RNBuilder.com - A Nursing School Directory Resource

on June 6, 2011

Nursing Role Extends Beyond Bedside

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i_adminstrator If you enjoy nursing as well as the more business-oriented side of health care, you might be suited for a nursing job in public health. Public health nursing jobs tend to offer more stable hours, greater professional autonomy, and the chance to make a real impact in your community. By working for the government to enhance education, safety, and health services for everyone, you can keep one foot in nursing and the other in health administration and advocacy.

What Types of Jobs are There in Public Health?

Many of the jobs available in public health organizations are similar to those you find in any hospital or health care setting. Nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse managers all have a place here, and much of the work will include traditional nursing activities. For example, a nursing assistant will answer health questions, prepare patients to be seen, perform routine tests, and take a patient’s vital signs. Once you have been on the job for a few years, you might be promoted to provide at-home services to patients with communicable diseases or provide outreach education to schools or community centers.

You’ll also find even more opportunities for mid- to high-level management. For example, you might be a public health supervisor, a public health consultant, or even a public health outreach works. These professionals do everything from developing care plans (for individuals or families) and developing policies and procedures for public education to helping foster partnerships between area health care companies.

Where to Find Public Health Nursing Jobs

Many rural areas and larger metropolitan areas have a high need for public health nurses. These areas tend to have a large population without insurance or access to regular health care, which puts them at risk not only for disease, but for lower quality of life overall. Many of these individuals are uneducated about basic nutrition and wellness, or may not know how to connect with other resources that can make their lives better. Even vaccines for kids can be difficult, and it’s the job of the public health nurse to make sure that everyone has a chance to be healthy and happy.

In most cases, you need at least an RN license to begin working in public health at the administrative level. A few years of experience working in a busy hospital setting can also be helpful, since it will demonstrate your ability to work long hours and connect with different types of patients.

The pay for public health nurses is fairly average for nurses as a whole, with greater opportunities for advancement and promotion with higher levels of education. You can expect between $40,000 and $60,000 per year to start at the RN level.

Public health nurses will continue to be in demand as the Baby Boomer population ages. And because it is a government job, there tends to be great stability and benefits, as well.

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Nursing Jobs That Aren’t in a Hospital

Getting a Nursing Degree through a Faith-Based Program

Published

on June 3, 2011

Working With Patient’s Families

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i_student_3 There are thousands of different nursing schools and nursing programs around the United States. From public universities to small, independent vocational training centers, you can get all the training you need in just two to four years.

When it comes to choosing the right college for you, however, there are more than just considerations of degree type and the length of the program. Many private schools offer faith-based learning (typically in a Christian or Catholic setting) in which nursing and religious studies are mixed. In some schools this takes the form of one or two prerequisite classes in religion; in others, there might be a more in-depth approach to nursing with an overarching faith-based design. Depending on your personal beliefs and what you want out of your career, these schools might be right for you.

Benefits of a Faith-Based Nursing Program

The truth is that many of today’s hospitals and nursing homes are run by religious organizations. Although it is becoming increasingly more common for big businesses to own and operate hospitals, many health care centers have their roots in religious organizations or a mission that takes faith into account. These hospitals aren’t likely to turn you away from employment if you didn’t attend a religious college, but being taught in the same tradition (in which spirituality and caregiving are intertwined) can help you be more comfortable in that particular corporate culture.

The classes you take are likely to be very similar to those of a non-religious nursing school, and you will be held to the same academic and professional requirements (including passing the nursing licensure exam and graduating from an accredited school), so the level of education is the same no matter where you go. Coursework that might be a little different includes:

World religions
Healing words
Public advocacy
Ethics
Health ministry
Home visits
Hospice and end-of-life care

In fact, you are more likely to find that a nursing program in a faith-based school has less to do with one particular religion and more to do with human spirituality as a whole. Tolerance for other religions, honoring individual beliefs, and connecting individuals and families with religious services in their area are all part of the faith-based nursing approach.

Where to Find a Faith-Based Nursing Program

These programs are more prevalent than you might think. Many of the top schools associated with great nursing are actually built on religious traditions, and even though faith might not be at the forefront of all that you learn, you could incorporate school resources with your own approach to nursing school. For example, Emory University and Loyola University, whose nursing programs consistently rank in the top 30 for the nation, are both faith-based organizations.

Religion and nursing tend to go hand-in-hand, since you must deal with life and death every day. No matter what your personal beliefs, you should be able to find great personal and professional opportunities at a faith-based nursing school. As long as the school is accredited and has a good reputation, you should have no fears about adding it to your list of possibilities.

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Choosing the Right Nursing School

What is Radiology Nursing?

