Nursing School FAQS
Return to:Becoming a Nurse
People have a lot of questions when it comes to becoming a nurse. I will try and answer some of the common questions regarding nursing schools. If you have a question please contact me, I can not answer questions about specific schools or programs.
Why should I become a nurse
Well many people have many reasons for wanting to become a nurse. The reasons include: A fair wage, ability to work full time in just three days a week, the desire to help others, the status of working as a professional and many other reasons.
Who regulates nursing education?
In the USA there are two main accreditation agencies the National League for Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Even more important than the accreditation agencies are the individual State Boards of Nursing. If your State board does not recognize your education you will not be able to practice.
How long does it take become a nurse?
It depends, unless you already have a degree and some of the prerequisites done figure about 3 years minimum even for a two year degree. Accelerated coerces do exist, but they often require that you already have a BS or some degree of classwork complete.
Am I too old to become a nurse?
Here is the way i look at it. Take your age + the time it will take to graduate and determine your age at graduation. Then ask your self how old will i be in the same amount of time if i do not go to nursing school? (-:
Do I need to go to college degree to become a nurse?
No! But I do recommend it. There are diploma programs available to become a nurse. Traditionally hospitals run diploma programs, today most are associated with a college.
What is the difference between RN, BSN, LPN?
LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse and RN stands for Registered Nurse. Both the RN and LPN license are issued by the State for the privilege of practicing as a nurse. The LPN is a more restrictive license, with most LPNs working in nursing homes under an RN. The RN is considered a professional nurse. A BSN is an RN that was trained at the baccalaureate level as opposed to a degree program or an associate degree. The license is the same, they are both RNs. The difference is with employment opportunities, some require education on the baccalaureate level or higher, but not most. See your state board of nursing for more details about the laws that will govern your practice.
Do I need to be a math genius to be in nursing school?
The math is not hard, but accuracy is very important. Each school will establish its own math requirements. My schooling required intermediate algebra and a nursing math test (ratio, IV rates, drug calculations) at the start of each semester. You needed to pass with a 90% to stay in school. Nursing math is all about giving the right dosages of medicine, if you can not do that, then you will not be a safe nurse.
Can I get my nursing degree online?
Yes, there a lot of programs available online for nursing, many but not all require you to already be licensed. For example being and RN and working on becoming a BSN. There are programs to become licensed online, for example Rio Salado.
Can I become a nurse without doing clinicals?
No! Nor should you even want to.
When I graduate from nursing school will I be a nurse?
No, you have to sit for and pass either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN to be called a nurse. Not everyone who passes nursing school passes the exam. A good question to ask any school that you are thinking of attending is "what is your pass rate on the NCLEX".
What can you do with a degree in nursing?
Not much until you pass the NCLEX and receive your nursing license. After that most nurses start off working as a bedside nurse in a hospital or a nursing home. After a year or two of experience some nurses move on. Possibilities include: School nurse, Working in a clinic, dialysis nurse, drug rep for a pharmaceutical company, flight nurse, advice nurse (give advice over the phone usually working for an insurance company), work on medical malpractice cases as a legal consultant. You may also opt for more education and become an advance practice nurse.
What special skills are needed to become a nurse?
It depends on the kind of nursing you go into, but I will give you the basics. Good communication skills are a must both verbally and written. Hand eye dexterity is very helpful for bedside nurses for starting IVs placing gastric tubes etc. But the most important skill needed of any nurse is time management and the ability to prioritize.
Is nursing school fun?
NO! Nursing school, well, it su***. It is a lot of hard work, biting your tongue, jumping through hoops, writing nursing care plans and being under a lot of stress. But once you make it to the end, you may find it was well worth it.
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