Choosing the right nursing program is crucial to your career goals. It would help to look for an accredited program with a comprehensive academic schedule.
Consider the faculty’s credentials, education, and practical nursing experience. It would help if you also asked about the school’s NCLEX pass rates.
Tuition is another major factor to take into consideration. It’s important to research the costs for each option you’re considering.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a way for colleges to prove they meet quality standards set by the U.S. Department of Education through a nongovernmental peer-review process. The most important reason to select an accredited nursing preparation program Brooklyn, NY is that students who attend accredited institutions are more likely to have their academic credits transferred between schools and be eligible for federal financial aid.
The main accrediting bodies are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accredited programs provide proof that they meet national professional standards.
Specializations
In addition to the pre-requisite nursing courses like anatomy and physiology, nurses should expect to take classes that focus on more specific aspects of health care. For example, a nurse must be familiar with the effects of medication on the body. This is a course called pharmacology.
Another important nursing course is advanced pathophysiology, which builds on the information covered in pre-requisites to dive deeper into human health and disease processes. A clinical study at a hospital or long-term care facility often accompanies this class.
The curriculum of a BSN program also covers topics such as nursing research, case management, and healthcare delivery and quality outcomes. This broad base of knowledge will prepare nurses for a variety of career options and improve their chances of being hired by top healthcare organizations.
Clinical Experience
In a nursing program, clinical rotations are an important part of learning and will give you hands-on experience in real healthcare facilities. Choose a program that offers a variety of clinical experiences, including mental health, acute care, hospice, and more.
Clinical experience is also a great way to build your professional network and make connections. Look for a program that provides assistance in finding sites and preceptors or even offers a dedicated placement coordinator.
Lastly, look for a program that prioritizes the student-clinical instructor relationship. Study participants reported that a clinical instructor’s values, respect for students, and knowledge of the culture of the country where they teach are effective in establishing a good rapport between instructors and students. This ultimately translates into better learning for students.
Flexible Schedule
If you’re a working professional looking to transition into nursing, a flexible schedule is a must. While you may have to sacrifice your current job, finding a program that allows you to maintain your work and school-life balance is a great way to ensure your success.
Nurses must be prepared to study extensively and take a lot of tests throughout their degree. Research, memorization, and group projects are all part of the curriculum, as well as examinations.
Make sure the nursing school offers day or evening courses and that these fit into your existing schedule. Also, prioritize your sleep schedule and have a support network of family and friends who can help you through stressful times in class or challenging clinical.
Job Opportunities
The type of nursing program you select will impact your career. If you are thinking of earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then look for a program that has an excellent reputation and a high National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) pass rate.
Also, consider the location of the nursing school. If you plan on living in the area, then you will want to make sure it is near your home or work. If you are commuting, then you will need to factor in commute times and the availability of parking spaces on campus.
Many nursing programs have job placement services or career placement advisors that help students find employment after graduation. Some have connections with local hospitals or medical centers and can get exclusive job listings that only their graduates can apply for. Read more exciting articles on Smartmetaclicks
