Being the state capital of Virginia, Richmond is home to over 200,000 residents. The city boasts historical landmarks, and has played a key role in the independence of the United States. Over the years, Richmond has developed industries and is notable for its commerce sector. Banking, legal services, and tourism are the three main sectors that are the driving force behind the state’s economy. However, the focus has shifted from the primary industries towards education and healthcare. With rising competition and growing demand for healthcare professionals such as nurses, a number of career opportunities have emerged in healthcare firms. An expected shortage of nurses has boosted the need for skilled nurses. According to US News and World Report, there are approximately 52 nursing homes in Richmond. The Virginia Board of Nursing oversees the nursing healthcare profession throughout the state, provides licensure services, and ensures the implementation and regulation of nursing laws.
Nursing Schools in Richmond VA
The growing popularity of the nursing profession has led to many colleges to add nursing degrees to their program menu. A number of notable colleges in Richmond offer nursing degrees at both undergraduate and graduate level. Many of these schools are private and are known for their high quality educational services. Pubic universities in Richmond also rank among the top educational institutions in the state and offer career-oriented nursing degrees. Students with an interest in the nursing profession can locate various accredited Nursing schools Richmond VA and begin their pursuit of becoming a nursing professional. The most commonly pursued nursing programs are:
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LPN degree (Licensed practitioner Nurse)
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RN degree (Registered nurse)
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BSN (Bachelor of Science in nursing)
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MSN (Master of Science in nursing)
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Nursing Certifications
LPN Degree
An LPN program is the most basic nursing degree available. It is designed to teach students how to provide basic nursing services to patients. The program includes theoretical courses that help students understand the basic theories of nursing and their role as a nursing professional. Alongside classroom studies, the program will also focus on nursing skill development through laboratory learning. Here are some of the courses covered in an LPN program:
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Nursing practices
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Microbiology
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Anatomy and physiology
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Medical surgical nursing
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Family nursing
Admission criteria
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High school diploma
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Satisfactory scores in general science subjects
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Completion of nursing prerequisite courses
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Submission of an application
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Letters of recommendation
RN Degree
In this program, students acquire advanced nursing skills and learn how to provide quality healthcare services. The coursework revolves around a number of key nursing concepts. Students gain in-depth knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and how nursing plays a fundamental role within the industry. Some of the topics covered in this program are:
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Management of care and professional issues
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Reproductive systems
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Children and family nursing
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Treating acute and chronic health conditions
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Foundations of nursing practice
Admission Criteria
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High school diploma
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Meet the minimum CGPA requirement of the school
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Completion of nursing prerequisite courses
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Letters of recommendation
BSN degree
This is an undergraduate program in nursing. Individuals seeking advanced job roles in certain nursing specialties must have a BSN qualification. The coursework is divided among theory-based learning and practical learning. Students will cover the following general topics:
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Microbiology for health
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Health assessment
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General psychology
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Pharmacology
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Medical surgical nursing
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Adult health nursing
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Community health nursing
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Nursing research
Admission criteria
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RN or LPN license
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Official transcript of nursing degree
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Must meet the minimum CGPA requirement
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Letters of recommendation
MSN Degree
Students enrolled in MSN degrees can pursue any chosen area of specialization in nursing. The program will generally focus upon an advanced area of healthcare. MSN programs are designed to prepare students for clinical and specialty nursing roles in the industry. The curriculum will cover a range of subjects that may also include the following:
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Nursing care leadership
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Administrative nursing
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Nursing research methodologies
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Healthcare economics
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Adult care nursing
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Healthcare management
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Pathophysiology
Admission criteria
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Official transcript of BSN degree
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Nursing license
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Meet the minimum CGPA requirement
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Letters of recommendation
The admission requirements of nursing degree programs will depend upon the prospective schools you have selected. Some schools may conduct admission tests and request further documentation.
Objectives of nursing degree
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Demonstrate clinical nursing skills
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Apply various clinical and assessment techniques
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Diagnose health problems and devise appropriate treatment plans
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Understand the healthcare service delivery system
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Develop strong communication, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Nursing Specialization Areas
Since nursing is a broad field and comprises of numerous sub-specialties, students can choose to specialize in an area that fits their future career objective as well as personal interest. Individuals can prepare for nursing roles in certain departments such as ICU, Oncology, pediatrics, and more. Here are a few of the common specialization areas offered by nursing schools:
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Gerontology nursing
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Nursing informatics
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Family nursing
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Emergency care nursing
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Psychiatric nursing
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Neonatal nursing
Licensure and Certification
The state board of nursing in Virginia is authorized to issue nursing licenses and conduct the NCLEX exam in this region. Students who have completed a nursing degree in Richmond, VA, can take the NCLEX exam and get a license to practice. Nursing licenses are mandatory for practicing. Certification is usually recommended for nurses who are preparing for careers in a sub-specialty field. There are a number of credentialing organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center ANCC that provide certification in numerous fields.
Online Nursing Programs in Richmond VA
Many schools are now offering online nursing degree programs in the field of nursing. This mode of learning allows students to prepare for nursing careers without having to attend campus-based classes. The coursework is covered online through online lectures, conferencing, videos, and slideshows. Online nursing programs are affordable and flexible, and convenient for professionals to pursue.
Career Opportunities in Richmond, VA
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 21,000 employed nurses in the state of Virginia. The annual mean wage of nursing professionals in VA was $40,000 in 2013. With the healthcare industry expanding, the need for skilled nurses is present. Individuals who have completed a degree in nursing can seek employment in a range of healthcare institutions such as private hospitals, public hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and medical research facilities.
The career of a nurse can be challenging in many ways. But the challenges usually come with a sense of achievement, as these professionals help patients on a daily basis. The duties that fall within the job description of a nurse will depend upon the area of specialization and department. For example, pediatric nurses work with sick children, diagnose medical complications and administer appropriate treatment. On the other hand, oncology nurses are highly trained professionals who work with cancer stricken patients.