Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Jamestown RI

How to Choose a Nursing Program near Jamestown Rhode Island

Jamestown RI surgical nurse assisting surgeonSelecting the right nursing program near Jamestown RI may feel like a complex endeavor, particularly if you have no idea what to look for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must acquire the necessary education and training to become licensed. So it is essential that you research and measure the qualifications of each program you are contemplating before enrolling in your final choice. Regrettably, too many potential students base their determination entirely on the cost of tuition and the proximity of the school. Picking the least expensive program or the one that is nearest to your home is no doubt not the best way to select a nursing program. There are several essential additional aspects to check out before you decide where to enroll in classes. But before we explore that checklist, let’s first discuss what the function of a registered nurse is in our medical system, together with the nursing degree choices that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Activities

Jamestown RI Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most significant occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical settings, such as Jamestown RI hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic job is to aid doctors in the care of their patients. However, the specific duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or area of expertise along with where they work. Some of the duties of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Observing patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Coordinating care
  • Supervising LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Informing patients and their families
  • Taking care of health records and charts

Nurses with a higher degree may have more complex job duties and responsibilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), as an example, 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 basic illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degree Options

There are multiple degrees to choose from to become a registered nurse. And in order to become an RN, a student must attend an accredited school and program. A student can earn a qualifying degree in just two years, or advance to attain a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some brief summaries of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Jamestown RI area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a two year program made available by community colleges. It prepares graduates for an entry level position in nursing in healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many use the ADN as an entry into nursing and later achieve a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more in depth training than the ADN. It is normally a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be able to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may wish to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the job market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is normally a 2 year program after obtaining the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching.

Once a graduating student has obtained one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed. Further requirements for licensing change from state to state, so don’t forget to check with the Rhode Island board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN Courses

Jamestown RI LPN assisting patientThere are generally two academic credentials offered that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be finished in the shortest period of time, typically about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma program. The 2nd alternative is to attain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma option and generally require 2 years to complete. The advantage of Associate Degrees, in addition to supplying a higher credential and more comprehensive instruction, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you seek, it should be Rhode Island approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the core curriculum effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that the majority of graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Programs

Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to obtain a college degree. CNA training can be received at Jamestown RI area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training can take anywhere from just one to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimal period of training directed and every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s essential to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but also those for Rhode Island or the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training is state certified. In addition to the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be other requirements as well.

What to Ask Nursing Degree Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Jamestown RINow that you have decided on which nursing degree to enroll in, as well as if to attend your classes on campus near Jamestown RI or on the internet, you can utilize the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you probably realize, there are many nursing schools and colleges within Rhode Island and the United States. So it is essential to lower the number of schools to select from in order that you will have a workable list. As we earlier pointed out, the site of the school as well as the cost of tuition are probably going to be the first two points that you will consider. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your final decision, use the following questions to evaluate how your pick measures up to the field.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program along with the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. In addition to helping verify that you obtain a quality education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are oftentimes not available in Jamestown RI for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing prerequisites for registered nurses differ from state to state. In all states, a passing score is needed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in addition to graduation from an accredited school. Certain states require a specified number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are attending not only provides a top-notch education, but also prepares you to meet the minimum licensing requirements for Rhode Island or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Look at online rating companies to see what the evaluations are for each of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews too. Also, check with the Rhode Island school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Jamestown RI 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 programs 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 favorable reputation within the Jamestown RI medical community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students gain employment.
  • Internship Programs. The best way to obtain experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Virtually all nursing degree programs require a specific number of clinical hours be completed. Various states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing also. Check if the schools have a working relationship with Jamestown RI hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Online Nursing Schools

woman attending nursing school online in Jamestown RIAttending nursing colleges online is emerging as a more popular way to receive instruction and attain a nursing degree. Certain 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 performed in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more accommodating answer to finding the time to attend school for some Jamestown RI students. Pertaining to tuition, many online degree programs are less costly than other on campus alternatives. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more easily affordable. And many online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. Therefore if your work and household responsibilities have left you with little time to work toward your academic goals, maybe an online nursing school will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Jamestown RI?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Jamestown Rhode Island 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.

Jamestown, Rhode Island

Jamestown is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island in the United States. The population was 5,405 at the 2010 census. Jamestown is situated almost entirely on Conanicut Island, the second largest island in Narragansett Bay. It also includes the uninhabited Dutch Island and Gould Island. Jamestown is ranked as the 444th wealthiest place to live in the United States as of 2016, with a median home sale price of $1,229,039.[3]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has an area of 35.3 square miles (91 km2), of which 9.7 square miles (25 km2) is land and 25.6 square miles (66 km2) is water. The total area is 72.55% water.

Rhode Island Route 138 is the only state highway in Jamestown, connecting the town and island to North Kingstown to the west (over the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge) and Newport to the east (over the Newport Bridge).

Pick the Right Nursing Program near Jamestown RI

Jamestown RI nursing studentSelecting the ideal registered nursing college is probably the most critical first step to beginning a new career in the healthcare field. There are a number of factors that you must think about when selecting a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career objectives, lifestyle, and economic status. As we have stressed in this article, it is critical that you choose an RN college and a degree program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the medical community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your dedication and desire to succeed, you can become a practicing nurse in Jamestown RI.

More Awesome Locations in Rhode Island

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Barrington RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Westerly RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Foster RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – West Warwick RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Johnston RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – West Kingston RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Narragansett RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Manville RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Kingston RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Exeter RI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 9

    West View Nursing and Rehabilitation
    5 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    239 Legris Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893

    Catholic Memorial Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitative Care
    1 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    2446 Highland Ave, Diocesan Health Facilities, Fall River, MA 02720

    Grand Islander Center
    2 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    333 Green End Ave, Middletown, RI 02842

    Kent Regency Center
    3 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    660 Commonwealth Ave, Warwick, RI 02886

    South County Hospital Orthopedics Center
    9 Reviews
    Hospitals, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    100 Kenyon Ave, Wakefield, RI 02879

    Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
    36 Reviews
    Hospitals, Obstetricians & Gynecologists
    Phone:
    101 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905

    Rhode Island Hospital
    29 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903

    Miriam Hospital
    33 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    164 Summit Ave, Providence, RI 02906

    Charlton Memorial Hospital
    15 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    363 Highland Ave, Fall River, MA 02720