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Finding the best nursing school near Meriden KS<\/strong> may seem like a complicated project, especially if you aren’t sure what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already understand, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the necessary education and training in order to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you research and determine the qualifications of each program you are contemplating before enrolling in your ultimate choice. Unfortunately, too many potential students base their decision entirely on the cost of tuition and the distance of the school. Selecting the least costly program or the one that is closest to your residence is most likely not the most ideal way to pick a nursing program. There are several key additional factors to check out before you make a decision where to enroll in classes. But before we explore that checklist, let’s first go over what the function of a registered nurse is in our health system, along with the nursing degree choices that are offered.<\/p>\nRegistered Nurse Job Responsibilities<\/h3>\n
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Registered nurses are the largest occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical settings, including Meriden KS hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general role is to assist doctors in the treatment of their patients. Having said that, the specific duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise along with where they work. A few of the responsibilities of an RN may include:<\/p>\n
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- Administering medications<\/li>\n
- Overseeing patients<\/li>\n
- Performing physical examinations<\/li>\n
- Managing care<\/li>\n
- Managing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides<\/li>\n
- Informing patients and their families<\/li>\n
- Maintaining health records and charts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nurses with a higher degree may have more complex job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for example, must hold a Master’s Degree and generally work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can administer primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat common illnesses or injuries.<\/p>\n
Nursing Degrees Available<\/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 earn a qualifying degree in just 2 years, or continue on to attain a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief descriptions of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Meriden KS area.<\/p>\n
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- Associates<\/strong>. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is usually 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 utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately earn a more advanced degree.<\/li>\n
- Bachelor’s<\/strong>. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) provides more comprehensive training than the ADN. It is generally a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be eligible to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might wish 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 commonly a two year program after achieving the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
After a graduating student has attained 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. Various other requirements for licensing vary from state to state, so make sure to contact the Kansas board of nursing for any state requirements.<\/p>\n
LPN Programs<\/h3>\n
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There are principally two academic accreditations offered that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be completed in the shortest time frame, usually about twelve months, is the certificate or diploma program. The 2nd alternative is to obtain 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 offering a higher credential and more in-depth training, 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 Kansas 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 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 attain a college degree. CNA education can be received at Meriden KS area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training program can take anywhere from one to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to receive at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimum period of instruction directed and that every state has its own requirements. So it’s necessary to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but also those for Kansas or the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training course is state certified. Along with the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be additional prerequisites as well.<\/p>\n
Things to Ask Nursing Schools<\/h3>\n
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Once you have selected which nursing degree to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus near Meriden KS or online, you can utilize the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you probably realize, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges within Kansas and the United States. So it is essential to reduce the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a manageable list. As we earlier discussed, the site of the school and the cost of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your ultimate selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your pick measures up 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. Aside from helping verify that you obtain a quality education, it may assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are oftentimes not available in Meriden KS 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) together with graduation from an accredited school. Many states require a certain number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s essential that the school you are attending not only provides a top-notch education, but also preps you to meet the minimum licensing requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be working.<\/li>\n
- Reputation. <\/strong>Look at internet rating services to see what the evaluations are for all of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. In addition, get in touch with the Kansas school licensing authority to find out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can speak with some Meriden KS 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 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 displeased with the program and dropped out. It’s also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the Meriden KS healthcare community, but that it also has the network of contacts to help students attain employment.<\/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 specific number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour requirements for licensing too. Find out if the schools have a working relationship with Meriden KS hospitals, clinics or labs and help with the placement of students in internships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nursing Online Classes<\/h3>\n
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Attending nursing programs online is emerging as a more popular way to obtain instruction and earn a nursing degree. Certain schools will require attending on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs require a specific amount of clinical rotation hours completed in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training can be accessed online, this alternative may be a more practical approach to finding the free time to attend classes for many Meriden KS students. Pertaining to tuition, some online degree programs are less costly than other on campus options. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And numerous online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your job and family obligations have left you with very little time to work toward your academic goals, perhaps an online nursing program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.<\/p>\nAttending a Nursing School near Meriden KS?<\/h3>\n
Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Meriden Kansas 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
Meriden, Kansas<\/h3>
Meriden is located at 39\u00b011.4\u2032N 95\u00b034.1\u2032W\ufeff \/ \ufeff39.1900\u00b0N 95.5683\u00b0W\ufeff \/ 39.1900; -95.5683 (39.1890, -95.5684).[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.79 square miles (2.05\u00a0km2), of which 0.78 square miles (2.02\u00a0km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03\u00a0km2) is water.[1]<\/p>
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 813 people, 315 households, and 215 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,042.3 inhabitants per square mile (402.4\/km2). There were 336 housing units at an average density of 430.8 per square mile (166.3\/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.8% White, 1.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.\n<\/p>
There were 315 households of which 43.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.5% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.7% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.12.\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Pick the Right Nursing Degree near Meriden KS<\/h3>\n
![\"Meriden](\"https:\/\/nursesedu.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/nursing-student.jpg\" "\\"Meriden")
Deciding on the right registered nursing program<\/a> is arguably the most crucial phase to beginning a new career in the healthcare industry. There are a number of variables that you should consider when choosing a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career objectives, obligations, and financial status. As we have pointed out in this post, it is critical that you choose an RN college<\/a> and a degree program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a short list of schools to pick from so that you can make your final selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your dedication and ambition to succeed, you can become a practicing RN in Meriden KS.<\/p>\nMore Awesome Locations in Kansas<\/h4>\n
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Minneola KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Dodge City KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Leoti KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Effingham KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Colwich KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mcpherson KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Ellsworth KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Goodland KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Harper KS<\/a><\/li>
- Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Independence KS<\/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) together with graduation from an accredited school. Many states require a certain number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s essential that the school you are attending not only provides a top-notch education, but also preps you to meet the minimum licensing requirements for Kansas or the state where you will be working.<\/li>\n
- Bachelor’s<\/strong>. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) provides more comprehensive training than the ADN. It is generally a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be eligible to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might wish 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 usually 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 utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately earn a more advanced degree.<\/li>\n