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Fun Facts about Nursing
Did you know that…
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Nursing is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States
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Nurses make up the largest workforce in the health care industry
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Half of the students enrolled in health care related programs are studying nursing
Why work as a registered nurse in Virginia?
Virginia can be a great place to work as a nurse in today’s competitive job market. The state has a booming health care industry that currently employs over 62,700 registered nurses according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Virginia’s economy has experienced a shift from manufacturing to service-oriented industries. Health care reforms, technology, and changing population trends have contributed to the increased demand for nursing professionals.
Here are some reasons why becoming a registered nurse can be a great career move:
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The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has projected a shortage of nursing professionals in the upcoming years, which means the demand is likely to grow.
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As a nurse you can help people on a daily basis.
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Registered nurses make more income as compared to licensed practical nurses.
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Employers prefer hiring nursing professionals who have a baccalaureate degree.
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Registered nurses have more career options.
Getting started with a BSN programs in Virginia
There is more than one path to becoming a registered nurse. You can either go for a two year or a four year degree in nursing. Although you can enter the workforce more quickly with a two year degree, your options for growth may be limited. On the other hand, a bachelor degree in nursing may take four years to complete, but can qualify you for better positions and also help you advance within the field.
There are a number of nursing colleges in Virginia that are offering BSN degree programs to students. You can choose from a wide range of options. Prospective students are advised keep the cost, location, and coursework in mind when selecting a college.
What will you learn in a BSN degree
In a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students will learn about the emerging roles of nurses and health care systems. The program will highlight important aspects of nursing practice and care delivery. Modern-day nurses are required to demonstrate strong leadership and research skills, and ethics along with clinical expertise. The coursework can be divided into theory-based and clinical courses. During the initial semesters, students will undergo a thorough study of fundamental nursing subjects that will help them build a strong foundation. Further in the program, advanced-level subjects will be taught in traditional classroom settings and laboratories.
Here are some of the subjects covered in the program:
Public health nursing - In this course, students will focus on community and public health nursing with an emphasis on health promotion. Topics such as public health sciences, disease prevention, and public health functions will also be covered.
Core concepts of professional nursing - This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the dimensions of professional nursing. Students will cover a range of topics that may include the following: leadership concepts, development of therapeutic relationships, and career development.
Mental health nursing - This course will provide students with an overview of mental illnesses, treatment plans, and psychiatric nursing. Students will learn about the role of nursing in mental health. Some of the topics that may be covered include: mental health interventions and rehabilitative mental care.
Health assessment - This course will focus on the assessment phase of the nursing process. Students will cover relevant topics such as: health history, physical exam skills, nursing process, and communication.
Program objectives
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
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Demonstrate an understanding of professional nursing practice
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Understand the role of nursing in diverse health care settings
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Conduct nursing research and analyze findings that contribute in decision-making and evidence-based practice
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Demonstrate strong communication, problem-solving, leadership, and analytical skills
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Conduct basic nursing tasks and apply concepts of management to nursing practice
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Understand the ethical boundaries that govern nursing care in society
Duration of BSN programs
Typically, it takes four years to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. However, students can go for Accelerated BSN programs in VA which can be completed in one to two years. In an accelerated program, student will be required to take more than the regular number of credits in each semester. You can contact prospective nursing schools to learn more about the program duration.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements of a BSN program may vary from college to college. Generally, applicants are required to submit:
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High school or college degree transcript
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Letters of recommendation
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Personal essay
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SAT or ACT scores
Can you study online?
Yes, you can pursue a BSN degree online. There are a number of colleges offering online BSN programs to students who live in remote areas or do not have the time to attend campus-based classes. This mode of learning is flexible and convenient. Students have the option of studying from the comfort of their home at any time of the day. The courses can be covered via online lectures and videos. However, not all online colleges are offering 100% online BSN degrees. Some online schools follow a hybrid format, which is a combination of online and campus-based classes.