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Locating the right nursing college near Mabelvale AR<\/strong> may feel like a formidable undertaking, especially if you have no idea what to look for in a good degree program. As you may presently understand, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must acquire the appropriate education and training in order to become licensed. So it is essential that you study and determine the qualifications of each program you are thinking about before enrolling in your final choice. Unfortunately, too many potential students base their decision exclusively on the price of tuition and the distance of the school. Picking the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your residence is probably not the best way to choose a nursing program. There are a number of crucial additional things to look into before you determine where to attend classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first review what the function of a registered nurse is in our medical system, along with the nursing degree options that are offered.<\/p>\nRegistered Nurse Job Responsibilities<\/h3>\n
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Registered nurses are the most significant occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical environments, namely Mabelvale AR hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their primary job is to assist doctors in the care of their patients. Having said that, the exact duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise as well as where they work. Some of the duties of an RN may include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Administering medications<\/li>\n
- Overseeing patients<\/li>\n
- Performing physical examinations<\/li>\n
- Coordinating care<\/li>\n
- Overseeing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides<\/li>\n
- Informing patients and their families<\/li>\n
- Taking care of 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), for instance, must hold a Master’s Degree and often 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.<\/p>\n
Nursing Degrees<\/h3>\n
There are several degree options offered to become a registered nurse. And to become an RN, a student must attend an accredited school and program. A student can acquire a qualifying degree in just 2 years, or continue on to earn a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief explanations of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Mabelvale AR area.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Associates<\/strong>. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is normally a 2 year program offered by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level position in nursing in healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many employ the ADN as an entry into nursing and subsequently obtain a higher degree.<\/li>\n
- Bachelor’s<\/strong>. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more extensive training than the ADN. It is generally a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be able to complete an accelerated program based on their prior training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might want to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the job market.<\/li>\n
- Master’s<\/strong>. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is usually a two year program after acquiring the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Once a graduating student has acquired one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. Various other requirements for licensing vary from state to state, so make sure to contact the Arkansas board of nursing for any state mandates.<\/p>\n
LPN and LVN Certificates and Degrees<\/h3>\n
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There are essentially two academic credentials offered that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be completed in the shortest period of time, commonly about 1 year, is the certificate or diploma program. The other choice is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are broader in nature than the diploma alternative and typically require 2 years to finish. The benefit 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 pursue, it needs to be Arkansas approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the course of study effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.<\/p>\nCNA Diplomas<\/h3>\n
Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to obtain a college degree. CNA instruction can be acquired at Mabelvale AR area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training can take anywhere from 1 to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to obtain 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 amount of training directed and that every state has its specific prerequisites. So it’s essential to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only fulfills the federal requirements, but likewise those for Arkansas or the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the education is state certified. Along with the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional prerequisites as well.<\/p>\n
Things to Ask Nursing Schools<\/h3>\n
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Once you have decided on which nursing degree to pursue, along with if to attend your classes on campus near Mabelvale AR or online, you can use the following checklist to begin narrowing down your options. As you no doubt are aware, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges within Arkansas and the United States. So it is necessary to decrease the number of schools to select from to ensure that you will have a workable list. As we previously pointed out, the site of the school along with the expense of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the primary two things that you will take into consideration. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your final decision, use the following questions to see 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 along with the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Besides helping verify that you get a premium education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not available in Mabelvale AR for non-accredited schools.<\/li>\n
- Licensing Preparation<\/strong>. Licensing prerequisites for registered nurses vary 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. Many states require a specified number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are enrolled in not only delivers a top-notch education, but also readies you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Arkansas or the state where you will be practicing.<\/li>\n
- Reputation. <\/strong>Visit online rating companies to see what the reviews are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. In addition, check with the Arkansas school licensing authority to check out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can speak with some Mabelvale AR 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 displeased with the program and dropped out. It’s also essential that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a superb reputation within the Mabelvale AR medical community, but that it also has the network of contacts to assist students gain a position.<\/li>\n
- Internship Programs<\/strong>. The best way to acquire experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Virtually all nursing degree programs require a certain number of clinical hours be completed. Various states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing too. Check if the schools have a working relationship with Mabelvale AR hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nursing Online Programs<\/h3>\n
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Attending nursing colleges online is becoming a more in demand way to get instruction and attain a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and virtually all programs require a certain number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training can be accessed online, this alternative may be a more practical solution to finding the free time to attend college for some Mabelvale AR students. Pertaining to tuition, a number of online degree programs are less costly than other on campus options. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be minimized, helping to make education more affordable. And many online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your work and household commitments have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, maybe an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your busy schedule.<\/p>\nAttending a Nursing School near Mabelvale AR?<\/h3>\n
Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Mabelvale Arkansas 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
Mabelvale<\/h3>
Mabelvale was a small, unincorporated train station town in southwestern Pulaski County, Arkansas, until being annexed into Little Rock in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The area today is part of Little Rock's seventh ward, although it retains a separate postal designation and ZIP code [72103] from most of the rest of the city. The neighborhood is currently represented on Little Rock's City Board of Directors by Brenda \"B.J.\" Wyrick.[1]<\/p>
The neighborhood is generally defined as the homes and businesses in the immediate area surrounding the intersection of Mabelvale Main Street and the Union Pacific railroad line. However, its location on the south-central fringe of Little Rock proper \u2014 as well as its proximity to unincorporated communities, to neighborhoods in Southwest Little Rock, and to adjoining towns such as Shannon Hills which share the ZIP code \u2014 often leads to varying definitions of Mabelvale's boundaries. Even so, most would agree that the area generally referred to contemporarily as Mabelvale spans multiple counties: while primarily located in Pulaski County, some of its areas spill over into neighboring Saline County.[citation needed]<\/p>
Most major community services are linked with the various governmental departments of the City of Little Rock. The city's street department maintains all streets in Little Rock's incorporated parts of Mabelvale, notably Mabelvale Main Street, Mabelvale Cut-Off Road, and Mabelvale West Road \u2014 three of the neighborhood's busier paths. Little Rock Fire Station #18, which provides fire protection for the area, is located on Mabelvale West Road. Police service is covered by the Little Rock Police Department's Southwest substation on Baseline Road. Public transportation is provided by bus service on the Central Arkansas Transit Authority's Route #17.[2][3]<\/p><\/div>\n
Enroll in the Right Nursing Program near Mabelvale AR<\/h3>\n
![\"Mabelvale](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/nursing-student.jpg\" "\\"Mabelvale")
Selecting the ideal registered nursing school<\/a> is perhaps the most crucial step to launching a new career in the health care field. There are many factors that you should consider when choosing a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career goals, lifestyle, and economic situation. As we have emphasized within this content, it is important that you choose an RN school<\/a> and a degree program that are each accredited and have exceptional reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Mabelvale AR.<\/p>\nMore Awesome Locations in Arkansas<\/h4>\n
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Jacksonville AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Valley Springs AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Bauxite AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – West Fork AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mount Vernon AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Des Arc AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Alexander AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Cherokee Village AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Hattieville AR<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Yellville AR<\/a><\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
\n\n - Licensing Preparation<\/strong>. Licensing prerequisites for registered nurses vary 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. Many states require a specified number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are enrolled in not only delivers a top-notch education, but also readies you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Arkansas or the state where you will be practicing.<\/li>\n
- Bachelor’s<\/strong>. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more extensive training than the ADN. It is generally a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be able to complete an accelerated program based on their prior training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might want to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the job market.<\/li>\n
- Associates<\/strong>. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is normally a 2 year program offered by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level position in nursing in healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many employ the ADN as an entry into nursing and subsequently obtain a higher degree.<\/li>\n