Choosing a program to become a nurse is a decision that should not be taken lightly. The student should consider the many options for nursing programs and determine whether the course is going to be completed in phases, bridging the education over the many nursing programs that are available or determine whether the three to four year term is going to be used over the course of the career.

Learning about the various programs that are available can be an effective way for the student to make the decision. In Washington State, nursing students will have to choose between large scale educational institutions like colleges and universities, to smaller and more focused educational facilities, like trade schools and nursing schools.

What should be considered when choosing between the many RN programs that are available in Washington State? When choosing between the many programs that are available the student may want to take into account the term of the education and the level of education that will be received. Students that are searching for options that can be used to accelerate the learning may want to consider educational facilities offering accelerated programs that run through the course of the summer, to increase the information and to reduce the time that it takes for the nursing student to be accredited.

Researching the programs is simple. With the use of the internet, the student is able to research the various programs, through the various schools and can compare the various aspects of each of the schools. Each of the nursing schools has information posted on the website regarding the application requirements, the length of the program, the type of delivery methods for the nursing program and the outcomes of the program.

While searching for nursing schools in Washington State, the student should consider the accreditation of the school. Is the student going to be able to take the nursing exam and work in any state, or is the student simply licensed in Washington State? These are all aspects that should be considered when it comes to choosing a nursing school, and each can ensure that the best decision is made for the education plan.

How much is nursing school in Washington State? There are many types of programs that are available. Some programs can be completed through distance education or even completed in blocks, allowing the student to spread out the cost of nursing school where other programs are completed over the course of three to four years and require the student to pay for the education through each semester of school.

The process of becoming a registered nurse is not always a straight path that includes four years of nursing college or university. There are many nurses that have used bridging programs to work their way through the various levels of nursing, obtaining one certification while working to obtain the next.

There are three certification levels that are involved in becoming a registered nurse. The first part of the program includes becoming a nursing assistant or a certified nursing assistant. This section of the course can be completed predominantly on the internet, allowing the student to learn the basics of care when it comes to the hospital or clinic situation but does not allow the student to partake in any actual medical care of the patient. This program can take up to one year to complete.

Next, the student can complete the program that enables them to become an LPN. This program can take the student between one and two years to complete. Though there are portions of the program that are available through the internet, the majority of the work that is being completed through the program is going to be completed through course work and labs that are going to teach the student the skills needed to interact with patients and measure certain diagnostic tests. This way, the student is going to be able to easily complete the course work and learn the skills that are required in order to become a practical nurse.

Once the LPN course has been completed, the student can easily find that they are able to register for the RN program and complete the course work that is required to become a registered nurse. Many times, the courses can be integrated around the schedule of the nurse, allowing the nurse to remain at their position while working towards the educational goals.

The nursing profession continues to be an ever growing profession and registered nurse prerequisites are a combination of educational and an official nursing examination known as the National Council Licensure Examination.

The levels of education required for the registered nurse (RN) prerequisites are as follows:

Bachelor’s Degree (BSN)
This qualifies an individual to begin at an entry level position in the nursing profession. This is usually a four year degree attained at the universities and colleges.

Associate Degree (ADN)
This also qualifies individuals to begin at an entry level position in the nursing profession; however completion of this associate degree will be in the vicinity of two to three years. Interested individuals can attain this qualification at a junior college or a community college.

Nursing Diploma
A diploma acquired as a result of theoretical and hands on experience obtained at a hospital will usually be for a period of three years and qualifies an individual for an entry level position in the nursing arena.

Master’s Degree (MSN)
A master’s degree allows an individual to work in specialised areas such as anaesthetists and midwives.

All levels of education mentioned above are accepted as registered nurse (RN) prerequisites to enter the nursing profession, however there are advantages and disadvantages associated with the different levels.

The MSN and BSN allow for growth within the profession because of the scope of studies the courses would have involved over the four year period. Opportunities within the administrative, teaching and research external to the hospital environment are also more readily available to individuals with these higher levels of qualifications.

