Those planning to pursue nursing as a career must first obtain the required education. Prospective nurses can enroll at a technical or vocational nursing school or acquire a degree at a college or university. However, job duties are similar among all nurses, regardless of their educational background.
There are several options a student may pursue in order to learn the necessary skills required to seek employment as a nurse. Curriculum will vary slightly from one learning institution to the next. However, all student nurses will learn the same basic skills in a similar clinical setting.
Students will be trained to monitor vital signs, calculate and administer medication, assist patients with their activities of daily living, and carry out essential procedures such as the placement of urinary catheters or intravenous lines. Students are also trained to chart the progress of the patients for whom they are responsible.
The average time required to obtain an education in the field of practical nursing is between twelve and eighteen months. The exact timeframe, however, will depend on the learning institution were one decides to pursue his or her education. Technical and vocational schools usually offer twelve month courses, while those who choose to attend a community college can anticipate eighteen months of schooling.
Those pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing science must attend an accredited college or university for a minimum of two to four years, respectively. Regardless of the learning institution selected, the student's curriculum will be a combination of classroom lectures and clinical experience. The latter is obtained at a local healthcare facility, such as a general hospital, where students are exposed to a wide range of healthcare procedures.
A registered nurse or qualified instructor will supervise the student as he or she performs the required clinical duties. Due to the current deficit of qualified nurses, those who complete their education successfully will have a wide selection of career paths from which to choose. For this reason, those attending nursing school are making a substantial investment in their future.
There are several options a student may pursue in order to learn the necessary skills required to seek employment as a nurse. Curriculum will vary slightly from one learning institution to the next. However, all student nurses will learn the same basic skills in a similar clinical setting.
Students will be trained to monitor vital signs, calculate and administer medication, assist patients with their activities of daily living, and carry out essential procedures such as the placement of urinary catheters or intravenous lines. Students are also trained to chart the progress of the patients for whom they are responsible.
The average time required to obtain an education in the field of practical nursing is between twelve and eighteen months. The exact timeframe, however, will depend on the learning institution were one decides to pursue his or her education. Technical and vocational schools usually offer twelve month courses, while those who choose to attend a community college can anticipate eighteen months of schooling.
Those pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing science must attend an accredited college or university for a minimum of two to four years, respectively. Regardless of the learning institution selected, the student's curriculum will be a combination of classroom lectures and clinical experience. The latter is obtained at a local healthcare facility, such as a general hospital, where students are exposed to a wide range of healthcare procedures.
A registered nurse or qualified instructor will supervise the student as he or she performs the required clinical duties. Due to the current deficit of qualified nurses, those who complete their education successfully will have a wide selection of career paths from which to choose. For this reason, those attending nursing school are making a substantial investment in their future.
About the Author:
Click here for more information about Important Information Regarding Nursing School Options .