What To Expect From A Career In Nursing
Nursing programs at Ontario colleges come at varying levels for those in or interested in the field. Courses meet the needs of current Registered Nurses looking to diversify their skills as well as future nurses looking to get started.
Patient care demands exceptional attention to detail and a compassion for those in need. If you have these things and you see yourself starting or continuing in nursing education, heres what you need to know.
Are Online Programs Available
Nursing is a hands-on profession, but both ADN and BSN degree programs can be completed at least partly online. Clinical hours are the exception. Clinicals are hands-on requirements that place a nursing student directly in a healthcare setting, and these must be fulfilled in person at a clinic, hospital, or other brick-and-mortar facility.
If youre a nursing student in a rural area with no classroom programs within reach, an online program can give you access to a wide range of educational opportunities across the country. And if youre already busy, online learning can give you room to meet responsibilities that prevent you from attending school in person.
Nurse Degrees And Roles
Responsibilities and salary potential for nurses increase with education, certification, and employment levels. The BLS reports median annual earnings of $48,820 for LPNs and $117,670 for APRNs as of 2020. Below, we explore the necessary education requirements and typical responsibilities for four nursing careers.
Don’t Miss: New Jersey Nurse Practitioner License
Why Should I Become A Nurse
This article has made it clear that there are many differences among different types of nursing, and there are different educational and professional options for you to choose. The answer to this question, surprisingly, is uniform across the entire field. No matter what, as a nurse, you are helping people. You are meeting people from all ages and all walks of life, caring for them, and making their lives easier. If thats what youre passionate about, you should strongly consider becoming a nurse.
Nail Your Admission Interview
The interview is a chance for the applicant to sell themselves. Nursing program committee members want to know why a student would make a good nurse and be a positive representative of the program.
Get used to this kind of pressure because youll face it again after youve earned your RN license if you apply for nurse practitioner programs or other advanced degree programs.
Don’t Miss: Galen School Of Nursing St Petersburg Fl
Job Outlook For Nurses
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , as of 2019 there are 3,096,700 registered nurses in the United States. Yet theres still room for more.
Registered nurses can begin their careers with an ADN or BSN. While both degrees qualify you for RN licensure and a wide range of positions in hospitals and other healthcare settings, a BSN provides a broader education and can position you for roles in nursing management.
The BLS predicts that the RN workforce will grow by 221,900 jobs by 2029. Since the BLS includes nurses who have ADNs, BSNs, and MSNs in their reports on RNs, the expected opportunities extend across many roles. Opportunities will also expand as more than 1 million nurses reach retirement age over the next 10 to 15 years, according to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.
221,900 RN JobsWill BeAdded to the Workforce
Factor in the number of nurses who will retire and leave the field during this time and the projected workforce in 2028 will be
3,318,700
Heres a look at some factors that could impact the nursing job market in the foreseeable future.
Consequences Of Attending A Non
Graduating from a non-accredited nursing program can be devastating. While it is very difficult for brick and mortar nursing programs to function and not be fully accredited it is often seen in online nursing programs. So, what does this mean for those students?
Recommended Reading: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Louisville Ky
Six Furthering Your Nursing Education
Becoming a nurse is often just the first step. Many nurses go on to continue their education. Some immediately after graduation while others take time in between degrees in order to gain much-needed experience or determine exactly the type of advanced practice degree they are interested in.
Here are some of the ways you can advance your education as a nurse:
Further Education For Nursing
Many nurses pursue additional education for nursing specialties, including cardiology, surgery, prenatal, and gerontology. Most concentrations require additional certifications. Professionals should prioritize organizations with accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American Board for Specialty Nursing Certifications.
Certification boards for nursing specializations include:
Also Check: Online Nursing Programs In Georgia
Math Requirements In College Nursing Programs
The core courses required to earn a nursing degree most often include studies in biology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biology, chemistry, nutrition and psychology, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics . Clinical experiences are a required part of any nursing program, from basic practical nursing certificate programs to graduate programs in nursing. However, mathematics is one of the key nursing school requirements that are common across all nursing degree programs. Your math skills will also be tested in your core science programs.
What can you expect from math coursework in a nursing degree program? A 100-level college math course such as algebra is the most common requirement for prospective nurses. Some nursing programs require coursework in statistics and probability, as well. In some nursing degree programs, you may study specialized coursework in medical math.
In addition to mandatory math classes, math requirements in some nursing programs include tests or exams that students must complete in order to move forward with their education and clinical experiences. Students may be tested on subject matter such as how to convert units of measurement and the math needed to correctly administer medications and intravenous drips.