Published

on June 1, 2011

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i_xray_nurse Radiology nursing, also known as radiologic nursing, is a field in which nurses work with medical imaging equipment to help diagnose illnesses. As is the case with most types of nursing, the radiologic professional works with a team of health care workers to provide the best care. In most cases, this means a radiology technologist, radiology technician, a radiologist, or a cardiologist—all of whom are also trained to work with imaging technology.

How is Radiologic Nursing Different from Traditional Nursing?

Most nurses in a hospital or long-term care setting provide care to the same patients for an entire shift, as designated by their assignment for the day, week, or even longer. In this way, they are responsible for monitoring patient levels and making assessments based on their knowledge.

Radiologic nurses are a little bit different. Because a radiology department works like a physician’s office, in that many different appointments and clients are scheduled, there is more of a focus on diagnosing and treating specific diseases, rather than the patient as a whole. Job duties include:

Starting IVs
Educating families and patients on procedures
Coordinating scheduling
Assisting with diagnostic imagining procedures (ultrasound, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, MRI, and x-rays, among others)
Keeping patients calm and comfortable during procedures
Caring for patients during the recovery period
Helping the doctor/radiologist make diagnoses

Because it is such a specialized nursing field, most professionals must get certified as an RN first and a radiologic nurse second. The Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing offers more information on the field and what you can do to specialize and become certified as a radiologic nurse.

How is Radiologic Nursing Different from a Radiology Technician?

If you are interested in radiologic nursing, you may also want to consider a straight career as a radiology technician or technologist. In many cases, the education is about the same (four years—the same as a BSN), and the work is similar in that you work with imaging technology. However, unlike nursing, you are qualified to make many of the diagnoses on your own, and you run most of the machinery without needing a direct supervisor.

Nursing tends to be a better choice if you would like to keep a broader range of options. If you earn a degree as a radiology tech, you are qualified for just that: radiology. A radiologic nurse, however, has double training, both as a traditional nurse and as a radiologic specialist. If you one day decide to change fields, you will have an easier time, since you’ll have the RN degree to fall back on.

If you’re interested in either field, it’s best to talk with the nursing school advisor or even job shadow both professionals for a few days to get a better understanding of your own professional goals.

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Nursing Specialties

Nursing Job Descriptions

Why is Getting Into Nursing School So Competitive?

Published

Pros and Cons of Online Nursing Schools

on May 19, 2011

in Nursing Schools

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i_student_2 Much of the available information about nursing school and the current nursing shortage is conflicting. On the one hand, the demand for qualified nurses is higher than it’s ever been before, and shortages are only expected to increase over the next ten years. Nursing recruitment initiatives are encouraging students to consider this field and are even covering many of the costs associated with nursing school, since the demands are so great.

On the other hand, getting into nursing school can be a really competitive process. You might find yourself wait-listed for years while you wait for a program to open up, and you may even be denied admissions to your local nursing school even though you have great grades and a history of health care experience.

How can there be so much competition to get into and succeed in nursing school if there is such a high need?

The answer has to do with nursing instruction and the number of qualified programs in the United States. There simply aren’t enough nursing instructors and programs to meet the current demand. Getting into a nursing program—especially the top-ranked ones—can be a challenge simply because of the number of applicants versus the number of openings.

Although federal initiatives and private schools are working hard to correct this imbalance, it may be a few years before the output meets demand. In the meantime, your challenge is to find a way to succeed in the nursing field even if you don’t get accepted to the nursing school you were considering. Here are a few tips:

Consider a less prestigious education. Unless you intend to pursue an advanced nursing degree or enter the academic/research side of nursing, you don’t really need a big-name school attached to your resume. Accredited programs from community colleges and small, private vocational schools can be just as effective at getting you education and certification you need.

Take small steps. If you haven’t been accepted to a four-year Bachelor’s program, consider your short-term alternatives. You can get a two-year RN Associate degree, a one-year LPN certification, or even spend some time working as a nursing assistant. It is always a possibility to advance your education through an LPN-to-BSN or RN-to-BSN program at a later date.

Consider online courses for your core curriculum. In many cases, it doesn’t matter where you get your basic education (the English, social sciences, math, biology, and chemistry courses required for any BA degree). As long as you check to make sure the credits you earn will be transferable, you can look online or at a different school to get many of the initial classes out of the way.

You can also boost your nursing school application through volunteer opportunities or an extensive healthcare-related work history.

There is no single path to becoming a nurse, and many professionals succeed without going through a costly and competitive program. Find the fit that’s right for you and move toward that goal. With hard work and perseverance, you can become a successful nurse after just a few years of training.

