A Career In Nursing

What defines nursing and sets it apart from other health care professions, particularly medicine with which it has long been considered part and parcel? It is nurses' focus – in theory and practice – on the response of the individual and the family to actual or potential health problems. Nurses are educated to be attuned to the whole person, not just the unique presenting health problem. While a medical diagnosis of an illness may be fairly circumscribed, the human response to a health problem may be much more fluid and variable and may have a great effect on the individual's ability to overcome the initial medical problem. It is often said that physicians cure, and nurses care. In what some describe as a blend of physiology and psychology, nurses build on their understanding of the disease and illness process to promote the restoration and maintenance of health in their clients.

Nursing education
To achieve the RN title, an individual must graduate from a state-approved school of nursing—either a four-year university program, a two-year associate degree program, or a three-year diploma program—and pass a state RN licensing examination called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

BSN
The four-year university-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree provides the nursing theory, sciences, humanities, and behavioral science preparation necessary for the full scope of professional nursing responsibilities, and provides the knowledge based necessary for advanced education in specialized clinical practice, research, or primary health care. In 2005, 573 U.S. colleges and universities offer the BSN or advanced nursing degree.

First two years – Most programs concentrate studies on psychology, human growth and development, biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology.
Final two years – This is when many programs begin the focused nursing curriculum including adult acute and chronic disease; maternal/child health; pediatrics; psychiatric/mental health nursing; and community health nursing. Also, nursing theory, bioethics, management, research and statistics, health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and electives in complex nursing processes are covered.

Most often, supervised clinical practice is obtained during the last two years in hospitals, nursing homes, and community settings.

ADN
A two-year program granting an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prepares individuals for a defined technical scope of practice. Set in the framework of general education, the clinical and classroom components prepares ADN nurses for nursing roles that require nursing theory and technical proficiency. Many RNs whose first degree is an ADN return to school during their working life to earn a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2006, many students find the ADN program to be longer than 2 years, often 3 years or more. In 2005, Associate Degree programs were 58.9% of all U.S. basic programs.

Hospital Diploma
Usually associated with a hospital, the Diploma in Nursing program combines classroom and clinical instruction. Many diploma schools are affiliated with junior colleges where students take sciences, humanities, general education requirements such as English Composition. Both the ADN and hospital diploma programs prepare graduates for the full scope of professional nursing responsibilities to deliver direct patient care in a variety of settings. With the high demand for nurses with bachelor's degrees in nursing, students who go to ADN and hospital based diploma programs are encouraged to continue their education soon after graduation. There are many RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs especially designed for nurses to advance their education. ADN and hospital-based nursing schools are excellent entry level programs for many students who do not have immediate access to a BSN program, or choose to go to a program that has the advantage of being hospital based offering rich clinical experiences.

Licensing
Upon graduation, an individual must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain a license to practice registered nursing and use the RN title. State boards of nursing govern licensing requirements, set continuing education or competency requirements, and handle disciplinary actions against RNs. Once an RN, the nurse must practice following the requirements of the nurse practice act in the state in which they function as an RN.

So what is a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
A licensed practical nurse is not a registered nurse. Also called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, an LPN has taken a 12- to 14-month post-high school educational course that focuses on basic nursing care. LPNs also must pass a licensing exam (the NCLEX-PN). In 2005, there were about 710,000 LPNs in the United States, with an average salary of $36,210. Credit/advanced placement is given to LPNs who continue their career pathway to RN. The demand for LPNs is predicted to grow at staggering rates over the next several decades.

Financial Assistance to Become a Nurse
There are both public (federal and state) and private funds available for nursing school. As a nursing student, you are also eligible for the same financial support available to any student in an approved college or university.

Your first and most important stop in seeking information should be the financial aid office of your chosen school. There are many sources of federal support for which you may be eligible, including both loans and grants. Possibilities are extensive, so contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly. Call them at (800)-4FEDAID or online at http://studentaid.ed.gov or at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For state sources of funding, contact your state Department of Education for information.

There are also many private organizations and foundations which offer smaller grants and loans, often tailored to particular degrees or requirements. Check your local bookstore for publications on searching for scholarships and grants

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