The diploma is the least popular form of qualification chosen by individuals and also the least offered in the profession. Individuals having a diploma or an ADN often find themselves eventually furthering their studies in the area of a BSN and MSN. Interested individuals with a degree in any other field can also take part in an accelerated program to attain a BSN or a MSN. This will take twelve to eighteen months and two years respectively.

One of the main registered nurse (RN) prerequisites would have to be that of the National Council Licensure Examination. To obtain the nursing license all individuals must have graduated from one of the approved programs mentioned above and be successful in the National Council Licensure Examination.

Each state however will have a nursing board and it will be in the interested individual’s interest to communicate with the board, since requirements may vary from state to state and there actually may be additional requirements.

By Melanie Ullman
For nurses currently holding a R.N. and a B.S.N. there are many opportunities to step up the career ladder and advance in the nursing profession. Obtaining a graduate level nursing program to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or C.R.N.A. is a great way to expand you nursing abilities and to earn additional income. A C.R.N.A. is a specialized advance practice nurse that is qualified to apply anesthesia. These nurses are in high demand and they make a very good income for the specialized work that they do. If you are a nurse looking to move up the career ladder and are considering graduate nursing programs there are a few important steps in obtaining your certification as a C.R.N.A.

Any current nurse considering the step to becoming a C.R.N.A. must be a licensed registered nurse with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree. Gaining these qualifications takes about four to six years depending upon which educational route you take.

After gaining these qualifications it is imperative to get as much acute and intensive care experience as possible. If you are a nurse you can request a change to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) to gain this experience. Having the familiarity of working with people who are in critical condition is detrimental to working as an advanced practice nurse performing anesthesia. It provides a firm foundation that ensures that critical nursing skills are learned and thoroughly used.

While gaining acute or intensive care experience you should apply to an accredited Masters in Nursing program. There are many of these programs throughout the country but if you are considering anesthesia work then should narrow your search to schools that provide a specialization in anesthesia. When applying for to a graduate nursing school program it is important to do your best on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This is a test similar to the SAT but only for individuals seeking admission to graduate schools. When considering that being a C.R.N.A. requires a thorough knowledge of science and math and accuracy it is vital that you excel on these specific subjects to be considered a credible applicant to any nursing graduate school to become a C.R.N.A.

After being accepted into a graduate program for nursing anesthesia it usually takes about two to three years to complete the program. While completing the program it is highly recommended to continue working as a nurse in a hospital if only part time in a critical care unit. This experience will make you more attractive once your advanced degree is finished.  Upon completion of the C.R.N.A. program you must take a national certification test given by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Once this test is completed and passed a nurse with the proper graduate degree and certification can then begin working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

By Melanie Ullman
If you enjoy assisting others with their health care concerns and being a teacher at the same time public health nursing job may be for you. Public health nurses specialize in treating and preventing ailments. Many work for local clinics and community health centers. They also spend a great amount of time traveling and educating individuals on health care issues. Many public health nurses also travel to make home visits to seniors who are unable to leave their homes to go to doctor’s appointments or to visit new mothers to ensure that their newborn babies are developing properly. Being a public health nurse will allow you to use a variety of skills in a variety of different settings.

One of the main responsibilities and goals of a public health nurse is the focus on prevention. In clinical settings such as hospitals the goal is to treat a condition and cure the condition if possible. Public health nurses do treat ailments, but their main objective is to prevent diseases and complications from occurring. Many work in organizations such as Planned Parenthood to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections through community outreach programs directed towards schools and high-risk populations. Public health nurses also participate on councils and assist in research projects to offer data and suggestions on improving access to healthcare for specific populations and communities with the goal of increasing awareness and improving the health and lifestyles of individuals in order to prevent the onset of disease and conditions.

The majority of public health nurses work for the local government, although many can be found working in clinics, schools, community centers and other establishments. Unlike nurses who work in hospitals, public health nurses typically work pretty conventional hours. In addition, many enjoy the flexibility to travel and the pace of a public health nursing job is typically different from the pace of a hospital. Salaries for public health nurses tend to be a bit lower than nurses in a clinical setting. However, those nurses who choose public health nursing find that there are other benefits such as government job perks or a conventional schedule that make up for the difference in clinical nursing salary. Furthermore, most public health nurses do possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least a year or two of clinical nursing experience. Having these requirements provides a base upon which a public health nurse can utilize skills already applied in a clinical setting from previous employment and experience.