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Writing the Nursing School Admissions Essay

What Does an Operating Room Nurse Do?

Published

on May 16, 2011

Is it Time to Upgrade Your Nursing Degree?

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i_nurse_female If you look at the lists of top-paid nursing positions and best nursing opportunities in the United States, you’ll probably find operating room nurses somewhere near the top. This RN specialty is one that is popular among professionals who enjoy a little bit more autonomy and a little more direct patient interaction than more traditional nursing. Although you will always be working under the supervision of the operating team and surgeon in charge, this position is one that requires you to be able to make assessments and think on your feet in a high-stress situation.

Operating nurses are responsible for patient care in all phases of a procedure: the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative stages. Although the tasks will vary depending on the exact procedure, you can expect some combination of the following:

Preoperative Assessment: An operating room nurse is the individual who will have the most contact with the patient as he or she is preparing to enter surgery. The nurse may be responsible for communicating with the patient and family about what to expect, and ensuring that the patient acts in accordance with the pre-surgery guidelines. Additional tasks include monitoring the patient’s vitals, taking a medical history, verifying paperwork, and discussing the various stages of recovery and what they entail.

Operation Preparation: The best operating room nurses know the individual quirks of the surgeons they work with every day. They know exactly how the surgeon prefers the room to be set up and equipment to be positioned. The nurse is also there to continue to allay patient fears and anxieties. Because the operating room nurse has already built a rapport with the patient, he or she can be the determining factor between a happy patient and an unhappy one.

Working as Part of the Surgical Team: There are many different health care professionals in the room when a surgery occurs. A circulating nurse, scrub nurse, surgeon, and anesthetist are among them—and the operating room nurse must work as part of the team.

Advocating for Patients: In a surgical setting, there are often many different viewpoints and opinions sharing the same space. Because the operating room nurse is the most familiar with the patient and family, he or she may be called upon to clarify the patient’s plan of care.

Postoperative Care: One of the most “nurse-like” jobs of the operating room nurse is to care for the patient during the postoperative period. This includes monitoring vitals, administering medications, and checking for any signs that the patient’s condition is worsening.

Becoming an Operation Room Nurse

If you’re interested in becoming an operating room nurse, you will first need to become a registered nurse (most often with Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing). An additional six months to one year of training will be required. In order to become certified as an operating nurse, you’ll need an additional two years and 2,400 hours of experience. You can then sit for the certification exam.

Operating room nursing is a great field if you want to step away from routine care and work more in patient advocacy and communication. Competition for positions can be a little fierce, though, so you’ll want to be sure and become certified to boost your chances of employment.

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Nursing Job Descriptions

Switching Nursing Schools Halfway through a Program

Published

on May 11, 2011

Choosing the Right Nursing School

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i_student_1 Because going to nursing school is such a large time investment, ranging from two to six years in all, it can be difficult to organize your life around your school schedule. After all, what happens if your spouse is transferred to a new city for work? What if your family needs you back at home? What if you simply can’t afford a more expensive educational option in one city, but still want to keep pursuing your nursing degree somewhere else?

Although most schools discourage it, you can transfer your nursing credits from one school to another—provided you are going moving to and from nursing schools that have regional accreditation. Vocational schools and those with national accreditation may vary in how well their credits transfer, so if you know that moving is a possibility, you may want to choose a regionally accredited school right from the start.

The Admissions Process

Although it will be easier to transfer to a new college than to apply to and be admitted to college for the first time, you still have to go through the admissions process and possibly even face the chance that you might not get in.

Your first step will be to talk with the school you would like to transfer to about their specific requirements. In addition to filling out an application (and possibly including letters of reference, paying the application fee, and writing a nursing essay), you will need to ask about their individual credit transfer policy and have your official transcripts sent over.

There may be restrictions regarding what types of credits can be moved. Factors might include GPA, core curriculum requirements, and the usefulness of the class as a whole. For example, a course in nursing ethics might not move seamlessly from one school to another since the two schools might focus on different aspects (especially if you’re considering schools with a religious mission or focus). Be prepared to duplicate classes or even lose several of the credits you’ve already acquired. Although you may be able to contest the school’s policies or test out of certain classes, this is a common occurrence for transferring students.

Other Transfer Options

You may want to consider long-distance or online courses in place of a school transfer. Chances are, your existing school wants to see you stick around and finish out your program with them. If they have an online nursing program or are willing to work with you for the last few credits, be sure and explore these options. This is especially true if you’re nearing a milestone. For example, if you are close to getting your LPN license, do what you can to finish it. That way, you can enter an LPN-to-RN program at your new school without necessarily worrying about which credits will transfer.

