Are you planning to enroll in a nursing school? If so, know that it will demand a huge amount of commitment from you in terms of resources and time. However, the program that you decide to pursue will play a key role in launching your nursing career. Various programs will appeal to you based on the career aspirations that you have, your household duties to attend to, your lifestyle, and your financial status.
All these are vital factors that will determine the nursing program that is ideal for you. It is necessary to research the programs based on the goals and priorities you have. Are you finding it challenging to go about it? If so, in this article, we will discuss the crucial factors to consider when selecting the best nursing program.
Decide on the Nursing Degree You Want to Specialize In
It is one of the essential steps to figure out when you are choosing a nursing program for yourself. Some of the nursing degrees to choose from are:
- Licensed Practical Nurse: It is possible to become a Licensed Practical Nurse within a year. These nurses provide daily patient care and help physicians and RNs by charting crucial signs, collecting fluid samples, and changing bandages and sheets.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: It is soon becoming a standard education level in the entire nursing field. Getting this degree can take as much as 4 years and comprises a mix of nursing classes in comparison to any associate degree.
- Associate Degree in Nursing: It is one of the quickest ways to become an RN, and the program gets completed within 18 to 24 months. Hence, you can start working as a nurse as soon as possible.
- Master’s and Doctorate Degree in Nursing: This will help you pursue advanced and specialized nursing practices. Once you get this degree, you can work independently or even as a nurse practitioner.
Saint Joseph College of Maine states that selecting the right nursing program is necessary for several reasons. The education quality and assistance that you get can make a vast difference in your success after you graduate. Hence, it’s necessary to be clear about the path you wish to take.
Check If the Nursing Institute is Accredited or Approved
Once you have decided on the degree you wish to specialize in, you need to check whether the institute or school is approved or accredited. Accredited programs are the ones that are chosen by the US Department of Education to maintain a high standard of nursing education. This is concerned about the program quality and how it will be carried out to check whether it caters to professional standards.
The approved programs, on the other hand, are assessed by the Board of Nursing to make sure they comply with state laws. The approval here is dependent on the state’s specifications for the Nursing Practice Act to secure the public and the students.
Consider the Learning Style
Since you will be devoting much of your time to the nursing program, you must find out about the learning style. There are nursing candidates who want to opt for a visual learning style. They would want to view and read up on the course material. On the other hand, some candidates prefer to listen to lectures and seminars.
Hence, before you invest in a nursing program, it is necessary to know your style and what you will be comfortable with. The online nursing programs that come up with pre-recorded lectures appeal to students who are auditory learners. On the other hand, programs that focus on self-study might be beneficial for visual learners. Additionally, programs that make use of hands-on activities and labs are useful for kinaesthetic learners.
Look Out for Nursing Internships or Clinical Rotations
Healthcare organizations and hospitals that recruit recent nursing graduates choose applicants who have the best training. It includes the ones who have completed internships and clinical rotations. Hence, when you decide to opt for a nursing program, make sure the institute or the school has the provision of placing you in a local hospital where you can do your internship and have a clinical rotation.
Here, you get to work full-time at the hospital or a healthcare organization and gain the necessary exposure. When you perform well at the time of your rotation, it can help you earn a strong recommendation letter, which helps you advance your career.
In conclusion, as a student of nursing, you need to be clear on your objectives before you select an academic course. Based on the path you wish to walk on, you can choose a program that will help you add more skills and gain the necessary experience. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can arrive at an informed decision.
