Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Nursing Schools - Traditional vs. Online

The internet has changed everything, especially the way we learn. Nowadays, with online schools available for virtually every skill you can think of, the knowledge of the ages is literally at our fingertips. But for a field like nursing,(the fastest growing career in the U.S. according to nursing-school.org), where hands-on experience is essential to the job, how well does an online nursing school match up to a traditional one.

The Pros of a Traditional School
The pros of a traditional nursing school are obvious, here you will get hands on experience, be able to consult with teachers in person, collaborate with other students and get a feel for what your work will be like. Also you can learn at a faster pace by attending all the classes and getting in more hours of training.

The Pros of an Online School
Online schools will allow for far more flexibility regarding attendance. You can study around your schedule instead of having to show up at certain times for classes. Students who want to connect with other classmates can do so through student blogs and other means. Learning online allows you to repeat lessons and course material as often as you need to. Websites like nursing-school.org list several well respected nursing schools with online programs.

The Cons of a Traditional School
The biggest disadvantage to a traditional school is having to adhere to a strict schedule, so if you miss a class you fall back. Teachers will only have a certain amount of time to teach a class, while online they can prerecord the session and teach uninterrupted. There may also be disadvantages such as limited facilities, distance and canceled classes.

The Cons of an Online School
Learning online can be more difficult and take longer when you don't have an instructor on hand to guide you through something in person, and sometimes your information can become lost or mixed up when sending it online. The biggest disadvantage to online school is the lack of hands on experience.

You can find both online, and local nursing schools at: http://www.nursing-school.org/

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A Day in the Life of an RN

A career in the nursing profession requires dedication and sacrifice in order to be successful in the nursing program. At nursing-school.org there is great information about the nursing career and nursing schools for online degrees. Nurses are in great demand and facilities are willing to train new graduates in any area of nursing that they are interested in. Whether it is caring for neonates, obstetrics, surgery, emergency department, Intensive Care Units, or Home Care patients, you are sure to never be unemployed.

Since the approval for Healthcare Reform, nurses will be in greater demand than ever. In the facility of the hospital, nurses care for critically ill patients and at the same time will be caring for the family. Nurses provide emotional support to the patients and family members. Educating patients and families are part of the nurse's everyday routine. Nurses provide holistic care to the patient. This means that they not only administer medications, change bandages or start IV's, but they care about the patients psychological well-being also.

The nursing profession is a career that gives a sense of doing good and feeling good about the way you are able to provide help that makes a difference. Nurses are very much appreciated by patients and their families. In considering nursing as a career choice, keep in mind that what you will be able to do as a healthcare professional, will be priceless. This career can change your life forever, in a positive way! The possibilities are endless.

Nurses are able to have greater flexibility in their schedules. Some facilities offer a week-end option, which is great if the nurse is trying to go back to college to further their education or if they simply want to have time during the weekdays to help the children while they are in school. Nursing offers great income. Agencies that hire nurses with experience and a specialty pay a higher income. Being a nurse has great rewards!

http://www.nursing-school.org/

Monday, August 9, 2010

How To Find the Right Nursing School For You

Whether you are about to graduate from high school, or are looking to go back to school to get a different job, there are many nursing schools and programs that are available. The hardest part is determining what school is right for you. One important thing to do before looking for a nursing school is to get some hands on experience in a health-care facility such as a hospital or a clinic. This will give you an opportunity to see what things are like on a day to day basis, as well as giving you an opportunity to talk to other nurses.

When looking for a nursing school or nursing program, there are several factors to consider to find the right nursing school for you.

- Location. Are there programs available in your area, and if not how far are you willing to travel? If you are considering moving to a new location, make sure that you like the area before you move.

- Specialties. Are there any specialties offered that you may be interested in?

- Accreditation. Find schools that have been certified by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC), or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and Education. These schools will have met the standards set by these organizations for nursing schools. Ideally, finding a school that has both accreditations is best.

- Paying for school. If you cannot afford the tuition to a school, applying for financial aid is one option. Other options include scholarships and grants, while some health-care facilities will pay your tuition if you agree to work for them after school for a set number of years.

- Clinical rotation. Does the school offer enough hands on experience to make you feel comfortable?

- NCLEX exam pass/ fail rates. The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized exam used by many states to determine if a student has been prepared well enough to become a practicing nurse.

A final option that is available is to take nursing classes online. This allows a student a degree of flexibility, while at the same time giving them an opportunity to work towards their education. This can be particularly useful for people who need to work a second job, take care of children, or want to attend an out of state program but do not want to move. Keeping these topics in mind, as well as talking to students and faculty involved with the program can help you find the right nursing school for you.

http://www.nursing-school.org/

Friday, August 6, 2010

Welcome to My Nursing School Blog!

Welcome!

This blog is intended to help future and current Nursing students learn about what it takes to become a Nurse. I hope my blogs will be informative and educational. If you have any questions please let me know!

Nursing school
http://www.nursing-school.org