Nursing school takes time, money, and quite a bit of hard work. If you find yourself facing a move or change of venue, do what you can to hold on to as much of that hard work. Your admissions counselors (at both schools) should be able to help you make the transition.

What to Expect from Online Nursing Courses

Published

on May 9, 2011

Pros and Cons of Online Nursing Schools

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i_nursing_student One of the best nursing school options for working professionals, busy parents, and students who are looking for a little more flexibility out of their education is the online nursing course.

The online learning format, which allows you to take at least part of your classes from the comfort of your own home, is a growing trend in the college community. It not only allows students to work at their own pace and according to their own schedule, but it also means that you can access great schools and teachers from a long distance.

In the nursing field, this means you can either take a large number of core classes to work toward a nursing degree or even complete an entire graduate degree that builds on top of an existing nursing degree or license.

The Online Learning Format

Of course, learning at home or at work from your computer is a very different experience than sitting in a classroom or lecture hall. Depending on your learning style and how well you work as a self-motivator, this may or may not be the program for you. Here’s how the online nursing courses differ from more traditional options.

Internet access is a must: In most cases, the online nursing class will be hosted either through the school’s website or on a website of its own. This will become an interactive place where assignments are posted, discussions held, and chat sessions set up. In order to participate, you will need regular and reliable access to the Internet.

No face-to-face interaction: When you take a class in person, you are able to see and talk to your instructor on an almost daily basis. From lectures and question-and-answer sessions to after-class office hours, you can get the personalized attention you need to do your best in class. In the online learning format, your only access to the instructor is via email or through online discussion boards. For some people, this works great, since you post your question in the early hours of the morning, get back to your daily life, and return home to find the answers you need. For others, it might be a struggle. It’s up to you to know how you learn best.

Reading lectures vs. hearing lectures: In a traditional classroom setting, your learning comes from a combination of lectures and textbook reading. Unless you have a video classroom setup for your course, the online work will be almost all textbook and self-directed reading. Although your instructor may create great notes and lecture outlines, you will need to do most of the learning on your own.

Clinicals must still be completed: Regardless of which school you attend, clinical experience will be part of your nursing education. For online programs, this may mean that you have to work with a local affiliated medical facility or even commute to the school’s facilities a few days a week. There is no better way to learn nursing than through hands-on training, so this component remains the same.

Tests and homework still apply: You will most likely have assignments and papers with regular due dates, as well as tests that may occur either on your own time or during a designated online session. You will be responsible for completing all of the work just as you would in a regular classroom setting.

Regardless of what type of nursing school format you choose, make sure you go through the same process of research and selection. Many great online nursing schools carry the same accreditation and reputation as more traditional schools, but with greater flexibility and different costs. Take your time to find the right school, and you could be graduating with your nursing degree in as little as two to four years.

Find an Online Nursing Program in Your City

What Factors Influence Nursing Salary?

Published

on May 4, 2011

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i_nurse_pediatrics One of the common themes of any discussion of the nursing career is that the field is one of the most stable and fastest-growing in the entire country. Job outlooks over the next ten years will only continue to increase, and nursing salaries are expected to increase right alongside them.

However, that doesn’t mean that what one nurse earns working as an RN in New York is going to be the same as a BSN in Ohio. There are many different factors that influence nursing salaries, and your annual pay will be dependent on all of them.

Level of Education: LPNs make less than RNs, and NPs make even more than them both. An RN with a Bachelor’s degree can typically command higher rates than an RN with an Associate degree. Depending on your degree and your license, the amount of money offered to you will vary.

Experience: Most health care settings work on a seniority-type scale. The longer you work for the organization, and the more experience you have, the higher rate of pay you can command. This is especially true if you move into a managerial or supervisory role.

Unionization: In many states and hospitals, nurses cannot work unless they join the local nurses union. In most cases, being part of a union means higher rates of pay (though you will have to pay annual or monthly union dues in return). In a union setting, you can also command much higher rates of pay for work done overtime.

Your Shift: In a hospital setting, nurses who work graveyard shifts (11pm to 7am) tend to make more than those who work swing shifts (3pm to 11pm), who, in turn, make more than those who work day shifts (7am to 3pm). Although this isn’t written in stone, most employers change the rate of pay depending on the desirability of the hours worked.

Employer: Nurses in a hospital setting tend to earn the most money, followed by those who work in doctors’ offices. Nursing home and home health care tend to provide the lowest salaries of all. Other opportunities, like working for a government entity or as a travel nurse, can also provide different pay rates.

