020
Maybe youve seen peers from your nursing school cohort go back to school for their Master of Science in Nursing degree. Or maybe youve observed nurses with graduate degrees at work and wondered if earning an MSN is the right move for you. No matter whats sparked your interest, youre seriously considering a graduate degree.
That said, you think through everything you dowhether youre at work planning for your next shift of patients or at home picking out a recipe for dinner. Big decisions like returning to school are no exception. You want to know the potential pros and cons of pursuing a graduate degree before diving in.
Rasmussen University Vice President of Nursing Dr. Joan Rich is no stranger to this deliberationthats why we asked her to help identify some of the potential benefits of earning an MSN and the factors you should consider before making a decision.
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What Does An Rn With A Bsn Do
They have the same responsibilities as RNs with associate degrees, but they take on the most complex roles including supervisory, administrative and leadership functions.
As the healthcare system expands, nurses with advanced training are moving into roles once held by doctors. In hospitals, RNs with bachelors degrees work in critical care units and as clinical specialists in fields like infection control, mental health, wound care, and case management.
Earning An Msn Degree Is More Convenient Than You Think
Thanks to online learning, you dont have to take a pause from your nursing career in order to earn an MSN degree. Thats because, at an online nursing school, you can complete the majority of your MSN program from wherever you have internet access, allowing you to avoid the hassles of driving to a campus and being away from home. Additionally, a masters in nursing online program will allow you to take your classes at whatever time of day works best for you. Instead of rearranging your work schedule to fit your education, you can arrange your education to fit your work schedule.
If youre already an RN, online MSN programs offer yet another advantage in the form of RN to MSN degree tracks. Rather than earning your bachelors first, an RN to MSN online program gives you the freedom to move straight from an RN to a masters degree.
If you want to take advantage of the best nursing opportunities, earning an MSN degree is the right choice. And the convenience of online education can make it possible.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Science in Nursing online degree program. Learn from the leader in Master of Science in Nursing graduates2 while expanding your career options. With Walden, you can earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
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Onsite Skills Lab And Clinical Simulation
Regardless of whether you are enrolled at Marquettes main Milwaukee campus or our Pleasant Prairie location, youll attend in-person onsite skills labs and clinical simulations. Set in mock clinical environments equipped with modern, high-tech medical equipment, this is a safe environment for students to learn and practice nursing skills. These include completing physical assessments, monitoring vital signs, inserting IVs and more. During clinical simulation, you and your fellow students will apply the knowledge and techniques youve learned to simulated care scenarios, such as a patient undergoing cardiac arrest.
Is Getting An Associate Degree In Nursing Worth It
For decades, an associate degree in Nursing has been the standard credential for aspiring nurses looking to start their careers. However, is that changing? With more employers seeking BSN-educated nurses, and more states supporting the BSN-in-10 initiative, many hopeful RNs may be wondering, Is getting an associate degree in Nursing worth it after all?
If you are considering becoming a Registered Nurse, you have likely spent some time researching your degree options. Today, you can pursue an associate degree in Nursing, or a Bachelors in Nursing before starting to work in the field. Both educational paths will qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN examination, become licensed to practice, and work successfully in a clinical healthcare setting.
Are both degrees worth it for aspiring nurses? Yes. Is one degree more worth it than the other? Well, that depends on two things: your career goals, and your eagerness to start working in the field. For those who have the time to commit to four years in school, and who may desire an advanced position in nursing, a BSN degree program may be the preferred path for you. However, for those who wish to get into the workforce fast, and lay the foundation for their nursing career now, an associate degree in Nursing is really the best first step.
What Employers Think
The Benefit of an Associate Degree in Nursing
Is an associate degree in Nursing going to be worth it for you? Lets recap the benefits:
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Additional Factors To Consider
When asking yourself “is nursing school worth it?” you should consider more than just tuition costs. You should also consider the challenges of nursing school, and determine whether you can put in the work needed to graduate.
“All degrees need good time management, critical thinking , dedication, being thorough, double and sometimes triple-checking, persistence, and patience,” Tranter said.
The nursing industry itself also comes with its challenges.
“The healthcare system is always changing there are constantly new requirements, policies, and procedures to keep up with,” Brook said. “Expectations around productivity and billing are always changing, and we are constantly working with new team members as part of a teaching hospital.”
While the industry comes with a certain degree of flexibility, nursing professionals also deal with potential burnout.
Still, “the reward continues to outweigh the challenges as change is a given in any profession,” Brook explained. “Our role continues to evolve, which brings new opportunities for professional growth.”
How Will I Pay For This
Obviously, this isnt your first experience with attending college, so use that hindsight to your advantage. You know earning a degree is a significant financial decision, so its important to consider how youll pay for it. Take some time to explore ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. You may be able to work with your employer to receive education benefits, which can be a big help. Additionally, it can help to seek out local scholarships and grants.
