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Saturday, March 10, 2012

Exploring Careers - Registered Nurse and Nurse Management

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The individuals that answer your call button at the hospital or the emergency room professional that takes your vitals has completed training in the field of nursing. A wide range of professions is found within the field of nursing that range from registered nurses to head nurses (or managers) at a health care facility. A positive attitude, willingness to help others, and careful medical attention are requirements for those interested in pursuing a nursing career.



A Registered Nurse (Staff Nurse) analyzes, plans, executes, and writes down all of the nursing care regimens for an assigned group of patients within a facility. During examinations and certain procedures, staff nurses are expected to provide assistance. Depending on their job description, they may administer tests or give out medication. A certification is necessary in order to become a registered nurse, as well as an associate's degree. The average salary for a staff nurse is between $48,499 and $68,424.



A Registered Nurse for the Emergency Room is responsible for providing care for people who need emergency attention. The patient flow of an emergency care system is often determined by the experience and judgment of an emergency room registered nurse, as they play a role in establishing priority based upon a variety of needs. They will assess both physical and psychological factors. In order to gain employment as a registered nurse in an emergency room setting, an associates degree, certification, and at least two years of clinical experience is required. Typical yearly salaries are found between $48,842 and $70,223.



An Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse is assigned to the ICU floor where patients with special recuperative needs usually reside. This type of job involves constant evaluations and assessments, as well as knowledge of the total intensive care nursing process. An associates degree, certification, and at least two years of clinical experience are required for this position. ICU nurses usually make between $49,317 and $69,899.



A Critical Care Unit Registered Nurse (also referred to as a Coronary Care Nurse) is assigned to the CCU floor, where patients are in dire need of attention, as their prognosis depends on consistent, managed care. Nurses, who work on this floor, possess an associates degree and have completed at least two years of clinical experience. The average yearly salary for a CCU Nurse is between $49,671 and $71,578.



Registered nurses assigned to an operating room are in charge of nursing care for patients undergoing surgery and other invasive procedures. Some will find themselves alternating between the role of a scrub and a circulating nurse. This particular nursing title earns between $51,389 and $72,210 on a yearly basis.



As for nursing positions in management, one may pursue a career as a Charge Nurse, who guides an entire nursing unit during an assigned shift. Knowledge of emergency procedures is necessary. An associates degree and more than five years of clinical experience is required for one to take a position in this field. A typical salary is seen between $50,420 and $79,387.



A higher position in management is that of a Head Nurse (also referred to as a Nurse or Nursing Manager), who is in charge of not only planning and establishing nursing policies within a unit, but also serves as head of recruitment, selection, and training of clinical staff. This position of Head Nurse is set aside for a registered nurse that possesses at least five years of clinical experience in a related field. A Nursing Manager will also supervise nurses and clinical technicians, who then usually report to head management. The yearly pay for this position is seen between $68,140 and $97,497.



A Chief Nurse Anesthetist is in charge of managing and scheduling nurse anesthetists for the arrangement and secure procedures regarding anesthesia equipment. They are also expected to take a role in instructing students and holding demonstrations for interested parties. Conducting and preparing reports dealing with the data of specific anesthesia, drugs and techniques is also a requirement, as it is important to also note possible patient reactions. In order to be considered for this type of job, a master's degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing, professional certification, and at least seven years of experience is required. This job usually pays on the average of between $138,162 and $187,635 on a yearly basis.



Typical Nursing Courses



When considering a career in nursing, you may consider the courses that a student may encounter when pursuing a job in this particular field. Typically, a nursing student will take classes, such as General Chemistry, General Psychology, General Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, General Education Natural Sciences (such as Sociology or Anthropology), Mathematics, and English Composition. Additional courses or training may include Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Adult Nursing, Family Nursing, and Mental Health Nursing.
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Know All That It Takes To Earn An Online Associate Nursing Degree Program

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Earning an online associate nursing degree program can be a matter of few months or even a year or two, and depends entirely on your self motivation and level of self discipline to complete the course work. Today, there is a high demand for trained nurses having online nursing degree as they are very necessary to get the right job you always dream of.



Skills of Perfection:



Today online associate nursing degree programs are quite extensive and spread over a number of disciplines. But over the years it is the online associate nursing degree program that has gained popularity. Health care sector will always remain one of the growing businesses in any economy. So, the demand for health care professionals will always be there, as they are needed in every step to take care of one of the most sophisticated and critical care units. The advantage of earning your online associate nursing degree program at home no doubt increases its demand more.



Choosing a right online nursing degree program is very much necessary for becoming a successful nurse. It is the number of hours you spend on your online associate nursing degree program that make the learning and earning a degree valuable. Online nursing schools give you a number of options that you can choose from while undertaking an online associate nursing degree program. Because of the flexible schedule of coursework and low fee structure, online associate nursing degree program are becoming one of the most viable option for housewives and women belonging to any age group.



Try to go for a recognized and standard school for your nursing program, even though they have a high fee structure. An online associate nursing degree program from a reputed university will no doubt increase your demand among your potential employers. There are many software programs that need to be purchased. Keeping into consideration the cost factor, you should choose an institution that offers you both, a good online associate nursing degree program and a manageable fee structure. Time is also a major consideration when you enroll for an online associate nursing degree program. Choose a coursework that does not hamper your personal and professional responsibilities. Make sure that you have enough time for other programs to which you are committed. Always review certain rules and regulation that are required for the attainment for online associate nursing degree program.
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Friday, March 9, 2012

Nursing Can Be a Lucrative and Fulfilling Career Choice

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So you've decided to pursue a career in nursing. The profession has changed mightily since the days of white stockings, thermometers and a good bedside attitude. As times have progressed, so have the number of nursing specialties. It is become a virtual alphabet soup with abbreviations such as LPN's, RN's and many others. Deciding what kind of nurse you'll be even effects your decision when attending an online university.



Even something as simple as the Wikipedia lists 80 different types of nursing specialties. All of them define the profession as focused on assisting individuals, families, and communities in attaining, maintaining, and recovering optimal health and functioning. Modern definitions of nursing define it as a science and an art that focuses on promoting quality of life as defined by persons and families, throughout their life experiences from birth to care at the end of life.



Critical to all this is certification. While Registered Nurses (RN's) don't need a specific kind of certification, you will need some kind to work in just about any magnet hospital or decent research facility. Certification means a nurse is an expert in a certain field, ranging from surgical to home health care. It is another important decision one must consider when entering the field.



The broadest category is the Registered Nurse (RN). They are loosely defined as advocates for the care of the sick and maintenance of their health. From there, an RN's responsibilities/powers are defined by each U.S. state's Nurse's Practicing Act (NPA). It takes a minimum of three years to get an RN diploma. The national average for salary is about $60,000.



Another main category is the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). They are often found working under the supervision of physicians in clinics and hospitals, or in private home health care. Education and training is vocational-based, hospital-based, or college-based, and can vary from 9 month to 3 years in time for certain specialties and require an associate degree in practical nursing. The average salary here is about $34,000.



Below the LPN is the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The Nursing Assistant still holds a high level of ability, but without qualification is unable to often perform some tasks due to issues of liability and legality. They provide the bulk of the grunt work in a hospital setting, depending again on the NPA. The CNA's salary is the widest ranging, usually starting at just short of $20,000 and into the 30's.



From here the nursing field diversifies into a number of different specialties, and can range anywhere from social work and cruise nurses to setting up their own offices as nurse practitioners. Salaries and certification can be as wide ranging as the specialty.
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Online Nursing Degree - Learn While You Earn

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The great thing about securing online nursing degree is that you are in a position to pursue your training without leaving your present job and more so immediately after earning online associate nursing degree.



The availability of online degree courses in nursing makes it easiest way to gain the requisite qualification for furthering your career prospects in nursing. Earning your nursing degree online in a way is easy as you can obtain your advanced nursing degree as per your convenience from your home or at work if you have any spare time as such it is up to you- it is all online. You will enjoy the convenience of attending class online anytime day or night. Thus you will be in full control of your education. You can take or attend all your classes without staying at campus. You will enjoy the convenience of attending class online anytime day or night and in fact you are you are in control of your education.



The versatility of online degree programme in nursing provides you with a new learning experience by choosing your study hours to your convenience .The online students can be from different places and therefore never meet but can interact with each other online in order to participate in group discussions, projects, workshops. The students pursuing degree in nursing from online nursing school need not wait for textbooks to be published as they are in position to access the latest research projects for completing their assignments.



