Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Georgetown CT

How to Pick a Nursing Program near Georgetown Connecticut

Georgetown CT surgical nurse assisting surgeonChoosing the right nursing college near Georgetown CT may seem like a difficult endeavor, especially if you don’t know what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently understand, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you need to acquire the proper education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you research and evaluate the qualifications of each college you are contemplating before enrolling in your final selection. Regrettably, too many future students base their decision solely on the price of tuition and the nearness of the school. Choosing the least costly college or the one that is nearest to your house is no doubt not the best way to select a nursing program. There are various crucial additional things to investigate before you decide where to enroll in classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first look at what the job of a registered nurse is in our healthcare system, as well as the nursing degree alternatives that are offered.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

Georgetown CT Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the primary occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in numerous different medical settings, such as Georgetown CT hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their primary role is to aid doctors in the care of their patients. Having said that, the specific duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or area of expertise along with where they work. A few of the responsibilities of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Monitoring patients
  • Conducting physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Overseeing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Educating patients and their families
  • Maintaining health records and charts

Nurses with a more advanced degree may have more advanced job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for instance, must hold a Master’s Degree and generally work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can deliver primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat routine illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees

There are several degree options to choose from to become a registered nurse. And in order to become an RN, a student must enroll in an accredited school and program. A student can earn a qualifying degree in as little as two years, or advance to earn a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some brief summaries of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Georgetown CT area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a 2 year program made available by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many use the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately attain a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more extensive training than the ADN. It is usually a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed to complete an accelerated program based on their prior training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may want to advance to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the job market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is commonly a two year program after obtaining the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching.

After a graduating student has earned one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) so as to become licensed. Further requirements for licensing fluctuate from state to state, so don’t forget to contact the Connecticut board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN and LVN Programs

Georgetown CT LPN assisting patientThere are principally two scholastic accreditations available that provide training to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be completed in the shortest time period, usually about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma program. The next alternative is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are broader in nature than the diploma alternative and generally require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, in addition to supplying a higher credential and more extensive training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you pursue, it should be Connecticut approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the core curriculum properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that the majority of graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Training

Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to earn a college degree. CNA education can be acquired at Georgetown CT area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the instruction can take anywhere from 1 to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to obtain at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of instruction required and every state has its specific requirements. So it’s important to make sure that the program you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but also those for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training is state certified. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional prerequisites as well.

What to Ask Nursing Schools

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Georgetown CTNow that you have decided on which nursing degree to enroll in, as well as if to attend your classes on campus near Georgetown CT or on the internet, you can utilize the following pointers to start narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt realize, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges throughout Connecticut and the United States. So it is essential to lower the number of schools to choose from to ensure that you will have a manageable list. As we earlier discussed, the site of the school along with the price of tuition are probably going to be the first two factors that you will take into consideration. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your ultimate selection, use the following questions to see how your selection measures up to the field.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program as well as the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. In addition to helping confirm that you get a quality education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are often not available in Georgetown CT for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing criteria for registered nurses vary from state to state. In all states, a passing score is required on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) as well as graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a specified number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s essential that the school you are enrolled in not only provides an exceptional education, but also readies you to meet the minimum licensing requirements for Connecticut or the state where you will be working.
  • Reputation. Check internet rating companies to see what the assessments are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews too. Also, contact the Connecticut school licensing authority to find out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can speak with some Georgetown CT healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their assessments are of the schools as well.
  • Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the RN schools you are looking at what their graduation rates are as well as how long on average it takes students to finish their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. It’s also essential that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only substantiate that the school has a good reputation within the Georgetown CT healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students obtain employment.
  • Internship Programs. The best way to obtain experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical setting. Virtually all nursing degree programs require a certain number of clinical hours be completed. A number of states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing as well. Check if the schools have associations with Georgetown CT hospitals, clinics or labs and help with the positioning of students in internships.

Nursing Online Classes

woman attending nursing school online in Georgetown CTEnrolling in nursing colleges online is growing into a more favored way to get training and acquire a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs call for a specific number of clinical rotation hours completed in a local healthcare facility. But since the remainder of the training can be accessed online, this alternative may be a more accommodating approach to finding the time to attend school for many Georgetown CT students. Concerning tuition, a number of online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus options. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more economical. And many online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your work and family commitments have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Georgetown CT?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Georgetown Connecticut area.  If that is the case, then the following information may prove to be both educational and useful regarding the location of your future Alma Mater.

Georgetown, Connecticut

Georgetown is located at the southwest corner of the town of Redding, the northwest corner of the town of Weston, the southeast corner of the town of Ridgefield, and the northeast corner of the town of Wilton. Georgetown residents officially live in and pay local taxes to one of these four towns, but typically identify themselves as living in Georgetown. Georgetown has its own fire district, which also serves the surrounding rural areas not traditionally included in Georgetown, and its own ZIP code (06829).

On April 9, 1987, the central portion of the village was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as the Georgetown Historic District. A map shows its approximate location within Georgetown.[2] The historic district is an area of 90 acres (360,000 m2) that includes the Gilbert and Bennett manufacturing plant, institutional housing built for the plant workers, and other private homes. The district includes portions of Georgetown in the towns of Redding and Wilton.[3]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.85 square miles (7.4 km2), of which 2.84 square miles (7.4 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.052 km2), or 0.70%, is water. Of the total area of the CDP, 2.36 square miles (6.1 km2) are in Wilton, 0.33 square miles (0.85 km2) are in Redding, and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) are in Weston.

Pick the Right Nursing College near Georgetown CT

Georgetown CT nursing studentChoosing the ideal registered nursing degree program is probably the most critical phase to launching a new career in the medical care industry. There are many variables that you should consider when picking a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, obligations, and economic situation. As we have emphasized in this article, it is essential that you select an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the health care community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to choose from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a practicing RN in Georgetown CT.

More Awesome Locations in Connecticut

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Windsor CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Gales Ferry CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Bethel CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Colebrook CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Portland CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Ashford CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Burlington CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Coventry CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Higganum CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – South Kent CT
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 33

    Filosa
    2 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    31 Staples St, Danbury, CT 06810

    Autumn Lake Healthcare at Norwalk
    2 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities, Hospice
    Phone:
    34 Midrocks Dr, Norwalk, CT 06851

    Somers Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
    2 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    189 Rt 100, Somers, NY 10589

    The Nathaniel Witherell
    3 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    70 Parsonage Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830

    Lord Chamberlain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
    3 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    7003 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614

    Glen Hill Center
    3 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    1 Glen Hill Rd, Danbury, CT 06811

    The Watermark at 3030 Park
    1 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    3030 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604

    The Osborn
    3 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    101 Theall Rd, Rye, NY 10580

    The Watermark at East Hill
    2 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    611 E Hill Rd, Southbury, CT 06488

    Northbridge Health Care Center
    1 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    2875 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06606