![\"Mc](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/surgical-nurse-assisting-surgeon.jpg\" "\\"Mc")
Selecting the right nursing college near Mc Lean VA<\/strong> may seem like a complicated project, particularly if you aren’t sure what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already know, to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the necessary education and training in order to become licensed. So it is essential that you study and determine the qualifications of each college you are considering before enrolling in your ultimate choice. The fact is, too many prospective students base their decision entirely on the price of tuition and the proximity of the school. Choosing the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your house is undoubtedly not the most ideal way to choose a nursing program. There are several essential additional things to investigate before you make a decision where to attend classes. But before we explore that checklist, let’s first look at what the role of a registered nurse is in our health system, as well as the nursing degree alternatives that are available.<\/p>\nRegistered Nurse Job Responsibilities<\/h3>\n
![\"Mc](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Neonatal-Nurse-with-baby.jpg\" "\\"Mc")
Registered nurses are the most extensive occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical settings, including Mc Lean VA hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic job is to aid doctors in the care of their patients. Having said that, the particular duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or specialization along with where they work. A few of the duties of an RN may include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Administering medications<\/li>\n
- Overseeing patients<\/li>\n
- Conducting physical examinations<\/li>\n
- Coordinating care<\/li>\n
- Managing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides<\/li>\n
- Educating patients and their families<\/li>\n
- Maintaining health records and charts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nurses with a more advanced degree may have more advanced job duties and accountabilities. 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.<\/p>\n
Nursing Degree Options<\/h3>\n
There is more than one degree option to choose from 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 earn a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief explanations of the nursing degrees that are available in the Mc Lean VA area.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Associates<\/strong>. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is generally a two year program offered by community colleges. It preps graduates for an entry level position in nursing in healthcare centers such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many use the ADN as an entry into nursing and later achieve a higher degree.<\/li>\n
- Bachelor’s<\/strong>. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) supplies more in depth training than the ADN. It is normally a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may desire to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the employment market.<\/li>\n
- Master’s<\/strong>. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is usually a 2 year program after attaining the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When a graduating student has received one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. Further requirements for licensing vary from state to state, so make sure to check with the Virginia board of nursing for any state requirements.<\/p>\n
LVN and LPN Programs<\/h3>\n
![\"Mc](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/LPN-assiting-patient.jpg\" "\\"Mc")
There are essentially two academic accreditations offered that provide education to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be finished in the shortest time period, generally about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma program. The second alternative is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are broader in nature than the diploma option and normally require 2 years to complete. The advantage of Associate Degrees, besides supplying a higher credential and more in-depth training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the type of credential you seek, it needs to be Virginia approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the syllabus effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that the majority of graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.<\/p>\nCNA Courses<\/h3>\n
In contrast to other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to attain a college degree. CNA training can be received at Mc Lean VA area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to have at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum period of training mandated and each state has its specific requirements. So it’s important to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but additionally those for Virginia or the state where you will be practicing. One tip is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the education is state approved. Along with the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there might be additional requirements as well.<\/p>\n
What to Ask Nursing Degree Programs<\/h3>\n
![\"geriatric](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/geriatric-nurse-with-elderly-patient.jpg\" "\\"geriatric")
Now that you have chosen which nursing degree to enroll in, and if to attend your classes on campus near Mc Lean VA or on the internet, you can use the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your options. As you no doubt are aware, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges throughout Virginia and the United States. So it is important to lower the number of schools to choose from so that you will have a manageable list. As we earlier discussed, the site of the school along with the expense of tuition are probably going to be the initial two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your final selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection compares to the field.<\/p>\n- \n
- Accreditation. <\/strong>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 organization. Aside from helping ensure that you obtain a quality education, it may assist in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not available in Mc Lean VA for non-accredited schools.<\/li>\n
- Licensing Preparation<\/strong>. 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) as well as graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a certain number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s important that the school you are enrolled in not only provides an outstanding education, but also prepares you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Virginia or the state where you will be practicing.<\/li>\n
- Reputation. <\/strong>Look at internet rating services to see what the evaluations are for all of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. Also, contact the Virginia school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can call some Mc Lean VA healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their opinions are of the schools as well.<\/li>\n
