Anything You Need to Know About Associate Degree in Nursing

Anything You Need to Know About Associate Degree in Nursing

 

The different multiple entry points into becoming a registered nurse include the Associate in Nursing (which is also termed ADN), BS Nursing or BSN, diploma in nursing, and last is entering directly in graduate programs of nursing. Such options have made it confusing for the public especially to those who would like to pursue nursing as a profession. One of the options, Associate Degree in Nursing is the main focus of this discussion.

The programs for ADN started in 1952 when Mildred Montag, a nurse and also an educator from Columbia University took it as a subject of her dissertation. According to Montag’s study, the 2-year associate degree programs is possible, by cutting short the time needed to educate nursing students, because during that time, they are required to study for 3 years for them to obtain a diploma. During that time, there was a big shortage on nurses because the war has just ended.

About 60 percent of new-minted nurses in the US are from associate degree programs. The associate degree program helps students prepare for beginning a career in professional nursing practice. After completing an accredited program which takes two years, the graduates are qualified for the NCLEX which means National Council Licensure Exam.

Typical associate degree in nursing course takes seventy to eighty hours per semester. The curriculum includes nursing theory as well as varied clinical experiences which provide skills for care centered towards the patients in different situations. Opportunities for employment are in an intensive care units, private clinics and agencies for the community.

Listed here are some of the positive sides to associate degree in nursing:

• Lower cost of education compared to BSN
• It will take lesser time in finishing the course because it only takes 2 years.
• Services to isolated areas can be facilitated
• Local people are given the chance to work and gives them the chance to render service to their community
However, there are also drawbacks on associate degree in nursing and listed here are some of these:
• A number of applicants who are qualified are not shortlisted or they still need to wait because the class size of ADN is limited and many are applying to get in
• The co requisites in most programs are considered as prerequisites
• Students in some scenario are forced to re enroll in science and other subjects for a good standing so that they can equal other candidates in very competition-oriented process of admission into program.
• It happens that many students are not given the recognition they deserve, academically speaking for extra hours in the semester and their difficult work.
• They often get bedside nurse positions because they lack educational qualifications for management, education, and other roles.
Lastly,
• There are fewer opportunities available for advancement in the field they chose because many associate degree nurses fail to cope up with the stressful clinical environment as they age.

With this, consider the options before choosing your career path. It is also necessary to think twice and ponder on your options so that you maximize your time and resources for the fulfilling career you would like to achieve.

Pointers for Success in Nursing School

Pointers for Success in Nursing School

Have you already received your letter of acceptance from the nursing school you have applied? If so, congratulations! Now you are about to go on board a noble path where you will learn and experience things which will positively change your life. As the cliché goes, nursing is one of the noblest professions. Here is a career that will change your way of thinking not only as a student but as a human as well. In treading the paths to becoming a future nurse, what does it take someone to succeed?

One of the most important things is to always be positive. It takes a mature and courageous person to be aware of his personal disadvantages and uncertainty yet pushing ahead anyway. You have to have confidence in yourself. If you feel that you are not capable enough to handle the pressure and problems of nursing school, take a breather and tell yourself “I can do this!” try to do things one at a time. Try to find ways to make your studying easier for you. View your problems as challenges that need to be solved.

Another important thing in order to succeed in nursing school is to keep updated in everything and never get behind. Keep up with your class by reading your lectures, assignments, projects and lectures. You can also plan ahead of time and strategize effective study habits. Never procrastinate, as this can only result in last-minute cramming and erroneous results. In everything that you do, make sure that is not just satisfactory, but an excellent work. Remember that credits are given to those who deserve them. Always aim for the top. As you probably know, an hour of lecture generally takes two to three hours of concentrated studying. Never compromise your studying and comprehending a topic for other less important things. Remember that your aim is to be the best and succeed.

Last but not the least, you need to fully understand your lessons. You need full comprehension on the topics that you have discussed. It is understandable that some topics are really hard to understand. Never get discouraged when this happens. All you need is a little time and motivation… seek out help from your instructors until you fully understand the full content. If it helps, you can use strategies like jotting down important notes or statements which are hard to understand. You can employ the help of your professors as well as your classmates to get different perspectives in understanding the lesson.

Thorough comprehension of the content is needed for you to do well in examinations. You must have known by now that pure memorization is not that effective especially in the NCLELX-type of examinations. This sometimes takes nursing students by surprise, which leads to academic casualties. Nursing exams mostly test the nurses’ critical thinking and resourcefulness as well as the proper application of knowledge of the nursing fundamentals. Remember to analyze first before answering.

A fine NCLEX-style review textbook is recommended. It may be a little costly, but in the long run, you will realize that it is worth it. You can check out the current edition of Saunders Comprehensive NCLEX Review – the one with the questions broken down into subject matter. You can easily review the book because the topics are organized into different categories such as psychiatric alterations and fluids and electrolytes. Understand the reason behind the answers and sharpen your test-taking skills.