In all, choosing a career as community health nurse will provide an opportunity to utilize clinical skills to not only treat but prevent disease on a broad level.

By Mark Alison
There are so many fields and specialties in the nursing profession; a Nurse Practitioner job description will help you understand this specialty. The nursing prerequisites are similar to most nursing school program advanced degrees.

In order to become a nurse practitioner or NP, the student has completed a minimum of a Masters Degree in advanced Nursing education and is trained to diagnose and manage common illnesses such as those in the elderly or pediatrics. They are able to manage chronic illnesses and provide a very wide range of health care services. Some of the care they provide is the same at that which is provided by a doctor, they work closely with physicians and can provide regular care to a patient.

It is necessary to have a RN qualification to become a NP, and this can be done through online courses, hospital based programs, community and other colleges and universities.

Patients in the care of the nurse practitioner are from all age groups and the core philosophy of this nurse is based in individual care. They can care for patients illnesses as well as the effects this illness has on the family of the patient. Below are the “Key Performance Areas” or KPA’s:

Key Performance Areas (KPA’s)

Preventative health care as well as education for wellness are priority as this means fewer doctors visits, prescriptions and expensive treatment is required. This nurse encourages patients to get involved in their own care and helps them to understand what to expect. They are often actively involved in patient advocacy. This is a state regulated profession, and because of this key performance areas are varied. These include but are not limited to:

• Collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel and providing patient referrals.
• Education and counseling of patients and their immediate families or care giver.
• Diagnosis and treatment of injuries, infections, and acute illness
• Diagnosis and treatment of chronic illness as well as management of these conditions. This included heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and others.
• Physical examination and collection of medical history
• Ordering, administering and interpretation of the results of diagnostic studies, including but not limited to blood tests, X-Rays, and EKG’s
• The prescription of medication
• Referrals for rehabilitation treatment and physical therapy
• Family planning and pre natal care
• Well baby and child care including immunization and screening
• Annual physical examinations and health maintenance for adults

Careers

They practice in all states, and in all types of institutions, including private practice. Careers for the Nurse practitioner are available in all fields including community health, HMO’s, health departments, home care, hospitals, clinics, hospice, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, nursing schools, physicians offices, occupation health and industry, travel, schools, VA, and other Government departments, free and walk-in clinics. In most instances a nurse practitioner specializes in one area of health care, and there are as many NP specialties as there are medical.

Conclusion

Because of the far reaching possibilities of the Nurse Practitioner profession, a high quality, individual and very cost effective health care scenario is the end result of the provision of their services. Insurance providers cover the cost of this type of care in most instances as it is less expensive than always consulting with a physician. And you know how health insurance companies are about cost!

By Melanie Ullman
While nursing jobs in general are pretty much extremely secure and layoff proof no matter what the economy is doing. Government nursing jobs are even more secure in that the government does not layoff even in the toughest economic times. There are a number of government agencies that have government nursing jobs available including the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Indian Health Network, National Institute of Health, Center of Disease Control, and the National Library of Medicine and all of the branches of the military. There are government nursing jobs for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners.

The three government entities with the highest demand for nurses are the Department of the Army, Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently the average nurse’s salary for a government position is just over $63,000 ranking 20th in the highest average government salaries. You either have to have a family member in government service or know someone in government service to understand just how good a job with the federal government can be.

If you enlist in the armed forces and test into the health field you can train as a nurse and retire in twenty years with a full pension with benefits from the government with no restrictions on what you can earn and still get your pension. You can then apply for a civilian nursing job and with twenty years of experience will start near the top of the pay scale no matter where you might go. If you decide to get your bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a registered nurse while in the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program you will enter whichever branch ROTC you were in as a lieutenant and after twenty year will retire with a much higher pension due to starting at a higher grade to begin with.