- Graduation and Job Placement Rates<\/strong>. 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 unhappy with the program and dropped out. It’s also essential that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only verify that the school has a good reputation within the Mc Lean VA healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students gain employment.<\/li>\n
- Internship Programs<\/strong>. The most effective way to get experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical setting. Essentially all nursing degree programs require a specified number of clinical hours be completed. Various states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing as well. Ask if the schools have a working relationship with Mc Lean VA hospitals, clinics or labs and help with the placing of students in internships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nursing Online Programs<\/h3>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/woman-attending-nursing-school-online.jpg\" "\\"woman")
Attending nursing colleges online is becoming a more favored way to obtain instruction and acquire a nursing degree. Certain schools will require attending on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs require a specified amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training may be accessed online, this alternative may be a more practical approach to finding the free time to attend classes for many Mc Lean VA students. Regarding tuition, a number of online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus choices. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be minimized, helping to make education more easily affordable. And numerous 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 responsibilities have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing training program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.<\/p>\nAttending a Nursing School near Mc Lean VA?<\/h3>\n
Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Mc Lean Virginia 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.<\/p>\n
McLean, Virginia<\/h3>
McLean (\/m\u0259\u02c8kle\u026an\/ m\u0259-KLAYN)[4] is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. McLean is home to many diplomats, businessmen, members of Congress, and high-ranking government officials partially due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and the Central Intelligence Agency. It is the location of Hickory Hill, the former home of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy. It is also the location of Salona, the former home of Light-Horse Harry Lee, the Revolutionary War hero. The community had an estimated total population of 53,673 in 2015, according to estimates prepared by the United States Census Bureau.[5] It is located between the Potomac River and the town of Vienna. McLean is known for its luxury homes and its nearby high-end shopping destinations: the Tysons Corner Center and the Tysons Galleria. The two McLean zip codes - 22101 and 22102 - are among the most expensive ZIP Codes in Virginia and the United States.[6] In 2018, data from the American Community Survey revealed that McLean was the 3rd wealthiest city in the United States, based on its poverty rate of 2.6% and its median household income of $190,258.[7]<\/p>
The community received its name from John Roll McLean, the former publisher and owner of The Washington Post. Along with Stephen Benton Elkins and French aristocrat Jean-Pierre Guenard, in 1902 he bought the charter for the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad. Completed in 1906, it connected the area with Washington, D.C. McLean named a railroad station costing $1,500, of which $500 was raised locally, after himself where the rail line (traveling on the present route of Old Dominion Drive) crossed the old Chain Bridge Road.[8] The community itself was founded in 1910, when the communities of Lewinsville and Langley merged.\n<\/p>
McLean is located at 38\u00b056\u203203\u2033N 77\u00b010\u203239\u2033W\ufeff \/ \ufeff38.93417\u00b0N 77.17750\u00b0W\ufeff \/ 38.93417; -77.17750 (38.9342776, -77.1774801) at an elevation of 285 feet (87 m).[3][9] Located on the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) in Northern Virginia, central McLean is 8 miles (13\u00a0km) northwest of downtown Washington, D.C. and 9 miles (14\u00a0km) northeast of Fairfax, the county seat.[10]<\/p><\/div>\n
Select the Right Nursing School near Mc Lean VA<\/h3>\n
![\"Mc](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/nursing-student.jpg\" "\\"Mc")
Picking the right registered nursing school<\/a> is perhaps the most important first step to launching a new career in the medical care field. There are numerous factors that you should take into account when deciding on a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career objectives, lifestyle, and economic status. As we have highlighted within this post, it is essential that you choose an RN college<\/a> and a degree program that are each accredited and have excellent reputations within the health care community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a short list of schools to pick from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a practicing nurse in Mc Lean VA.<\/p>\nMore Awesome Locations in Virginia<\/h4>\n
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Ruckersville VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Shawsville VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Warsaw VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Elkton VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Martinsville VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Hinton VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Oilville VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Earlysville VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Radford VA<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Blackstone VA<\/a><\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\n - Licensing Preparation<\/strong>. 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) as well as graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a certain number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s important that the school you are enrolled in not only provides an outstanding education, but also prepares you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Virginia or the state where you will be practicing.<\/li>\n
- Bachelor’s<\/strong>. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) supplies more in depth training than the ADN. It is normally a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may desire to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the employment market.<\/li>\n
- Associates<\/strong>. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is generally a two year program offered by community colleges. It preps graduates for an entry level position in nursing in healthcare centers such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many use the ADN as an entry into nursing and later achieve a higher degree.<\/li>\n