Often, the math classes required for a nursing degree program also serve the purpose of satisfying university-wide general education mathematics requirements.
S To Becoming A Nurse
The first step to becoming a nurse is getting a solid education, whether you hope to be a licensed practical or vocational nurse , registered nurse , or administrator. Every state and the District of Columbia require students to graduate from an accredited nursing program to become licensed.
- Step 1:
Read Also: Accredited Nursing Schools In Ohio
What Is An Lpn To Rn
Both LPNs and RNs work with patients across the lifespan and have a goal of ensuring that each patient has a seamless medical experience. They work toward this goal by providing optimal care and supporting physicians and doctors as they treat and care for patients.
There may be some overlap in the daily tasks of an LPN and RN, but there are also differences between the two. Heres an overview of the two roles:
Areas Of Concentration For Registered Nurses
Most registered nurses choose to specialize in one particular area of healthcare, such as emergency care, geriatrics, informatics, or neonatal. The following table highlights numerous concentrations available to registered nurses.
| Critical Care | Anesthesia | Informatics |
|---|---|---|
| I want to work with the critically ill and patients who are at high risk for life-threatening conditions, diseases, and health problems. | ||
| I want to work with pregnant women, those trying to get pregnant, or patients who have just given birth. | ||
| I would like to help patients reduce or manage pain and keep them as comfortable as possible during their medical care. | ||
| I like working with computers as much as I like working with people. I would also like to help run computer and information systems that monitor and manage patient care. | ||
| I like numbers, statistics, and the development of new medical discoveries that help patients. |
Read Also: Neonatal Nurse Colleges In Georgia
How To Register As Enrolled Nurse In Australia
If you are currently registered as an enrolled nurse and are due to complete or have completed an Australian approved program of study that will qualify you for registration as a registered nurse, you can apply for registration online by logging into your Online Services and select the Apply for registration as a
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
To become an APRN, you must first become an RN, obtain a master of science in nursing degree, and receive certification. Common specialty roles include NP, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist.
To practice as an APRN, you must pass a national certification exam and obtain state licensure. RNs often complete the APRN requirements in 3-5 years. APRNs interested in leadership or educational positions may choose to pursue a doctor of nursing practice degree.
Also Check: Masters Degree In Nursing Education Online
Can You Get A Nursing Degree Online
The short answer: yes, you can earn an associate, bachelors, and even your masters degree in nursing online. The long answer: while you can earn your degree and complete your coursework online, youll still have to complete in-person clinical hours at a physical location.
The exception to the above is if you already have your registered nurse license, you may be able to complete a degree program online in order to advance your education and potentially take on a more specialized role.
Complete A Nursing Degree Program
Registered nurses are required to have at least an associates degree, which typically takes less time and costs less than other educational options. However, RNs who earn a bachelors or advanced degree have a higher earning potential and an advantage when applying for jobs.
Thats why most RNs earn a bachelors degree. Students can earn a bachelor of science in nursing through a traditional four-year program that includes liberal arts classes, for a total of about 120 hours.
Those who have already earned a non-nursing degree can opt for a direct-entry program. This program usually takes less time because it does not include as many general education classes.
Some schools offer bridge programs for licensed practical nurses who want to earn a BSN or master of science in nursing. These are also more accelerated and focused options than a traditional four-year degree path.
Finally, some aspiring RNs opt for a diploma program, typically a three-year commitment that is operated by a hospital. Very few diploma programs exist today.
Regardless of which avenue you choose, youll be taking courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and psychology. In addition to the time you spend with your nose in a textbook, youll get hands-on experience during clinical courses. The settings range from hospitals and nursing homes to clinics and public health departments.
Recommended Reading: Who Do I Report Nursing Home Neglect To
Take The Right Classes
Because nursing relies heavily on math and science skills, you may wonder about which classes to take in high school for nursing. Try to take as many advanced placement courses as possible in these subjects to meet college requirements while still in high school and gain familiarity with the field. This list of prerequisites offers some required courses.
Apply To And Get Accepted By An Accredited Nurse Anesthesia Program
As the need for nurse anesthetists has grown, so too have the number of accredited nurse anesthesia programs. CRNAs historically have been able to earn either an MSN or DNP however, by 2025 CRNAs will need a doctorate degree.