You will also have the opportunity to take positions overseas at foreign bases during which your housing is paid for completely and you are exempt from income taxes while in a foreign country. If you can rent out your house while overseas to cover your mortgage you can bank a great deal of money for retirement while having virtually no living expenses. American nursing experience is very sought after in our bases overseas.

Due to the fact that there is a large shortage of registered nurses in the government sector there are a number of incentives for nurses to get government nursing jobs that regular hospital and medical facilities either can not or will not match to recruit nursing talent. Government agencies offer scholarships, loans and even some types of loan repayment for recently graduated registered nurses to come to a government position. Signing bonuses are a new addition to the incentives various government agencies are using to attract nursing talent. If you can get the armed forces to pay for your treatment and then provide you a stable position for the next twenty or thirty years why wouldn’t you become a nurse?

By Melanie Ullman
Accelerated nursing degrees have become increasingly popular, especially for those practicing nurses interested in boosting their career – and income. Accelerated nursing programs offer the opportunity to advance your professional standing without having to leave your job to attend school.

In the nursing profession a registered nurse is at the top of the pyramid. There are certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. Registered nurses are often in charge of assigning tasks in a hospital or medical situation. Being a registered nurse can be a rewarding and challenging career. Registered nurses can work midnight shifts, head up emergency room trauma teams, and be on call for 24 hours or more at a time. This responsibility comes with a commensurate pay scale. Many well trained registered nurses can pull down salaries approaching six figures with overtime and specialty training.

If you have a care taker nature and enjoy helping other people improve their quality of life a career as a registered nurse would be an excellent choice. Finding the right registered nursing program would be the next logical step for you. There are several different career paths to get to the registered nurse level.

If you wanted to get started in your career more quickly then the associate’s degree in registered nursing is the program to choose. This program takes between two and three years to complete and it will allow you to secure a job that will often allow you to continue taking classes towards your bachelors degree in registered nursing with the added benefit of tuition reimbursement.

Starting in a regular college and continuing to graduation with a nursing degree will take about four years as long as you are able to get all of the advanced classes and nursing prerequisites in the order you need them by your senior year. And a nursing diploma is acquired after attending a nursing school for three to five years. Once you have achieved any of these degrees you must take the national nursing exam called the NCLEX-RN. Requirements for licensing in each state are slightly different and you may be required to take the local NCLEX-RN to practice in that state. Before moving to another state inquire with the state board of nursing as to what kind of certification you need before starting work in your new state.

The average salary of a registered nurse in the United States is a little over $57,000 and the middle fifty percent of salaries range from $47,710 to $69,850. Even nurses fresh out of college or nursing school will start at over $40,000. This is a great starting salary given today’s economic environment with so many other people out of work and taking lesser jobs with lower pay just to pay the bills. Because there is a shortage of registered nurses and many are expected to retire over the next few years, many health institutions are offering signing bonuses and other perks to attract new nurses.

I have yet to hear of mass layoffs of nurses any where as they are the first line of care in many medical settings. There are some hospitals that even offer full time benefits and salary to nurses who are willing to work three 12 hour work shifts a week (three on and four off). There are even online nursing classes you can take to convert your associates to a bachelor’s degree.

Accelerated nursing degree programs have become so popular because many working nurses want to continue moving up the ladder. An accelerated degree is the key to moving your career ahead without sacrificing your income, something many working nurses are not in a position to do.

Nurses are dedicated to caring for the sick and providing compassion and comfort while doing so. It is a profession that is very much in demand because if its job stability and pay. Many people are familiar with the Registered Nurse or R.N. programs which require an associate degree level of education. There are also Bachelors of Science of Nursing (B.S.N.) programs which are the four year degree programs found at many colleges and universities. There is demand for both R.N. and B.S.N. nurses, but there is also a huge demand for advanced practice nurses. The best ways to become an advanced practice nurse is by completing a master’s level nursing program, which can be done through a ‘traditional’ nursing school or even via nursing programs at community colleges.

