Category Archives: North Carolina

Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Trenton NC

How to Choose a Nursing School near Trenton North Carolina

Trenton NC surgical nurse assisting surgeonSearching for the right nursing college near Trenton NC may seem like a complicated project, especially if you have no idea what to search for in a good degree program. As you may already know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must receive the necessary education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you study and measure the qualifications of each school you are contemplating before enrolling in your ultimate choice. The fact is, too many prospective students base their determination exclusively on the price of tuition and the proximity of the school. Choosing the least costly college or the one that is closest to your house is most likely not the best way to select a nursing program. There are various crucial additional aspects to investigate before you determine where to attend classes. But before we delve into that checklist, let’s first review what the role of a registered nurse is in our medical care system, as well as the nursing degree options that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

Trenton NC Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the largest occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical settings, including Trenton NC hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general function is to help doctors in the treatment of their patients. Having said that, the particular duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise in addition to where they work. A few of the responsibilities of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Overseeing patients
  • Conducting physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Managing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Informing patients and their families
  • Taking care of health records and charts

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

Nursing Degrees

There are several degree options available to become a registered nurse. And to become an RN, a student must enroll in an accredited school and program. A student can receive a qualifying degree in as little as 2 years, or advance to attain a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some short descriptions of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Trenton NC area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is normally a 2 year program made available by community colleges. It prepares graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many employ the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately obtain a higher degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more comprehensive training than the ADN. It is typically a 4 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 might desire to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the employment market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is normally a 2 year program after achieving the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.

When a graduating student has earned one of the above degrees, she or he must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. Other requirements for licensing fluctuate from state to state, so be sure to contact the North Carolina board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN and LVN Programs

Trenton NC LPN assisting patientThere are generally two scholastic credentials offered that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be completed in the shortest period of time, typically about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma course. The other option is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma option and generally require 2 years to finish. The benefit of Associate Degrees, besides providing a higher credential and more comprehensive training, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the kind of credential you seek, it should be North Carolina approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or any other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants that the syllabus adequately prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Training

Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to attain a college degree. CNA instruction can be acquired at Trenton NC area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training can take anywhere from one to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to obtain 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 minimum amount of training required and that each state has its specific prerequisites. So it’s necessary to make sure that the course you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but also those for North Carolina or the state where you will be practicing. One tip is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training is state approved. In addition to the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there might be other prerequisites as well.

What to Ask Nursing Schools

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Trenton NCOnce you have selected which nursing program to pursue, as well as whether to attend your classes on campus near Trenton NC or on the web, you can use the following pointers to begin narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt realize, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges within North Carolina and the United States. So it is essential to decrease the number of schools to select from so that you will have a workable list. As we already discussed, the location of the school as well as the expense of tuition are most likely going to be the first two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your final 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 along with the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Aside from helping confirm that you obtain an excellent education, it may assist in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often not offered in Trenton NC 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) together with graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a certain 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 an exceptional education, but also readies you to comply with the minimum licensing standards for North Carolina or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Look at internet rating companies to see what the reviews are for all of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews too. Additionally, contact the North Carolina school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Trenton NC healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their judgments 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 complete their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were displeased with the program and dropped out. It’s also important that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only verify that the school has a good reputation within the Trenton NC healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to assist students attain 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. Various states have minimum clinical hour requirements for licensing as well. Check if the schools have associations with Trenton NC hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Online Nursing Classes

woman attending nursing school online in Trenton NCAttending nursing programs online is emerging as a more favored way to receive instruction and acquire a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs require a specified amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare center. But since the balance of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more convenient solution to finding the free time to attend classes for some Trenton NC students. Pertaining to tuition, many online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus alternatives. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. So if your work and family obligations have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Trenton NC?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Trenton North Carolina 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.

Trenton, North Carolina

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 206 people, 95 households, and 66 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,075.0 people per square mile (418.6/km²). There were 125 housing units at an average density of 652.3 per square mile (254.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 69.90% White, 26.70% African American, 0.97% Asian, 0.49% Pacific Islander, 1.46% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.

There were 95 households out of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.51.

In the town, the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 25.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

Select the Right Nursing Degree near Trenton NC

Trenton NC nursing studentEnrolling in the right registered nursing degree program is potentially the most important first step to beginning a new career in the health care field. There are various aspects that you must take into account when picking a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career goals, obligations, and economic situation. As we have stressed in this article, it is critical that you select an RN college and a degree program that are each accredited and have excellent reputations within the medical community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a shortlist of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your hard work and desire to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Trenton NC.

More Awesome Locations in North Carolina

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Conetoe NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Southern Pines NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Maggie Valley NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Creston NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Asheville NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Rose Hill NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Farmville NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Swanquarter NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Timberlake NC
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mount Olive NC
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 0