The online nursing degree program in fact is a blend of theory and advance clinical practices that will certainly make you to understand the nuances of nursing in a better way. On earning online nursing degree you can help your patients more effectively and play a vital role in developing your health unit where you are presently working.
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Online Associate Nursing Degree - Online Nursing Courses

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Hospitals, large or small, hire maximum number of nurses and have diverse working titles for them. Depending on the nurse's qualification, he or she can choose to work in the field of her specialization or even manage the central responsibilities.



Various Nursing Courses Explained



There are a series of courses to become a nurse to a specialized nurse. The foremost course required to start a nursing career is the practical nurse course or the PN course. This course has duration of one year and it makes you a licensed practical nurse or LPN. Next comes the online associate nursing degree or ADN. This program has duration of two or three years, as the duration can vary from one institute to another.



To become a registered nurse or RN, you have to undertake the nursing degree like the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) diploma, after doing online associate nursing degree. The duration of the BSN program is four years. The syllabus consists of nursing administration and management training in various environments. Advanced academic qualification and practical knowledge will give you improved chances to progress in your career. The more your qualifications, the better will be your position, and the better your position; the more will be your salary.



The topmost nursing course is the doctorate in nursing. During the course of these programs, the students can choose their field of specialization, such as hospital nurse, labor room nurse, surgery specialist, dialysis nurse or outpatient nurse. Besides hospitals, nurses with online nursing continuing education degree are also employed in business houses, insurance companies and community health divisions. With a growing population of old people, a large number of nurses are also employed at homes for care of old patients. This facilitates the use of complex medical machines, at home, for their care. Well-qualified nurses can also run their own nursing business.



In addition, here are some nursing facts. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurses is likely to rise by 36% in the next four years. Students possessing an online associate nursing degree constitute a majority of all medical students or students pursuing any health profession. Nurses are the main source of providing care to the patients in a hospital and the major sole element of hospital personnel.
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What Are the Highest Paying Nursing Jobs?

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In general, the highest paying nursing jobs will belong to those who have chosen to specialize in a particular type of nursing and will often require education in addition to the usual Bachelor Degree in nursing which is required for an RN.



The top paying nursing jobs are those of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, the Nurse Researcher, the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and the Certified Nurse Midwife. The CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) pays on average $135,000 a year. However, there are rigorous training requirements including an RN degree from a four-year school, a year in acute care setting experience and then the program itself, which can last from 2 to 3 years.



The lowest paid of the highest paying nursing jobs is that of a certified nurse midwife, which on average pays around $86,000 a year. Entry into this demanding program requires the applicant to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school. The nurse midwifery program will award the successful graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing and after passing a state exam, they are qualified to practice as midwives.



The nursing situation is tight in the US as well as all over the globe. That means that sometimes hospitals or other facilities may end up short staffed for greater or shorter periods. This brings in the possibility of working as a travel nurse.



The highest paying travel nursing jobs are much like regular nursing jobs and the highest pays go to the nurse who specializes. Critical care nurses are in high demand among travel nursing companies. Nurses often work through a travel nursing service. In order to command the highest salaries it may be necessary for a nurse to sign up with several companies. In demand, nursing specialties may also negotiate salaries, and benefits with the nursing service.



It is an inescapable conclusion that even in the high demand field of nursing, the more education and specialization, the higher paid the position usually is. Not all specializations will necessarily require a commitment to a Master Nursing Degree program, an RN with 1750 hours of acute or critical bedside care experience and a current license may be eligible to take the Critical Care RN examination, which can give the nurse a higher salary potential and put them in demand as travel nurses.



Many nurses will begin with an associate degree in Nursing, which is 2 years, but for the highest paying nursing jobs a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and some certification and advanced education will be required.



Such responsible and high paying nursing positions as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist will have the nurse performing procedures that in the past were only the province of doctors or anesthetists and of course, they are compensated by way of some of the highest paying nursing jobs salaries for the increased responsibilities.



Travel nursing jobs for the specialist can provide the nurse the opportunity for travel, some of the highest pay in the nursing field and such benefits as top salaries, housing benefits and per diem expenses in some cases. For the qualified nurse who wants to travel at the expense of the company this can be the ideal position and provide the highest paying job salaries in nursing.
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Work Full-Time While You Get Your Nursing Degree - We Show You How!

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Many people who want to go to nursing school have simply given up on the idea because they can't afford to quit work and dedicate a minimum of two years of their life, full-time, to their education. Two years is a LONG time to give up a salary.



And that's just for people who want to get an Associate's Degree! The traditional Bachelor's of Science in Nursing is a four year degree.



That's fine for recent high school graduates whose parents will foot the entire bill, or people who have a spouse who is working and can support them for the entire length of their schooling, or for people who don't mind graduating from school with massive debt.



For everyone else who doesn't fit into that category, here is the best way to go:



Start out by attending a part-time evening LPN degree program. This will generally be an 18 month program. Full-time LPN programs generally take 12 months, but they are much more intense, and it will be very hard to work even part-time during such a program.



Once you have a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, you can then take any pre-requisite courses that you will need before you can be accepted into an LPN to RN bridge program. There are usually about eight classes required. They include college level algebra, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, psychology, nutrition, and human growth and development. You may already have taken some of these classes. Either way, you can take them a couple at a time online or at a local community college while you work full-time.



And then, you can apply to an online LPN to RN bridge program, and continue working while you get your Associate's Degree in Nursing. This will take about a year to a year and a half - but the good news is you will be working the whole time you're in school. AND - it is very likely that your employer will help pay for some or all of your continuing healthcare education, especially if your employer is a hospital or other large healthcare facility.



So there you have it - the traditional nursing school model is not the only option for aspiring nurses any more. There are lots of paths to a nursing degree, and we just showed you one which will allow you to hold down a full time job without flunking out of nursing school!
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Bachelors Degree Vs Associates Degree - Which is the Right Choice?

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You may be thinking about attending a local community college to earn an associate degree. The fact is that, although an associate degree is an accomplishment, a bachelor degree is a more formal, prestigious college degree to attain. For some careers, however, there are more opportunities for an associate degree graduate with some work experience rather than a bachelor degree graduate with no work experience.



Associate Degree



An associate degree is basically a two year program equivalent to the first two years in a bachelor's program. Getting an associates can give you the basic skills to increase your ability to write, speak, and process mathematical functions. Associate graduates have the opportunity to work in the field and greatly boost their.



The other side of stopping your education at the associate level is that you do not learn the valuable skills that are focused on your career path. The more advanced college courses are only available only to bachelor level students, and they are a required part of some job career paths to fully understand the industry.



Bachelor Degree



Graduating with a bachelor's requires a high time and study investment and it is more difficult to attain than a just an associates. It's a more prestigious degree and it commands a better salary due to advanced skills required to achieve. A standard college graduate will have a much more diverse variety of college courses available to them that gives them a better, well rounded college education.



A bachelor degree will help you command a better salary, but it will also take much more time to graduate especially if you are working. It's also important to get some hands-on, job experience to help you move quickly into a great career once you graduate.



If you're interested in attaining a bachelor degree or an associate degree, check out this article on your choices available to you.
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Educational Requirements to Be a Registered Nurse

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If you happen to be interested in becoming a registered nurse, then you are most likely aware that there are certain qualifications to become a registered nurse.



Knowing the educational requirements to be a registered nurse is the the first step you will need to take in your journey to become a RN. You will need to complete a prescribed program of study. The education that the prospective registered nurse chooses will depend on if he or she is interested in pursuing further education.



One of the most popular forms of education for registered nurses is an associate degree in nursing which takes about two years to complete. Other RN candidates may opt for a hospital diploma program where they take thirty to sixty hours worth of science classes and then take many more hours of classes which are heavily focused on nursing. The diploma program usually takes a minimum of three years. A diploma program meets the basic educational requirements to be a registered nurse.



Another option is for the prospective RN to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from a university. Once a BSN degree is earned, it gives the person the opportunity to pursue higher education opportunities in his or her field such as a Master's Degree or a PhD.



The registered nurse educational requirements can vary from state to state as each state has its own laws and policies that govern the nursing profession. However, all registered nurses most take some sort of licensing exam in order to become legally able to practice in the registered nursing profession.



While 2-3 years of training is required, it is possible to make a good living from the salary that you can earn as a registered nurse. But be aware that the profession can be stressful. Some of the most stressful nursing positions are those in hospitals, particularly in the emergency rooms. Some less stressful jobs may include working in private practice where the hours will not be as long.



