The Nursing School Experience
Training in a nursing school for those wishing to become a nurse is a must. It is an institution, somewhat similar in status to educational and professional institutes, where those wishing to pursue the nursing profession undergo vigorous training. There is a formal education when once complete, a vigorous practical training is imparted. Only after the candidates successfully complete the training are they considered to be a qualified nurse.
All over the world, there are different schools and although the basic framework is the same, the course content and the exact nature of training may vary in different parts of the world. In the United States, there are many schools of nursing from where the students may attend and gradate in order to be qualified and prepared for the final LPN's (Licensed Practical Nurses) exam and the National Licensing Exam or the RN's (Registered Nurses) exam.
There are many autonomous nursing schools in the USA which have their own managing committees, facilities, budgets and deans. Their standards equal any of the top ranking universities in the states. The curriculum of these schools is more education oriented rather than emphasis on the needs and services required in the hospitals. There are schools of nursing which even offer a master's level degree in the field of clinical nursing.
The nursing schools follow a predetermined syllabus. To be eligible for admission in a school of nursing, it is expected that you have had basic level courses in English and math courses, among others. Expanded exposure to subjects like Physiology, Anatomy and Biology are also needed. The students are taught various aspects of human related problems which they may experience while serving in a hospital. They are taught physiology of the various disease processes, pharmacology, various medical processes such as inserting an IV (intravenous Catheter), the changing sterile dressing, the urinary catheter attachment, the safe administration of various medicines, complete body assessments from head-to-the-toe and many more related skills which are necessary for the nursing professional. Once the first semester is over and the students have gained the basic skills, they are shifted to other branches of medicine so that they get an overall idea of nursing and develop a holistic viewpoint of all areas covered by nursing. They are rotated among pediatric, mental health, critical care, oncology, surgery, gynecology, obstetrics, and many other fields. This gives the student a very clear picture of what specific specialties are available in the field of nursing. Once the course is over, the students are granted various degrees. They can receive a Diploma in nursing, a Doctor of nursing science, a Master of Science in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in nursing, or an Associate of Science in Nursing. Which degree awarded depends on the specific courses completed by the student. The exact names of the degrees may vary from place to place. Once the students receive their degree, they are expected to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, also known as National Council Licensure Exam. Currently, there is a facility of Distance education in the field of nursing. In this case, students or those individuals who are occupied in other areas or with job commitments are allowed to stay and pursue the nursing courses from their current location by using a distant learning facility.
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