There are many accredited master’s level nursing programs available throughout the United States. Depending on your chosen specialty completion of such a program will take between two and three years. To apply for a master’s level program you must first have received your Bachelors degree, or BSN. In addition, as with many other masters’ programs, you’ll need to take the LSAT or other master’s level quantitative test will be required.

Master’s level education in all areas generally requires choosing a specialization and with nursing this is also applicable. There are a huge number and range of specializations which include nursing practitioner, midwifery, certified registered nursing anesthetist and public health nursing just to name a few. In addition, there has been a rise in graduate level programs catering to nursing education.

With the demand for nurses rising the demand for qualified applicants to teach nursing students rises also. In addition, many BSNs who pursue a master’s degree are able to do so while continuing to work. Some work part time and devote full time to study to a master’s program. Others do the opposite. Many nurses also find that hospitals are willing to assist with the cost of an advanced degree by offering tuition reimbursement. Ultimately, there is definitely a need and an incentive for nurses to pursue an advanced nursing degree.

As the demand for health care increases, nurses with advanced degrees will have the advantage of obtaining coveted head nurse and private practice positions. Likewise, master’s level programs help to supply many medical facilities with quality high-trained nurses who area capable of administering services at a significantly lower cost as opposed to a doctor. More important is that regardless of the education level a nurse is still a nurse. They are the backbone of many medical facilities. A doctor may diagnose and treat but it is ultimately the nurse that will monitor and help maintain the care of a patient. Having an advanced degree will allow nurses to continue to provide patient care at a higher and more specialized level.

With costs for education continually on the rise, nursing programs at community colleges have become increasingly popular. Not only are tuition costs much lower, but you could have the benefit of attending a campus near where you live and/or work, saving further on costs, as well as travel time.

The profession of nursing is dedicated to caring for the sick and providing compassion and comfort while doing so. It is a profession that is very much in demand because if its job stability and pay. Many people are familiar with the Registered Nurse or R.N. programs which require an associate degree level of education.

There are also Bachelors of Science of Nursing (B.S.N.) programs which are the four year degree programs found at many colleges and universities. There is demand for both R.N. and B.S.N. nurses, but there is also a huge demand for advanced practice nurses. The best ways to become an advanced practice nurse is by completing a master’s level nursing program.

If you already have your RN certification, you might want to consider one of the RN-to-BSN programs available, since this can reduce the time and requirements necessary. Depending on your situation, you may also find that your employer is willing to foot the bill for an RN-to-BSN program is you agree to continue employment there.

There are many accredited master’s level nursing programs available throughout the United States. Depending on your chosen specialty completion of such a program will take between two and three years. To apply for a master’s level nursing program you must have a BSN. In addition, as with many other masters’ programs a LSAT or other master’s level quantitative test will be required.

Master’s level education in all areas generally requires choosing a specialization and with nursing this is also applicable. There are a number of nursing specializations which include nursing practitioner, midwifery, certified registered nursing anesthetist and public health nursing just to name a few. In addition, there has been a rise in graduate level programs catering to nursing education.

With the demand for nurses rising the demand for qualified applicants to teach nursing students rises also. In addition, many BSNs who pursue a master’s degree in nursing are able to do so while continuing to work. Some work part time and devote full time to study to a master’s program. Others do the opposite. Many nurses also find that hospitals are willing to assist with the cost of an advanced nursing degree by offering tuition reimbursement. Ultimately, there is definitely a need and an incentive for nurses to pursue an advanced nursing degree.

As the demand for healthcare increases nurses with advanced degrees will have the advantage of obtaining coveted head nurse and private practice positions. Likewise, master’s level nursing programs help to supply many medical facilities with quality high-trained nurses who area capable of administering services at a significantly lower cost as opposed to a doctor. More important is that regardless of the education level a nurse is still a nurse. Nurses are the backbone of many medical facilities. A doctor may diagnose and treat but it is ultimately the nurse that will monitor and help maintain the care of a patient. Having an advanced degree will allow nurses to continue to provide patient care at a higher and more specialized level.