Keep in mind, while fulfilling the educational requirements to be a registered nurse, that there are different types of RNs. You could be a triage nurse or a neonatal nurse. As part of your coursework, you should take classes that will address the job duties of the type of nurse you are interested in working as. Being a nurse is an honorable profession. It is also a profession which suffers a shortage of qualified professionals.
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Job Description For a Registered Nurse

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As job prospects for registered nurses (RN) are supposed to be excellent with above average growth according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this might be a good job to go into if you are in the process of choosing a career. Of course, you should check out the job description for a registered nurse before you make any decisions so that you can decide whether or not this would be something you would be willing and able to do.



A registered nurse's job description includes information on the education and training required, the nature of the work, and the amount you can expect to be paid. There are a lot of different websites that you can check out for complete details of what is involved in the job of a RN, including that of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the PayScale website.



In order to become a RN, you need to complete a program that gives you a diploma (offered by hospitals), associates degree in nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that prepares you for the licensing exams that are required.



Those with a BSN will have more opportunities, so many nurses with lesser degrees later return to school in order to get their BSN or even their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).



All of the training programs for registered nurses include both classroom and clinical components. The job description for a registered nurse could include a wide variety of different tasks depending on the particular position that the nurse is interested in.



Nurses can specialize in certain areas, as well as work in a variety of different environments, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes. They can also take positions involving home health care where they go to the homes of their clients. A RN's responsibilities will include providing nursing care to patients, as well as assessing patient health and developing plans for nursing care. They also need to maintain records, and sometimes advise patients on care and prevention for certain illnesses.



The pay for RNs will depend a lot on the qualifications, experience, and specialty of the nursing position being described. There is a wide range in salary, but the median salary for a registered nurse in May 2007 was $60,010.
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What Is The Salary For A Nurse? (2011 Update)

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There are a number of factors that play a part in determining the registered nurse salary. Among them are the number of years of experience, education, and specialized training. The part of the country and the company that you work for will also have an impact income levels.



Experience is the number one factor influencing income level. The more experience a person has, the higher their earning ability. Once graduating from school it is important to gain as much experience as quickly as possible. Consider working in different areas of the nursing industry to accumulate experience in a variety of care situations. The number of years of experience also dictates income. For instance, a nurse with less than one year of experience may only earn twenty one dollars per hour while someone with ten years experience will earn twenty eight dollars an hour.



Job performance is another reason a persons earnings will be higher or lower. When a person functions well at their job they will enjoy the benefits of being paid according to their performance. A positive reputation will also follow the individual from one position to the next.



The nurses educational background will also impact their earning potential. There are some schools that hold to a higher standard than others and carry a reputation that any graduate of the school will benefit from. Additionally, the number of years dedicated to earning a degree is considered. For instance an RN with an associate degree will be paid less than an RN with a bachelor degree, and the nurse with a Master's will be paid the most.



The area of nursing in which the individual works and the number of jobs available will also determine the rate of pay they receive. For instance, as the need for nurses increases the salaries also increase. In areas such as elder or geriatric care there is an ever-increasing need for the individual with specialized training. This segment of the population is increasing so the demand for geriatric nurses is also on the rise.



In the United States the full-time salary for an average registered nurse position is over sixty thousand dollars per year. As the older segment of our population continues to grow, the demand for registered nurses in all areas of the nursing industry will increases.



In addition, the number of nursing school graduates is not keeping in step with the number of nurses who are beginning to retire from the profession. This phenomenon is causing the industry to raise the salary level of nurses in an effort to attract more individuals to join the profession.



There are also a number of hospitals that offer sign on bonuses for nurses as incentives. Some of these bonuses can be as high as twenty thousand dollars or more. Taking into consideration the number of things that influence the registered nurse salary, joining the nursing profession can be very rewarding not only for the personal satisfaction of helping others, but for financial reasons.
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Monday, March 5, 2012

Nurse Practitioner Salary - Getting to Know

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The very high nurse practitioner salary is definitely one of the many reasons why a lot of people want to become nurses. In some countries, medical doctors take up nursing courses in the hope of landing a nursing job in the US, where nursing salaries are much higher than salaries of doctors in third world countries. In the US, professionals from the different industries also pursue a career in nursing due to the high financial rewards that await them.



Nurses deal with sick people, expose themselves to hazardous chemicals and air-borne diseases inside hospitals, and take on big responsibilities of assuring the right medical care for every patient. Nurses work with doctors to provide relief to the sick and even extend the lives of people. Thus, salary for a nurse practitioner is among the highest in all of the medical industry. Nurse anesthetist salary is the highest among the nursing specialties, followed by midwife nurse practitioner salary.



Nurse practitioners can be found in all of the fields of medicine. They assist specialist doctors, become part of an emergency room team, administers anesthesia, installs dextrose and oxygen, takes temperature of patients, regularly monitors conditions of ICU patients, and checks healing patterns of those who have just undergone surgeries. In short, the responsibilities of nurses are even enormous compared to the medical doctors, and that explains the high nurse practitioner salary.



There are several reasons why one chooses to become part of this noble profession. For one, nurses feel satisfaction in the fact that they are taking care of the sick and alleviating the lives of those who are suffering and in pain by providing them with the needed medical assistance. While the job is toxic at times because of the exposure to hazardous hospitals waste, people still love to work as nurses. High salary can be among the reasons, but even as dermatology nurse practitioner salary is not as high as the other fields of nursing, there are still a lot of nurses who pursue this specialty.



Rough estimates would show that nurses in the US take home at least $5,200 in salary every month. The hourly registered nurse salary in the US is even higher than the daily wage of nurses in other countries. The data presented by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, is based on average rate, which means some nurses in other states and hospitals could be earning much higher salaries compared to those who are in other locations and facilities.
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Tips For Pursuing an Online Associate Degree

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While each student has his or her own reasons for pursuing an online associate degree, several benefits for the student stand out. Understanding the full reasons for pursuing an online associate degree help you determine if educational success is within your reach.



A web-based associate degree can be obtained quickly, even more quickly than a traditional degree. This is ideal for students who need to increase earning potential rapidly. An online college allows students to work at their own pace, so the completion time for any given degree is completely customizable to each student's speed of learning.



Online learning allows you to test a chosen career path without investing a great deal of time and money. Most associate degrees work well as a base for a higher degree in a different field, should the student choose to change careers. An associate degree also allows a student to increase earnings while pursuing a higher degree in the same field. Many employers also pay a portion of a student's tuition if they choose to obtain a further degree.



Financial assistance for an online associate degree is often easier to find than funding for a higher degree. Loan payments are often deferred while the student takes classes. Repayment begins once the student puts his or her new degree to work at a job and is financially able to repay the loan. Most student loans are federally subsidized and offer reasonable interest rates and flexible repayment schedules. Online degrees qualify for federal grants the same as traditional degrees do.



Some students opt to pay out-of-pocket for their degrees. An online associate degree is more affordable than a traditional degree or a higher level of education. Students can complete their degree debt-free.



An online degree does not take time away from a student's family. Students continue with responsibilities and obligations while furthering their education. Higher education provides a student with a sense of accomplishment and professionalism only obtained through a specialized degree. This often changes a student's entire outlook on life, greatly boosting self-confidence.



Obtaining an online associate degree is not right for every person. Many students pursue a higher education solely as a means to earn a higher salary. Graduates of any degree program have a greater earning potential than those with a high school education. Pursuing any form of education requires commitment, self-discipline and a dedication to a chosen career.



People who are not committed to completing the program and those already pressed for time in daily schedules should wait to pursue a higher education. An educational program should not be started during a high-stress period in an individual's life, since pursuing a degree can be stressful in itself. Waiting until life returns to a normal pace increases a student's chances of performing well academically and retaining more information.



Joining an online study group and chatting with fellow students taking the same courses helps relieve the stress of completing an online degree. Web-based courses are inherently less stressful for students since they are less expensive, more flexible and eliminate the need to travel to classes and keep a tight schedule. Students also help hold each other accountable for staying on track with classes and study schedules.



Educational success depends on each individual. This responsibility amplifies when a student pursues an online associate degree. Preparing for coursework with realistic expectations and a dedication to excellence is necessary for a student to succeed. A higher education can be a greatly rewarding experience. Excellence in education is possible with proper preparation and perseverance.
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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Types of Nursing Degrees and Their Salaries

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Many students look for a career in nursing. This is because of the vast career opportunities they get from a nursing degree. There are many ways of getting a nursing degree or a diploma.



It is a known fact that in all fields, higher the degree the better is the salary. And nursing is no exception! Salaries for RN is always much higher than a LPN or a LVN. So, if you are interested in making a career in nursing then you should look for ways to accelerate your RN salary by getting the appropriate educational qualification and of course experience.



Currently, nurses are very much in demand due to the on-going shortage of manpower. Qualified nurses have great career opportunities in government as well as private health care institutes across the country. Nurses not only have career potential but also salary potential if you have the right kind of degree and experience in this noble field.



Nursing salaries depend on various factors-



- Nursing degree and education: As much as the nursing degree is important to pave a smooth career path, the way in which you obtain the degree is equally important. You need to do some researching before you choose a nursing program. Different programs such as LPN degree, RN degree, Nursing diploma, Associate's degree, BSN degree are available which offer different nursing education with different time frames. Individuals need to choose the one which fits their career endeavor.



- Experience: Like any other profession, RN salary too depends on the years of experience the individual brings with them. If you have an impressive experience list of let's say 4-5 years, then it shouldn't be difficult for you to bring in good salary at a top health care institute.



- State and city where you work: This is a very important factor as far a RN salary goes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses have higher salaries in larger cities like New Your, Los Angeles or Chicago. They also have better benefits and perks when compared to smaller cities or towns. It's because the cost of living is much higher in larger cities.



Payscale.com conducted a survey on RN salaries in June 2009. Statistics below mention the hourly pay-scale of nurses from different states



California: $33.73
New York: 27.91
Texas: $25.95
Illinois: $25.84



- Specialty: You could do a nursing degree with specialty in mental health or psych nurse, certified RN anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, orthopedic nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse, neonatal nurse, etc. The nursing specialty with prime focus will always fetch a higher salary.



Nursing is not a charity profession for sure and nurses get paid well too, for the service they render to mankind.
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Paralegal Associate Degree - How Much Can You Earn As a Paralegal?

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Do you know what the worth of an online paralegal associate degree is? Nowadays, the convenience of learning via online is the topmost factor being considered by most students who want to pursue a paralegal profession.



Having an online paralegal associate degree is just as important as other university degrees. Just the same, it is now becoming a trend in the job market because of its high demands. Most of the lawyers are required to have their own legal assistant who will support them on administrative support.



With the growing needs of lawyers and other law agencies that need legal assistant, the salary rate of a paralegal are also becoming astonishing. Nevertheless, a paralegal is not allowed to perform duties concerning setting fees and giving legal advice to clients.



For a legal assistant, the only allowed tasks are assisting lawyers in the preparation for meetings and trials, doing investigative cases and gathering related or relevant facts about the cases.



Preparation of legal reports and other documents are also part of the paralegal profession. In some cases, paralegals are also allowed to assist in planning and preparing tax forms and planning estates documents.



The vast majority of the people who graduated with a paralegal associate degree work with law firms, but a minority of them work for government corporations and agencies. Paralegals usually work long hours, but they are given extra bonuses and time off by the firm or agency they work for.



On the contrary, not all paralegals can earn that much after graduation. It may always vary since the level of education and location are some of the factors to be considered. Of course, paralegals who work in large law firms located in big cities would definitely earn more than those who work in smaller firms in smaller cities.
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Saturday, March 3, 2012

Associate Degrees

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Associate Degrees are playing their role in streamlining the skill sets and providing jobs to hundreds of thousands of young and talented individuals in the United States of America. Associate degrees in the States have an extensive array of specializations as well as sub-specializations. Hundreds of community colleges and private organizations are further developing their labs, increasing their teaching staff and enhancing the overall curriculum to address the ongoing demand for specialized labor. Associate degrees fill the requirement of hundreds of thousands of jobs ranging from dental hygienists to culinary art specialists. The associate degrees are typically less than 2 years and have a lower ranking as compared to the bachelor degree but have a wide range of selective professions to choose from and immediate job placement in all different segments of the market.



One of the fast growing degrees has been in the domain of fashion design and visual and performance arts. The world of multimedia media has changed manifold due to the easily available software applications that drive the dynamic features of advertisements, audio clips and even multimedia projects. Associate degrees in digital audio production and graphic designs have been increasingly popular among art majors. Associates in video and motion graphics provides students with a more robust and calculated understanding of media and graphics. The colleges in the eastern states focus more on multimedia technologies and give students an opportunity to work on current projects. Associate degrees in radio, television broadcasting as well as in visual communications and advertisement communication are now the current needs of the market. Associate degrees are also available in audio and sound recording, fashion merchandising, film and video, animation in art and design, drafting and design, computer aided graphic technology, and digital media design and production. All of these associate degrees play an important role in improving the overall standard of the multimedia and fashion industry.



Another thriving degree has been in the culinary arts and food industry. Various colleges and universities now specialize in teaching their staff about hotel management and chef course work. Specialized degrees are now available in understanding how to manage restaurants and food chains. Associate degrees in food management, hotel resource infrastructure, and customer service management are all available for students interested in pursuing careers in culinary and hotel management.



The last decade has seen a significant increase in the overall number of teachers that are required to educate students across the nation. One of the reasons behind the surge for teachers is the ongoing increase of specialized fields of study and understanding of new international courses readily available for learning. Students are now willing to learn more and the overall percentage of research done in the field of education has increased exponentially. Associate degree in education can range from specialization in early childhood education all the way to elementary education. Some of the colleges in the east coast also provide general education associate degrees that give a general perspective to all the different tools and methods for all age types.



The field of law has also benefited from the short courses and associate degrees available in their line of work. Hundreds of processes and policies have now standardized in this particular field and it is extremely conducive and efficient to hire individuals with talents and skill sets that cater to the demands and needs of the profession. Associate degrees in legal office technology, paralegal technology, paralegal studies and legal assistant management are all available through out United States. There are other associate degrees within the realm of paralegal studies that further specialize in criminal and civil procedures.



Another fast and growing arena has been the automotive industry. United States is home to several of the great automotive giants in the region. Ford, GMC, Buick are all the name brands that have been built in the States and sold all over the world. Each year these manufacturing giants come up with new models, features and value added services in their line of vehicles. To cater to the demands of the market, various associate degrees have been crafted and further honed to keep up with the pace of jobs and employment opportunities available in the automotive industry. Electronic technology associate degree teaches a wide array of tools and applications that assist in improving the electrical gadgetry of cars and other units used in the manufacturing plants. Associate degrees in Automotive Technology, AutoCAD development, Automotive Service Management, Auto and Diesel Technology, Steel and Rod Customization, electronics engineering have all played its due role in improving the industry as a whole.



Another similar story lies with the medical profession. Hundreds of jobs are available that assist nurses, doctors, medical devise specialists in further improving the health care industry for millions of patients in States alone. Ample research, analysis and topics are added each semester to align the associate degrees with the demands and requirements of the industry. It is imperative that the colleges and institutions that cater to the requirements of the medical institutions and hospitals keep a strong affinity with doctors and professionals so that the learning is gradual and up to date. One of the most successful associate degrees in the medical arena has been that of the medical assistant associate degree. Associate degrees in respiratory therapy, medical assisting, Physical therapy, Radiological technology, Nursing, Message therapy, clinical medical management, health information technology, medical assistant technology, occupational science and IT health care informatics have all extremely useful in the development of the field. Similar degrees are available in the dental field. Associate degrees in dental assistant management and dental healthcare management are courses and degrees available in almost all the colleges of United States.



Accounting and financial management segment also has a plethora of associate degree offerings. Their degrees specialize in general accounting, business administration, and office administration, accounting technology, science in accounting, and applied business in accounting, business and computer specialization in accounting and accounting and taxation. All of these degrees provide students with a general understanding of accounting and the importance of numbers in the business world.
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Become A Registered Nurse

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Registered nurses play a significant role in promoting healthy lifestyles. They serve as educators for individuals, families, patients, and communities. To become a registered nurse, one should be capable of planning, assessing, evaluating, implementing, and co-coordinating total patient care. These nurses should be ready to work with people in a variety of areas such as hospitals, home health care agencies, clinics and offices of physicians, outpatient care centers, temporary help agencies, outpatient care centers, government agencies, schools, and nursing homes. Key components to become a registered nurse are experience and education; the job requires absolute dedication and patience. To become a registered nurse one should have a Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited institution.



There are a number of educational programs available to become a registered nurse and an array of career opportunities open to gain experience. The main degree programs are Hospital Diploma program, Associates Degree in Nursing, and Bachelor Degree in Nursing. Related majors include behavioral science, anatomy, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology. These degrees can be obtained from a hospital, college, school, or university. A license, depending on state regulations, is also essential to become a registered nurse. It can be taken after completing the course. A masters' degree is essential for a nurse to become a certified nurse midwife, certified nurse anesthetist, and nurse practitioner.



Compared to other professions, this job has a good salary structure and assured job security. A registered nurse is expected to have a wide knowledge of the age specific needs of people of all ages and backgrounds - from newborn babies through to the elderly. As the providers of primary healthcare, registered nurses are responsible for the patient's overall supervision coordination.
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Top 5 Things You Can Do With an Associate's Degree

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You may think that an associate's degree can't open up as many doors for you as a bachelor's degree.



Think again.



Truth be told, there's a lot you can do with an associate's degree these days. It can a faster, less expensive way to start a one of 2010's top careers, start a rewarding vocational career, or work towards a four-year degree.



Here are our 5 favorite things an associate's degree can do for you:



1. Start a Vocational Career
If you don't want to spend your weekdays locked in a cubicle, there are a lot of fantastic, high-paying vocational careers out there for you to explore. From cosmetology careers to automotive careers, these options can help you to turn your favorite hobby into a paycheck.



To start these careers, you'll need highly-specialized skills. That's where the associate's degree comes in. Many community, junior and technical colleges offer associate's degrees for a variety of vocational careers, which provide the skills and technical know-how you need to get started.



That means the minute you have your degree in hand, you'll be ready to join the workforce. No unpaid internships required.



2. Start a Career You Can Advance In
Who doesn't want a career that you can start fast, advance in, and make a good paycheck? Associate's degrees are often the keys that can unlock these kinds of career options.



Take nursing, for example. You can become a registered nurse by earning your Associate's of Science in Nursing. In approximately two years, this degree will have you working in a hospital, treating patients and helping doctors.



While you're working as an RN, you can take the next steps by earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing online. This will give you more career options, and the chance to eventually earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). The MSN allows you to become a nurse practitioner and enter a whole range of specialties, some of which pay a higher salary than a doctor's.



And it all starts with the associate's degree.



3. Work Towards a Bachelor's Degree
If you want a bachelor's degree, or know you'll need one to eventually advance in your career, but can't commit to a four-year program just yet, an associate's degree is a great place to start.



The associate's degree will allow you to complete your prerequisites and preliminary coursework, many of which will count towards a four-year bachelor's degree program when you're ready to enroll.



(An added bonus: associate's programs tend to be less expensive per credit hour than bachelor's programs, which will allow you to save some serious cash on your first two years of school.)



4. Make a Career Change
Let's say you're already working on a particular career path. One day, you wake up and realize you hate your job and what you really want to do is start a cupcake delivery business. (When you do, feel free to put the myFootpath corporate office address on your delivery route. Thanks.)



But while you need to get some business classes under your belt, you already have a bachelor's degree in accounting, and you don't want to start another four-year program. So what are you to do?



Enter the associate's degree. A specialized associate's degree can build on the education you already have, and provide the knowledge you need to make that career change.



5. Start One of Today's Best Careers
You don't need a PhD in rocket science to land one of today's top careers. These days, an associate's degree is the key to entering one of the 2010 top careers, including veterinary technician careers, dental hygienist careers, physical therapist assistant careers, and more
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Friday, March 2, 2012

Experience The Joys Of Becoming A Registered Nurse - Nationwide Positions, Great Pay And Benefits

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According to the latest report released by the American Hospital Association, U.S. hospitals are experiencing a severe shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) to fill vacant positions nationwide.



The field of nursing has emerged from its lowly beginnings. Nurses were traditionally paid a low wage and regulated to the menial task associated with caring for the sick. They emptied bed pans, changed beds and filled water containers. In the present day hospital environment, these tasks are relegated to nursing assistants. Starting as a nursing assistant or nursing aide is the first step to determine if a nursing career is feasible. Becoming a nursing assistant requires only basic course work. The pay for nursing assistants positions is relatively low. Because of the low pay and the type of work involved, many nursing assistants start the educational process to become a Registered Nurse.



The progression to become a Registered nurse starts with the nurse assistant. The licensed vocational nurse is the next step requiring more education and exam. The final step is registered nurse .



The LVN ( Licensed Vocational Nurse) are in high demand. The salary is higher than that of a nursing assistant. And the task performed provide direct patient care. The LVN will work directly under the supervision of a Doctor or a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities for the LVN are excellent.



The education required to complete an LVN program is least three semesters of classroom and clinical hours. The program is intensive and can be completed with a combination of distance learning courses as well as on-site courses for the lab and clinical requirements. The LVN curriculum can be different depending on the location of the training. At the completion of the required courses from a university of community college program the LVN must successfully pass a state mandated exam before she can work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.



Because of the acute shortage of qualified Registered Nurses, hospitals are offering in house training programs to allow employees who want to become Nurses. These employees are allowed to attend classes on company time. Some companies offering the training on site. Companies offer tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules in return for a commitment of a certain number of years of employment in exchange for the opportunity.



To become a Registered Nurse requires the completion a 4 year course of study. The registered nurses that are in most demand have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree as opposed to the Associate Degree Nursing program that requires the completion of a two year degree program. The salary for an RN has escalated within the last few years because of the shortage of Registered Nurses.



Several colleges and universities offer the basic curriculum for obtaining a degree in Nursing. However, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLAC) accredits certain colleges that meet their stringent requirements. These nursing programs prepare the student to be able to sit for the boards prior to getting prior to getting the license to practice nursing. Being selective in the choice of the educational institution for your education at the beginning of your training will save money and time.
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Nurse Practitioner Jobs Are In Demand

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A nurse practitioner is an advanced degree nurse who has completed a Master's or a Doctoral degree. They have received additional training and education and have specialized in such areas as adult care, gynecology, obstetrics or family practice. In the United States in order to perform nursing jobs one must have passed national board certification. Not only can they apply for nurse practitioner jobs, they can seek seek positions in occupational therapy, physician assistant, travel nursing, physical therapy and speech pathology.



A nurse practitioner works independently from a physician in some parts of the United States. Their job can include diagnosing, evaluating and treating chronic and acute disease and illness such as high blood pressure, conducting physical exams and performing, ordering and interpreting lab test, x-rays and EKG's. They can prescribe rehabilitative treatments and drugs for acute illness, this can vary by state. They provide prenatal care, well-child care, assist in surgeries and counsel patients.



One must complete the training to become a registered nurse first and then complete graduate-level nursing courses. They must then pass a national board certification in their specialty. An associate degree in nursing, or ADN, is offered through community colleges and takes 2 to 3 years to complete. A bachelor of science degree in nursing, or BSN, is offered through colleges and universities and takes 4 to 5 years. Then they must complete a masters degree. The nurse practitioner degree program began in 1965 due to a prediction of a shortage of physicians. The nurse practitioner can commands a higher salary than a nurse and is in great demand.



With a position in a women's health clinic, a nurse practitioner can provide women's wellness care. This includes counseling on birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and providing breast and pelvic exams. Some practitioners get further training to become nurse midwives. A certified nurse midwife can provide prenatal and postnatal care as well as assist in uncomplicated pregnancies through labor and delivery.



In primary care, they can work with both pediatric and adult patients. They can provide preventative care and check-ups and treat minor emergencies as well as treat patients with acute illnesses. They can practice in a private practice in a setting known as nurse-managed health centers. These centers employ only nurse practitioners rather than doctors or physicians' assistants to provide primary care. These centers are often located in underserved areas and will typically provide mental health care as well as physical care.



Geriatric clinics are settings where nurses are also employed. They provide care for older adults in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, hypertension and diabetes. This type of health care involves case management and coordinating care.



Another setting for a nurse practitioner to work is a hospital. There they can diagnose patients, order medications and tests and help to determine discharge dates. In teaching hospitals acute care nurses are often involved in teaching new doctors in their first years of residency.



In mental healthcare a nurse can work with outpatients, inpatients or partial hospitalization settings. They can diagnose patients and prescribe medication. Complying with a medication regimen can often be problematic with these patients so a nurse practitioner can provide patient teaching to teach about side effects and how to use self-help tools to manage symptoms as well as finding support through their communities.
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Thursday, March 1, 2012

RN Salary: A Review of How to Make Great Earnings As an RN

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People are shifting occupations since the economy swings and many are eyeing for an RN salary. Authorized nurses generate great revenue and you only need the same associate degree as other courses to become a nurse. That is appealing to men and women trying to take up a job. Additionally it is alluring those who find themselves trying to switch occupations since the time commitment isn't as critical as it is with other professions. Start to generate RN salary in just three years for those who have not obtained a course in college before. In the event you have a college degree, you might already have many of the prerequisite studies and be able to finish nursing school in less than a term.



How Much You Think an RN Salary Is?



An RN salary will vary according to where you live. Generally, brand new nurses may make around $30,000 annually and an expert registered nurse can make as much as $80,000 a year. Wherever you are the earnings can be better than they are for most jobs having a similar level of education. This really is due to the expertise standards for these quite crucial healthcare personnel. You are compensated not just for your academic degree but furthermore for the particular clinical capabilities which you have shown in the college student nursing period.



A fantastic part that you may make your RN salary right after graduation is in postpartum RN jobs. This area supports why lots of people really want to enter into nursing. They would like to assist people and help save lives. In assisting moms soon after delivery, these people experience the joy of knowing and seeing that they are helping folks.



A number of people go into medical care because they want to make an RN salary while they carry out crucial assistance for folks who are in need. A dialysis nurse salary will not dissatisfy them and they're going to get to work directly with individuals who will be in great need. Healthcare professionals within this crucial field have regular salaries of more than $60,000 annually.



If you are really looking forward to an RN salary plus the fact that you want to be of help to other people then you should look into programs for registered nurses at your local colleges. You may also find more information through the internet. You can even have 2 years of extensive training in a nursing school.
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How to Enroll at a Vocational Nursing School

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If you are looking for a financially rewarding and meaningful career, the nursing profession can offer you that. An education from a vocational nursing school is a good first step towards a nursing career. You can get an associate degree in nursing or become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) by attending a vocational nursing school.



According to the American Nurses Association, Licensed Vocational Nurses receive an average salary of about $35,000. Not only will you be building personal financial stability but also, more importantly, you will be holding a job where you are able to touch the lives of people every day.



At present, there is a shortage of qualified vocational nurses in the country and reports estimate this shortage can triple in the next coming years so attend a vocational nursing school would be a smart decision. Many opportunities are waiting for you in different healthcare organizations nationwide and overseas after you graduate from vocational nursing school.



Usually, such programs have three-semester up to four-semester coursework. Some offer programs that accelerate the period of study wherein students are able to complete their education in less than 12 months.



While the length of study is major consideration for some students, what should be a more important factor to consider is the quality of education offered by your chosen nursing school. Quality education will make all the difference in whether you will be able to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses or NCLEX-PN.



Therefore, you should choose your school carefully. Make sure your school is state-approved and has received the proper accreditation to provide a vocational nursing program. Do your research and learn about the school, its programs, curriculum, pass rate, environment, student life and etcetera.



A good school offers a program where students have the opportunity to learn various technical skill sets in patient care such as taking vital signs, assessment and reporting of symptoms, administering treatment, and other practical nursing skills. The students also learn how to communicate and interact with patients effectively. Ultimately, a vocational nursing school prepares the student to be able to meet requirements for licensure.



Tuition in a vocational school varies from one school to the other but student financial aid is available through state funds, scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid. Contact your local vocational nursing school to find out about their financial assistance programs.
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Benefits of Becoming an RN With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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Determining the level of nursing degree you need to seek will definitely help keep you on track for a successful nursing career. The level of education you have plays a huge role in the overall success you will have as a nurse, including salary and job position. When recruiters review resumes, you most definitely want a valid degree to be spotlighted. Some seeking nursing careers obtain an associates to be a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) while the majority go ahead and become a registered nurse (RN) from the beginning.



Do Not Get Stuck in An Entry Level Position



Those that are interested in eventually pursuing careers in administration or management positions will need to continue their education and go from an RN to BSN online. Online RN to BSN classes are tremendously popular due to the many benefits of this type of education. They allow students to maintain a job while also expanding their education. Base salaries for ADN nurses versus those of BSN nurses are substantially the same, since the entry level tasks they will perform are the same.



However, more hospitals are offering a small differential for the higher degree while other benefits include more choices of assignments and the opportunity to pursue greater specialization. In many cases, it takes three to three and a half years to earn an ADN, though programs advertise a two year completion time, versus the four years needed for a BSN. Because the actual time differential is so small, it may be more practical to complete an online Bachelor of Nursing degree.



Get the Position and Advancement Opportunities Many Seek



Those that do not advance their RN to BSN online, or on-campus, stay locked into entry level positions. Highly competitive units, such as labor and delivery, often only hire RN's that have earned their BSN. Another benefit is that of becoming a licensed nurse practitioner, which has a large salary differential from an RN, requires a BSN. One must have completed an online Bachelor of Nursing degree in order to pursue the Masters. Most Masters programs will not enroll students that have not completed a Bachelors regardless of the number of years of practical experience the candidate possesses.



Online Classes Make Higher Education User Friendly to the Working Professional



Online classes are a marvelous way to pursue a career in nursing. The flexible scheduling allows students to continue to work while they pursue their education. Licensed nurse practitioners can earn upwards of $100,000 annually after several years of experience.



An online RN to BSN program can help nurses realize career goals and pursue advancement opportunities. This degree can also help registered nurses pursue specialization and administrative jobs. There is just no need to stay in an entry level position when you don't have to.
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Associate Degrees With High Starting Salaries And Room For Further Education

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As general wisdom goes, the more education an individual has, the more he or she might expect to earn. For the most part, for instance, a college or university graduate with a bachelor's degree might expect to earn more than the graduate with an associate's degree, the graduate with a master's degree more than the graduate with a bachelor's degree and so on.



There are exceptions, however, and they have to do in part with the occupation as well as the individual. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that students with associate's degrees who go on to work as dental hygienists, nuclear technicians, computer specialists, fashion designers and radiation therapists on average earn between $62,600 to $68,600 a year. A social worker with a bachelor's degree, on the other hand, might earn $45,000 a year even with 15 years of experience, Payscale.com shows.



Some wondered for a time also whether the type of college or university - Ivy league institutions that tend to cost more, for instance - produce higher paid graduates. A Payscale.com survey published in the New York Times in 2009 suggested that graduates of engineering schools were paid the highest starting salaries, while Ivy League graduates earned more at mid-career. College and university majors made a difference: Those who earned engineering, economics, math and science degrees earned some of the top 20 highest paid starting and mid-career median salaries, the Payscale.com survey showed. In Florida, community college graduates with associate's degrees were also found to earn higher entry-level salaries than those who obtained bachelor's degrees from public and private colleges and universities.



The Miami Herald and the St. Petersburg Times on Jan. 4 didn't single out individual institutions but showed that, in general, students graduating with bachelor's degrees from Florida's public and private universities in 2009 were provided average starting salaries respectively of $36,552 and $44,558 annually as compared with the $47,708 that students graduating with associate's degrees in science from community colleges earned. Students with bachelor's degrees over time, however, might expect to earn more based on their potential for advancements in the workplace, the article noted.



At least one expert in The Herald and St. Petersburg Times suggested also that community colleges tend to train students for in-demand careers in areas such as nursing, dental assisting and auto collision repair. "Green collar" jobs also are said to be experiencing increased demand. In Toledo, a university as well as a community college are offering associate's degrees in alternative energy, according to a Jan. 18 report in Toledo on the Move. The associate's degree programs would train students in developing, installing and maintaining alternative energy systems, the Toledo on the Move article noted.



In Worcester County, Mass., community colleges might see increased enrollment as a result of new sheriff's department hiring policies. The News Telegram on Jan. 20 reported on a new requirement that sheriff's department employees either have associate's degrees or two years of experience in the military. The county sheriff centered some of his new hiring policies on those that other sheriff's departments in the state already have in place, the News Telegram noted.



Many two-year colleges are also collaborating more often with four-year institutions in their area. The Orlando Business Journal on Jan. 19 noted that a two-year associate's degree in architecture was part of a new partnership that took students on to bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture at a university in Florida. Students in Pennsylvania who obtain an associate's degree from community colleges in the area are able to apply all of their academic credits toward fulfilling Allentown college's general education requirements in instances where they enroll in the institution's School of Adult and Graduate Education, according to a Jan. 20 article in The Morning Call. In Tennessee, a community college and a technical university have established a "dual admissions" program partnership where students are offered a more structured means of completing an associate's degree at the community college and moving on to a bachelor's degree program at the technical university, a Jan. 19 article on knoxnews.com noted.
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Associate Degree Nursing: Pros And Cons In Earning An Associate Nursing Degree Online

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An associate degree nursing is almost the same as that of an LPN or an LVN. An associate degree nursing is a two-year program structured to focus on direct skills and and care of health care management. The good thing about an associate degree is it caters mainly to those who have financial constraints. The short length of the course significantly lowers down any further costs allowing it to be more affordable in terms of nursing profession while it directly prepares graduates to provide care for patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or in doctor's offices. Focusing more on technical skills, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree is considered to be the stepping stone for nursing applicants looking into completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.



The fastest way that you can start on earning your associate degree nursing would be through online universities. With online programs designed in such a way as to fit the convenience of nursing applicants where they can greatly enhance their career without having to sacrifice time for their family and work. All you would need upon admission would be your high school diploma or the equivalent GED. Some online universities may require you to take basic skills test before admission. Before enrolling, you may need to do research for nursing programs featured in accredited universities. This way you can compare the admission criteria and find out which criteria would best suit your needs. A list of the pros and cons with regard to an associate nursing degree should help you get prepared for the task ahead.



Pros



Online Degree - With the convenience of earning your associate degree nursing online, you won't need to sacrifice time to travel getting from work to school. You can save precious time for work, family, and study by just having to log online to access your classes. Another convenience for earning your nursing degree online is you can complete your classes at your own pace and in your own time.



Accelerated Programs - With accelerated programs you can have your previous courses credited in order to inch up you nursing degree. If you're already working, you can have your clinical hours integrated as part of the program's curriculum.



Online Options - With countless accredited university options online, you won't have a hard time finding one that suits your program needs.



Cons



Being Internet Savvy - Online education doesn't really require a person to be technically savvy, however, basic internet skills such as chatting, surfing the net, and the likes are needed for you to get around with your online classes.



Online Discussion vs. Classroom Lecture - There are some students who learn more through an active classroom lecture in contrast to just an online discussion of the lesson. In this case, if a face-to-face interaction with a teacher is needed, an online program may not work for you.



Internet Connection - Since most of your associate degree nursing classes are conducted online, you will need to have a steady internet connection. Most online universities do not issue refunds for missed classes.



These are just some of the things you need to keep in mind when applying for an associate degree nursing online. The few disadvantages mentioned are manageable provided that you would be able to work around with them.
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Affordable and Fast Nursing Degree Online Programs and Colleges

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Many online colleges offer nursing programs that are affordable and relatively fast. If you are looking for an RN to BSN program, or looking to obtain a master's degree in the science of nursing, there are several online colleges and universities that can meet your needs. An online degree website can provide you with specific information.



Chamberlain College of Nursing offers an RN to BSN degree that is a fast track. The RN student will receive 85 credits toward the bachelor's degree and can earn up to 10 additional credits for work experience. A bachelor's degree in the science of nursing can be earned by completing 12 courses that are offered in eight-week sessions.



You can decide how many courses you can do at a time and still meet your work schedule and other obligations. More job opportunities, increased wages, and more portability come with a BSN degree. The average salary increase from an associates prepared nurse to a BSN is $5,000 annually.



University of Phoenix offers both bachelors and master degree programs. You can start almost anytime. Course work is done in teams online. As in all online degree programs you will have clinical experiences locally with a local preceptor. The average salary increase from a BSN to an MSN is $6,000 annually.



Walden University also offers a masters in nursing science online education program. Several different tracks are offered. You will be able to complete your course work online on your own schedule and will arrange your clinical experiences with a local preceptor.



These are some of the schools that offer the chance to advance your nursing career, by completing a degree program online. Salary increases in nursing are out pacing any other profession. Now is the time to explore the possibility of advancing your degree and guaranteeing your future.
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Registered Nurses Salaries

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Within the broad spectrum of healthcare, RNs make up the largest workforce group because of the fundamental role they play in caring for patients and running a healthcare facility. Because of the demand for these openings, job opportunities are in healthy supply and allow RNs to have more specific choices in where they work and, in some cases, what shifts they will work. However, as patient care is required around the clock, shift choice is not always an option.



Registered nurses salaries have increased steadily over the recent past by approximately $10,000 to $15,000 annually; almost a 5% increase from two years prior. Some RNs have more responsibility allowing for even higher increases in salary. Dedicated nurses are often placed in charge of a facility and put in charge of other nursing staff.



RNs pursue their career because of their dedication to helping people and their interest in health and sciences. RNs carry out a number of functions depending upon their area of work. They work to document medical information on a patient including medication regimes, allergies, history of the patient, and health concerns. They also document any new information that is pertinent to maintaining accurate records. Many nurses provide education and advice to their patients, their patients' families, and also to the public. Registered nurses offer support and provide treatment and care to those in need. An RN may operate medical equipment for diagnostic testing or treatment methods, and they often administer medication and immunizations.



The current staffing trends are expected to continue throughout the healthcare system; specifically with registered nursing staff. The employment rate for RNs is expected to grow by over 22% within the next five years. In response to this employment rate many students have made this their study of choice. Those employing registered nurses prefer their nurses to hold, at least, an associate degree; however, they are even more likely to hire a registered nurse holding a bachelor's degree. On average 36% of registered nurses hold an associate's degree, 39% hold a bachelor's degree, 11% hold a master's degree, and 0.6% of RNs hold a doctoral degree. On the lower end of the spectrum for registered nurse's salary is approximately $44,000 which is earned by approximately 10% of all RNs. On the higher end of the spectrum are those RNs earning approximately $94,000, representing about 10% of RNs also. The remaining 80% vary between the two figures.
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Monday, February 27, 2012

Online Nursing Degree - Increase Your Wages

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Nursing wages have increased on average 36%, from 1986 to 2005. Getting a bachelor or masters degree online will put you in position to take advantage of this rise. Nursing wages have increase more than teachers, lawyers, and even doctors.



Obviously as your nursing education advances, so do your wages. The average salary for a LPN/LVN is $40,000, for an Associates Degree nurse $61,000, a bachelors prepared nurse $66,000 and a masters prepared nurse $72,000.



You can continue to collect your current wages while doing an online nursing degree program. You will be able to do your coursework around your work schedule in your own home.



Many NLN accredited colleges and universities now offer online nursing degree education programs. With an online course, you are not limited geographically and earn a degree from schools all over the United States. You can arrange your clinical experience in your local area.



By the year 2020, there will be a need for 1.7 million nurses. Due to the lack of nursing educators only 600,000 new nurses will graduate. These spastics demonstrate that as nurses are more in demand, wages will have to increase. Now is the time to be prepared to take advantage of the current situation. Online nursing schools allow more and more nurses to prepare themselves for the future.



At the end of this article are links to an online college degree website where you can search for a school that meets your needs. You will be able to search for specific programs and specific schools. You will find information about classes, tuition costs, and financial aid. You will also have the opportunity to have access to a advisor. Most importantly you will be able to apply right online to a number of schools and start down the path to a better financial future.
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MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Salary Range

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The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is one of the few degrees that offer nurses further specialization in a specific field. As a graduate holding a master degree in nursing you may be well qualified to serve in a leadership role at a health-care facility or as a member of a university faculty. The degree even allows you to advance your career in the nursing field.



Once you complete your MSN program or earn a MSN degree, you may advance your healthcare career and become an administrator or supervisor. Adding to this, you may also work as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), a nurse midwife, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), a nurse practitioner, or a nurse psychotherapist, among others. These days, many MSN graduates act as specialists in areas that include community health, management and geriatrics.



Apart from all this, earning a master's degree in nursing allows you to focus and widen your opportunities for having bigger responsibilities and even earn more money. In fact, in terms of salary, the nurse who holds a MSN degree enjoys a decent income. Though working as a MSN graduate may have its own share of challenges and responsibilities, but it even offers tremendous rewards along with salary range that can be beyond any evaluation to any other profession.



Although it is easy to generalize what a nurse with a master's degree may earn, but generally salaries greatly differ when specialties are concerned. Nurse with a master's degree in ambulatory care can earn an average yearly income of $44,000. Adding to this, a nurse with a degree in nurse management can have the potential to earn an average of $65,000 a year in that field. The highest earning nurse in the health care industry is often the nurse practitioner.



The working location also plays a very major role for a nurse who holds a MSN degree, even when it comes to overtime. Certain medical facilities or centers compensate overtime by paying a high hourly rate, while others pay off the time by increasing time off. If the reimbursement comes as an hourly pay, in that situation the pay rate usually differs from one specialty to another. Nurses may acquire their hourly pay by the number of beds or by the size of the supervised staff.



In next few years the employment opportunities for nurses having master's degree is expected to grow at an average rate. Tough the opportunities may differ by region of the United States, but with the increase in job opportunities the salary range is expected to boost in next few years in the United States.
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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Numerous Reasons to Become a Nurse

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Nursing is a field that has always been known for job security. Even in tough economic times, nursing shortages persist. Hospitals may reduce the number of nurses to save money, but that reduction in no way reflects the need for well qualified nurses who can provide exceptional patient care. A registered nurse performs patient care duties under the direction of a physician. The nurse carries out a physician's orders regarding medication administration and patient care. A nurse must be able to assess patient needs, write care plans, monitor progress and respond to emergencies in a calm and competent manner.



There are numerous reasons to consider nursing as a career. Nurses earn better than average pay. Entry level registered nurses earn starting salaries in the neighborhood of $40,000 per year. A nurse who becomes a specialist in an area such as anesthesiology or one who chooses to become a nurse practitioner can eventually earn a six figure salary. Flexibility in scheduling is another reason to consider nursing as a career. While nurses work evenings, weekends and holidays, schedules can often be adjusted to meet the nurse's needs. Some nurses prefer working shifts such as three 12 hour days which allow them to have more consecutive days off between shifts. Others may prefer working standard 8 hour shifts. Outside of the hospital and long-term care setting, nurses can work regular hours in physician's offices, mental health centers, schools and health departments.



Becoming a registered nurse requires earning a degree or diploma in the field and taking a state licensing examination. The good news is that there are several avenues to earning nursing credentials. An individual who is interested into getting into professional nursing quickly can enroll in an associate degree program at a community college or junior college. The associate degree can be earned in two years. Associate degree nurses take courses necessary to meet the requirements for the licensing exam, but do not take a lot of electives due to the length of the program. Another option is a hospital diploma program. Nursing students in these programs can complete the diploma in two to three years in this type of program, which is structured similar to the associate degree program. The bachelor of science in nursing program takes four years to complete and is offered by colleges or universities. Within the bachelor's degree program a nursing student has the opportunity to take some electives and additional nursing courses to prepare for a role as a nursing administrator. All three programs prepare nurses to sit for the state licensing exam.
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Registered Nursing - A Job With More Bang For Your Educational Buck

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If you're looking for a good-paying job and you'd like to start working quickly, you might want to consider registered nursing.



In a 2006 article, CNN lists registered nursing as one of the ten best-paying jobs that can be obtained with an associate's degree. In the article, they note that a job requiring an Associate's Degree often pays better than many jobs requiring bachelor's degrees. They quote an average annual salary of around $52,000 for registered nurses, which is a job that can be obtained with a two year Associate's Degree from an accredited nursing program.



Your state board of nursing will have a list of accredited nursing programs in your area or all throughout the state.



There are also four year bachelor's of science in nursing programs available, but those do not necessarily come with higher pay. Either way, with an ADN or a BSN degree, once you take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you are a registered nurse.



Some hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, etc. pay more for nurses with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, and some don't. The pay is generally not going to be drastically higher.



Another advantage of getting an Associate's Degree in Nursing first is that once you get that degree, you can take an ADN to BSN course either at an online nursing school or at a local college, and you can do it part-time while you are working. Odds are good that your employer will pay for some or all of your education in exchange for an agreement to remain working with that employer for a specified amount of time.



If you want to move into a manager's position as a nurse, you will almost certainly need to get a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing, but again, that can be obtained after you have gotten your ADN degree and your job with that nice paycheck rolling in every week.
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Saturday, February 25, 2012

RN Salary: A Review of How to Make Great Earnings As an RN

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People are shifting occupations since the economy swings and many are eyeing for an RN salary. Authorized nurses generate great revenue and you only need the same associate degree as other courses to become a nurse. That is appealing to men and women trying to take up a job. Additionally it is alluring those who find themselves trying to switch occupations since the time commitment isn't as critical as it is with other professions. Start to generate RN salary in just three years for those who have not obtained a course in college before. In the event you have a college degree, you might already have many of the prerequisite studies and be able to finish nursing school in less than a term.



How Much You Think an RN Salary Is?



An RN salary will vary according to where you live. Generally, brand new nurses may make around $30,000 annually and an expert registered nurse can make as much as $80,000 a year. Wherever you are the earnings can be better than they are for most jobs having a similar level of education. This really is due to the expertise standards for these quite crucial healthcare personnel. You are compensated not just for your academic degree but furthermore for the particular clinical capabilities which you have shown in the college student nursing period.



A fantastic part that you may make your RN salary right after graduation is in postpartum RN jobs. This area supports why lots of people really want to enter into nursing. They would like to assist people and help save lives. In assisting moms soon after delivery, these people experience the joy of knowing and seeing that they are helping folks.



A number of people go into medical care because they want to make an RN salary while they carry out crucial assistance for folks who are in need. A dialysis nurse salary will not dissatisfy them and they're going to get to work directly with individuals who will be in great need. Healthcare professionals within this crucial field have regular salaries of more than $60,000 annually.



If you are really looking forward to an RN salary plus the fact that you want to be of help to other people then you should look into programs for registered nurses at your local colleges. You may also find more information through the internet. You can even have 2 years of extensive training in a nursing school.
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Select An Online Associate Nursing Degree Program

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The best part of any online associate nursing degree program is that it does not require you study for years and attend the classes regularly. In fact, you can get an online associate nursing degree within a short time and carry out the studies from home. The program will help you acquire the skills required for the job as well as give you the much in demand certification. The online associate nursing degree program will let you have jobs at the reputed hospitals and clinics offering handsome salaries.



Online nursing training has too many advantages



It's the convenience of the online associate nursing degree program that has attracted so many women to this curriculum. You need to devote minimum time and effort to complete the online nursing course. But it does not mean that the training you will get is of lower standards. The online nursing schools who are offering the courses have developed the online associate nursing degree program is such a way that it rightly prepares the candidates for the industry and you can greatly benefit from the courses.



The online nursing education is particularly beneficial for the students who are not in a position to attend conventional schools or colleges. This is another reason that so many people are keen to get an online nursing degree. The online training model gives you the freedom of taking the course in the pace that is convenient for you. You can make your own schedule that will let you make good use of your spare time.



All said and done, you should always keep in mind that online associate nursing degree program prepares you with the theoretical aspects of the training. For the practical and hands on training of the subject, which is an indispensable part of the nursing training, you have to get training at a medical facility near to you. It will let you have the first hand experience of the nursing job.
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Friday, February 24, 2012

What Colleges Or Universities Offer the Best Online Associate Nursing Degree Programs - From a Nurse

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As a registered nurse myself, when I went through nurse's training through a local college, there were no online nursing degrees available. I know it would have saved me a lot of time and energy especially with young children at home. Now there are many ways to get the best online associate nursing degree, and your online bachelor's and master's degree in nursing too if you decide to get additional education.



You'll find there are many different ways to go and a variety of types of schools. Many online colleges and universities offer online degrees in nursing and other medical and health fields as well. They may not have an on-campus program however for nurses and nurses-to-be.



First of all you want to research what is available online for those colleges and universities that have an on-campus associate nursing degree program in your community. You'll find that you won't be able to do all of your associate degree nursing education online because you need to get experience in the hospital. That means learning how to give shots, learning how to give treatments and learning all about the equipment, working with animal cadavers, working with patients in a hospital setting and so on. But you'll be able to take a number of nursing and other courses that don't require in-hospital or in-lab work.



So you may end up with courses taken at more than one college, community college or university. So if that's the way you choose to go you have to be very careful that the schools will accept credit transfers from any of the other online or on campus schools you're attending.



So it's better to check this out in person with someone in authority at the on-campus school they'll transfer to just to make doubly sure.



You may need to be accepted into a nursing program first in an on-campus school in order to know what courses you need to take and in what order is required, if any, and for many other reasons etc.



So you want to locate the closest nursing schools, colleges and universities to you that have the best associate nursing degree programs. If there are more than one you do want to compare. One of the schools may not offer online classes or an online nursing degree program.



You can do a lot of research online with the colleges and universities that do offer the best online associate nursing degree programs and nursing courses to help get your nursing degree. But make sure you find a local school to work with for the training that may be required in a hospital. You may have to travel to a larger city for that part if you don't have a nursing school near your home.
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