Types of Nursing: Specialized work typically commands a higher rate of pay. For example, if you work in an emergency room or operating room, the high stress and increased skills mean you can earn more each year. Advanced specialties in fields like orthopedics or pediatrics can also help you move up the ranks.

Location: Perhaps nothing influences nursing salary so much as where you live—and for good reason. Cost-of-living expenses in larger metropolitan centers are much higher than what you would expect in smaller cities. For example, an RN in New York can expect between $54,000 and $76,000 per year, while the same professional will get between $45,000 and $65,000 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Getting a nursing degree is a great career move—regardless of where you live or what your specialty. However, if increasing your pay is a priority, there are plenty of advancements and opportunities you can take advantage of.

Nursing Shift Types

What is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission?

Published

on May 2, 2011

Choosing the Right Nursing School

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i_nurses_3 If you are a prospective student looking for the the right nursing school, you should become familiar with the various accrediting organizations. These groups, which range in background and mission, are your source for finding schools that meet national standards in education and allow graduates to sit for the NCLEX exam.

Of these accrediting organizations, one of the most important is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. This national organization is devoted to promoting excellence in nursing education. The organization looks at individual nursing instructors, providing opportunities for them to build their skills and network with others in the field, as well as offers accreditation for NCLEX readiness.

What Does the NLNAC Do?

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is responsible for accrediting specialized nursing education programs, including:

Clinical Doctorates
Master’s Programs
Bachelor’s Programs
Associate Programs
Nursing Diplomas
Practical Nursing Programs

In this capacity, the NLNAC is a great source for finding programs that will train nurses to sit for the NCLEX exam and to enter the field of nursing once they successfully graduate and get licensed.

NLNAC is also important in ensuring that nursing schools are eligible to receive federal funding via student grants or loans; for example, unless a nursing program is recognized by the NLNAC or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, you may not be able to use FAFSA to help pay for your education.

The NLNAC goes one step further, as well, by offering assistance to students beyond the financial level. Schools can turn to the NLNAC for help with student counseling and recruitment, while students can learn more about transferring their credits from one school to another.

Why NLNAC Accreditation Matters

The primary difference between the NLNAC and other accrediting bodies is that the NLNAC is more comprehensive when it comes to LPN, Diploma, and Certificate programs. It is the primary seal of approval for these lower-level nursing degrees, and you should always look for it if you are considering a degree at the Associate or Diploma level.

If you are considering a higher-level nursing program, it isn’t necessary for the NLNAC to be involved, but you should look for other accrediting credentials (especially the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) to be sure it meets the national requirements for nursing education.

Related Topics:

How to Afford Nursing School

Nurses Without Borders

Published

on April 27, 2011

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i_vaccine One of the most famous health care employers in the world is Doctors without Borders. This organization, which was founded in 1971, provides medical aid to nearly 60 countries worldwide. The populations served live in areas where conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, and natural disasters jeopardize the health and wellness of the majority of the residents.

Despite its name, Doctors without Borders isn’t all about doctors. In fact, many different types of health care professionals, including nurses, can participate. If you are just graduating from nursing school, or if you’re deciding on an area of study, you may want to consider joining this worthwhile organization. Like travel nurses, a post here will help you fill a need in the medical community and enjoy incredible life experiences while you do it.

Remember, though, that this job isn’t one to take lightly, or to take on as part of an exploration of what type of nursing you’d like to get into. Most nurses who work for the organization attend nursing school with the goal of becoming part of an international team of health care workers, and tailor their education accordingly. Whether this means pursuing a nurse practitioner degree in tropical medicine or spending several years working in a high-intensity metropolitan ER room, it can take years to prepare for the admissions process.

Nursing Requirements

The process of becoming part of Nurses without Borders is a competitive one, requiring lots of preparation as well as a long-term commitment of at least a year. The basic recommended requirements include:

Nursing degree (BSN or NP)
Current nursing license
Two years experience with direct patient care
Supervisory/management experience
Tropical medicine training, infectious disease training, or public health training
Foreign language skills

Training as a nurse midwife or nurse anesthetist can also increase your chances of entering the program, since these NP-level professionals are needed in many of the locations served.

Is the Nursing Program Right for You?

Nurses without Borders comes with inherent risks, and it isn’t for everyone. The work being done worldwide takes place in areas where there is heavy military conflict, where infectious disease and a lack of resources magnifies the death rate, and in places severe weather and other natural disasters can make life uncomfortable.

Although the employment potential of a nursing school graduate might seem fairly small, the truth is that there are many different types of places where you can start and advance your career. If if get a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher and would like to include adventure as part of your resume, Nurses without Borders might be the perfect place to find your way.

Related Topics:

Travel Nursing

Nursing Degrees