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What Is Nursing Like
These three nurses show just how varied, complex and skilled nursing is today. Nursing staff work in diverse settings – in hospitals, communities, the workplace and the classroom – and use their expertise to adapt their skills to offer the best care and support to their patients. Watch this film to take a look at what modern nursing is like today.
Choosing The Right Nursing School For You
There are many factors to consider when choosing which nursing schools to apply to. When researching potential programs, think about the following:
LOCATION
Are you interested in relocating and living on campus, or do you want to go to a local commuter school? Having the ability to move locations offers a wider variety of schools to consider while choosing a program close to home may be more affordable.
MODALITY
Are you interested solely in an on-campus experience? Do you want the flexibility of taking some or all of your courses virtually? Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to attend nursing school online, such as earning your BSN degree through an online BSN program. However, you will be required to complete a preceptorship in a clinical setting where you are located.
SCHOOL AND CLASS SIZES
Do you want to attend a larger university with a recognized brand? Do you want smaller classes and more face-time with professors? When researching programs, be sure to look at the population of the university, as well as the number of nursing students in the program and average class sizes.
COST AND FINANCIAL AID
Affordability is another important factor to consider. In addition to looking at tuition costs, see what grant and scholarship opportunities are available through the nursing school.
PROGRAM QUALITY
RELATIONSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS
PREVIOUS EDUCATION
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Nurse Administrator Or Executive
This trackalso known as Nurse Leadershipprepares a nurse to manage a team of other nurses and/or healthcare members. A Nurse Administrator, sometimes referred to as a nurse manager or executive, may serve as a unit manager, for instance, or in even more expanded leadership roles. Additional advanced certifications for Nurse Administrators and Executives are available as well.
Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary for medical and health services managers is $119,840 as of May 2022.
What Is The Difference Between An Rn And Bsn Nurse
The fundamental difference between an RN and a BSN nurse is the level of education. A registered nurse is a licensure designation given by the State Board of Nursing. An ADN or BSN may be licensed by the state as an RN. A BSN is the level of education a nurse has achieved. An ADN program is two years and focuses primarily on clinical skills. A BSN program requires four years and includes a more comprehensive perspective.
Feature Image: The Good Brigade / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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Associate Degree In Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing is the minimum degree requirement for becoming a registered nurse , the most common nursing profession. As an RN, youll have the credentials necessary to qualify for most nursing jobs that involve providing critical patient care and assisting physicians.
Youll find ADN programs at community colleges and some four-year institutions. Some schools also offer online nursing degrees in hybrid programs that combine virtual instruction with on-site clinical training.
ADN programs will give you the knowledge and experience RNs need to perform the following duties:
- Assist physicians during exams, surgeries, and other medical procedures
- Dress wounds and incisions
- Run and analyze diagnostics tests
- Review patient treatment plans and chart progress
- Supervise LPNs, LVNs, and CNAs
- Provide patient education on self-care
The curriculum for an ADN also includes studying science-related courses such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology.
Reasons To Get Your Bachelors Degree In Nursing
Staff Writer
The Institute of Medicines The Future of Nursing report recommends that 80% of nurses have a bachelors degree by the year 2020. Most health care agencies agree that nurses educated at the baccalaureate level are better positioned to lead the charge on holistic, preventative care.
Its understandable if youre still on the fence. You might have a family or a nursing job already. Going back to school, especially later in life, is a daunting thought. But getting a BSN should be a serious consideration for any career-focused nurse.
1. Youll Be More Marketable
While the need for nurses continues to soar, more and more hospitals are requiring nurses to hold a bachelors degree, even for entry level positions. Healthcare is evolving more emphasis is being placed on preventative care, and the disease process continues to grow more complex. Having your BSN makes you more marketable and in a better position to land the job you want.
Even at hospitals without the BSN requirement, having a bachelors degree in nursing makes your resume more attractive to future employers. By completing your BSN, youll have an edge over other candidates who only have an associate degree in nursing.
2. Youre a Leader at Heart
Nurse executives, federal agencies, the military, leading nursing organizations, health care foundations, magnet hospitals, and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate-prepared nurses bring to the practice setting.
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What Is A Bsn
You might be wondering, What does BSN stand for? A BSN is a bachelors degree of science in nursing and is a four-year program for students who seek to become a registered nurse, or those who already are a registered nurse and have an associates degree in nursing. Many RNs will enroll in BSN programs to further their education in the nursing field from an associates degree to a bachelors degree.
A BSN program typically takes 4 years to complete and is the standard for entry-level jobs in the nursing field. Those who obtain a bachelor’s degree of science in nursing are more likely to be hired for many nursing occupations over those who only have an associates degree, especially those who work in hospitals. Nurses with a BSN degree can choose to further their education with master’s or doctoral degree in order to become a nurse educator or a nurse practitioner.