As of February of 2020, the AANA website indicates 123 accredited nurse anesthesia programs available. Getting accepted into these programs requires that applicants demonstrate a commitment to the field of nursing and to the study of nursing practice. Though every program has its own unique focus and requirements, most have certain elements in common, including:
- Minimum of two years experience working as a Registered Nurse
- Minimum of one year working in an acute care setting
- Valid RN licensure
- BSN degree or Bachelors degree in a related field of study, including completion of prerequisite courses in human anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, physiology and statistics
- Minimum GPA demonstrated in college transcripts: may require 3.0 in related science studies
- Excellent communication skills
Nurse anesthesia programs value candidates who demonstrate attention to detail. Make certain that you read each schools application requirements carefully to ensure that you are providing the exact information that they are looking for.
Recommended Reading: Coppin State University Nurse Practitioner Program
How Nurses Use Math In Their Work
There is a practical reason why nursing degree programs include required courses in mathematics. In their daily lives, nurses use basic math skills a great deal. Equations, ratios and fractions arent just abstract concepts when it comes to the field of nursing, according to The Houston Chronicle. Nurses need these skills when caring for patients in order to accurately administer medications, take measurements and calculate and interpret other medical data.
A nurse must know how to calculate medicine dosages and IV drip rates without making mistakes. If a nurse gives the wrong dose of medication or uses the wrong system of measurement in a calculation, the consequences can be serious or even fatal for the patient. In the field of nursing, doing the math correctly can literally be a matter of life and death.
In addition to being comfortable working with numbers, having strong communication skills and being detail-oriented are important qualities in nurses.
You dont have to be crazy about math to be a good nurse. However, you do need to be competent enough in the subject of mathematics to not only get into nursing school but also put math skills to work in the real world.
Prepare Your Nursing Resume
Your resume is the first thing your future employer is going to see, so make a good first impression!
Some top tips are to make sure your resume shows your personality and your brand, research the organization you’re applying to, and optimize your resume for the resume-robots. For more detailed tips on perfecting your resume, check out our Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes.
You May Like: Schools With Top Nursing Programs
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.
What Courses Do You Take To Become A Nurse
What courses do you take to become a nurse? Entry-level classes include anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology. If you advance your education, youll dive deeper into subjects like emergency care, nursing research, and population-based practice.
Do nurses work in prisons? Correctional nurses provide direct patient care to inmates in correctional facilities, such as jails or prisons. These nurses need experience in a variety of care settings. They may treat patients for emergency medical conditions or injuries, acute illness, or chronic medical conditions.
What kind of nurses work in prisons? A correctional nurse is a nursing professional that cares for and treats inmates and other detainees in correctional facilities and jails. These nursing professionals choose to go behind prison walls every day to attend to detainees health needs. They treat perform both routine and emergency medical procedures.
Do prisons have medical staff? Providing medical and end-of-life care to elderly inmates in state prisons cost California millions each year. Improvements in medical and elder care have largely been lawsuit driven, and still are not fulling meeting the needs of inmates, according to medical staff.
Read Also: Direct Entry Masters Nursing Programs
How Long Is Nursing School
The length of nursing school depends on the degree you choose. For example, an ADN is typically considered a two-year degree, while a BSN usually takes four years.
Different positions require different levels of nursing education. Ultimately, the type of degree you need to become a nurse depends, in part, on the kind of nurse you want to be.
Fortunately, there is a range of options: from the bedside to the boardroom, hospitals to hospices, schools to specialty niches, and opportunities in between.
Some types of nurses and their required level of education include:
- Surgical Assistant Registered Nurse, ADN, BSN preferred
- Nurse Case Manager, BSN
- Critical Care Registered Nurse, BSN
- Nurse Practitioner, MSN
- Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN
The key is to identify your personal career goals and aspirations and then build on your credentials and experiences along the way.
The number of terms your school offers each year, coupled with the number of courses you can take, can also adjust your timeline. If you have any transfer credits from an unencumbered RN license or previous college experiences, you may be able to finish faster if you attend a transfer-friendly school.
Can You Get Your RN License in 2 Years?
If you pursue an associate degree in nursing, that’s typically a two-year program that prepares you to sit for the NCLEX exam a requirement for licensed nurses. The timeline all depends on your pacing and the institution in which you begin your nursing education.
How To Prepare For A Career In Nursing
You can prepare for a nursing career as a high school student by exploring the coursework needed for a prospective program, along with other requirements. Outside of taking high school classes for nursing, you can gain experience by volunteering with healthcare facilities. Helping at local hospitals or assisted living facilities can prepare aspiring nurses through practical experience.
Researching nursing schools while in high school also allows you to identify the programs that best align with your professional and personal goals. Consider National Council Licensure Examination pass rates, GPA requirements, and preferred courses in your research.
Also Check: Steps To Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner