Tally: Online Education Nurse - August 2010

The negative consequences of our country's recent economic downturn have reached across the United States and resulted in home foreclosures, business shutdowns and mass layoffs. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unemployment rate of 9.5 percent in July 2010--3.7 points higher than the same month just two years earlier in 2008. Many hardworking Americans now find themselves out of work, looking for ways to reinvent themselves to be marketable in the workforce. And for those just entering college, the thought of accumulating significant debt in a time of such uncertainty is frightening. However, there may be a silver lining on the dark economic cloud for individuals interested in becoming a nurse.

Job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be excellent, with growth estimated at 22 percent between 2008 and 2018--a rate much faster than the average for all other occupations. Students applying to nursing school degree programs can feel secure knowing that even during this time of economic struggle, career opportunities are available.

Knowing nursing is a growing field is certainly a plus, but there is still the challenge of financing your education while attending nursing school. If you do not have savings in the bank, are working your way through school and/or have dependents to support, there are several ways to make ends meet and avoid a hefty toll on your wallet.

• Nursing Scholarships: For some students scholarships are the only way they can afford to go to school. Your current high school or employer, local business owners, religious organizations, and community groups are a great places to start when investigating scholarship opportunities. The nursing school you are applying to may also offer scholarships to incoming or existing students.
• U.S. Health Resources and Services Nursing Scholarship Program: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provide this program to encourage nursing in areas of the country that are lacking in nursing care.
• Nursing Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students: Nursing students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and need financial assistance in order to attend nursing school may qualify for scholarships for disadvantaged students

Nixing First Day Nursing Jitters

Whether you are new to nursing school, or are embarking on an LPN to RN program, becoming a nurse can be stressful and anxiety provoking. Our nursing expert offers these tips for managing your nursing clinicals:

• Prepare the night before: Many schools will provide you with patient assignments a day or two prior to your clinicals
• Get a good night's sleep
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Leave home early: Your never know what traffic you will encounter or if there will be delays in public transportation.
• Be prepared: Bring a pad, pen and stethoscope.
• Think positive: This will help you portray confidence.
• Never guess: If you do not know something - ask!
• Remember that your patient is a person
• Remember why you are there--to learn. Admit mistakes and learn from them rather than dwell on them.

Preparing for Nursing School: Knowing is Half the Battle

If you know that nursing is your calling when starting high school, you are setting yourself up for a significant advantage when applying to nursing school degree programs in your junior and senior years. Taking the most commonly required nursing school pre-requisites during your high school years can give you a head start after graduation.

Although each nursing school has its own requirements, our nursing expert lists some of the most commonly required courses:

• Biology--Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Nutrition
• Statistics
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Math

Across Borders and Monitors: Nursing School Degree Programs

Whether you are considering nursing programs in California or nursing schools in New Jersey, you will not be lacking in options. Opportunities seem almost limitless regardless of whether you are pursuing an online nursing degree or a more traditional nursing school degree path.

Following are some important items to consider no matter which road you choose.

When choosing an online nursing degree program:

• Confirm your state Board of Nursing recognizes the school
• Determine where you will be doing your nursing clinicals
• Consider if you are the type of student who is disciplined enough to learn independently, without a teacher's guidance
• Make sure your computer can handle the technological needs of the required courses

When considering pursuing an associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) ask yourself these questions:

• Can I afford a four-year program?
• Do I want to be a bedside nurse or move into management or teaching?
• Would I like to further my education after I have work experience?

Our nursing expert offers personalized guidance to help you chose the nursing degree program that's right for you--check out August's top posts for more advice.