Nurses, We Must Keep Up! (Going Back to School)
Date: October 11, 2023
“If you wanna be somebody, if you’re going to get somewhere, then you better wake up and pay attention.” Thus this line from a pop song infers there’s no such thing as overnight success. But, goals must be built. In truth, they must be built and rebuilt again. Whereas lifelong accomplishment isn’t arriving at a final destination and “just hanging there.” Moreover, one must get up, dress up, and show up–but do so repeatedly.
When Yesterday’s Learning Just Isn’t Enough
Oftentimes degrees, too, must be re-tooled. Whereas associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are respected accomplishments, sometimes one must “reboot” with advanced instruction to accomplish new goals. Likewise, within some work settings, a master’s, doctorate, or professional license might required. In short, one needs more education and skill today than ever before.
For these reasons, many professionals go back to college. In short, of those who return, many choose from among healthcare professions. Often these include courses in nursing or advanced nursing education.
L-o-o-o-n-g Waiting Lists
Yet, many entering or returning to nursing school come up against long waiting lists. Moreover, the main reason is that the standards set forth to accredit a nursing program have requirements for faculty and preceptor-to-student ratios. Additionally, there are limited resources for clinical-based learning. As a result, many institutions resort to an admissions lottery system. Ultimately, this narrows their merit-based acceptances.1
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), many are turned down. “More than 80,000 applicants were turned down by U.S. nursing degree programs in 2020. With the current nursing shortage and projected need for an additional 200,000 nurses by 2029, the educational side of nursing can’t keep up with the demand.”1
For these reasons, faster educational tracks are sought. By and large, selecting a private nursing school is a good option. However, private schools may be more expensive. Sometimes they might also be geographically more challenging to attend. I.e., They may be out of state, etc.
We Help students Remove Obstacles
Generally, quality schools work with prospective students to help them remove obstacles. Moreover, at Gurnick Academy, our trained professionals help ascertain barriers. Oftentimes barriers include work and family commitments. Likewise, our academic advisors help students problem-solve their challenges in light of their specific needs and goals. Additionally, we point future students toward grants, scholarships, and other resources. Of little surprise, these can go a long way in making college entrances smoother.
In brief, if you’re considering a nursing program, remember multiple paths lead to nursing. Accordingly, RN program trajectories exist in the following:
- (A.D.N.) Associate Degree in Nursing
- (A.S.N.) Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Program
- (A.A.S.) Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- (B.S.N.) Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
Beyond this, there are master’s and doctoral programs in nursing. However, this article focuses on associate and bachelor-level RN programs. Confused? Don’t sweat! Summarily we’ve explained RN routes below.
Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.)
Notably, the Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) course focuses on comprehensive nursing courses and clinical practice.2 For example, overall courses include anatomy, physiology, administering medications, nutrition, psychology, and microbiology. Namely, practical skills, including bloodwork, starting I.V.s, bathing, toileting, and mealtimes, are covered. Finally, an additional overview is given of foundations in nursing, care of adults, behavioral health, and maternal and child nursing.3 *✢
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Program (A.S.N.)
Uniquely, the Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) program combines coursework with hands-on experience.4 Moreover, the A.S.N. places more emphasis on clinical tasks rather than academics. If you take this route, expect to spend more time completing clinicals in healthcare facilities and performing work in skills labs rather than attending lectures. And that’s good news for students who prefer activity over classroom time. Some required credits are nursing-specific, while others are more general education-driven. 4*✢
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.)
Of note, the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.) gives students an overview of nursing specializations while letting them explore various subjects. Unquestionably, this is a career-focused program providing primary nursing education.2 Looking at the “big picture,” students gain the foundational knowledge to make informed choices regarding their work areas. For instance, they may opt to work in a hospital or other patient population.4*✢
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (B.S.N.)
Ultimately longer, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (B.S.N.) is a four-year program. However, if you are already an RN and hold an associate degree, the RN-to-B.S.N. transition can be finished sooner. “The broad focus of BSN programs is one way they prepare students to pursue advanced nursing degrees. Students also gain critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, which help them make nursing diagnoses, plan patient care, and evaluate nursing interventions. Several factors also contribute to the value of a BSN.”5*✢
Conclusion
If you’re opting for a nursing route in need of a private education, see us today. We may be able to help you “beat the enrollment lines” once and for all. If you’re unclear about which route to take. We have a program just for you. Accordingly, Gurnick Academy offerings include:
Vocational Nursing
Registered Nursing
- A.S. in Nursing ADN/ASN
- A.S. in Nursing (LVN-RN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing General
- BSNAP, also known as LVN to BSN Advanced Placement
- RN-BSN (B.S. in Nursing)
Master’s in Nursing
International Nursing
Embark on Your Journey
Finally, as you embark on your return to school, remember the most important thing to know is that hard work and study will be worth your sacrifices.~
*Additional requirements include clinical work and National Council Licensure Examination® (NCLEX®).
✢ Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX® for licensure.2
Citations
1^a, b Newman, Rebecca. “Nursing School Waitlists.” EduMed. May 2, 2022. (Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.)
(Original source) Rosseter, Robert. “Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet.” aacnnursing.org. American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Oct. 2022. (Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.)
2^a, b, c —. “What Are the Differences Between A.D.N., A.S.N. and A.A.S. Nursing Degrees?” Nurse.org. July 12, 2023. (Accessed Sept. 27, 2023.)
3 RN, Emily Tuttle. “A.D.N., A.S.N., and A.A.S. Nursing Degrees–What’s the Difference?” Incredible Health. Nov. 16, 2022. (Accessed Sept. 20, 2023.)
4^a, b, c Indeed Editorial Team. “A.D.N. vs. A.S.N. vs. A.A.S. Nursing Degrees: What’re the Differences?” Indeed Career Guide. June 24, 2022. (Accessed Sept. 25, 2023.)
5 Hrelic, PhD, RNC, Debra. “RN to BSN: Why and How.” American Nurse. Oct. 7, 2019. (Accessed Sept. 27, 2023.)
