Hands-On Nursing Training Programs
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), there is a growing projected nursing shortage. The HRSA estimates that by the year 2020 there will be approximately 2,163,000 licensed registered nurses (RNs) actively practicing, with a concurrent projected need for 2,824,900 working RNs. Individuals interested in filling this gap will want to investigate nursing school programs. Hands-on clinical training programs are a necessary way for student nurses to learn the fundamentals of acceptable medical practice. These programs are offered at the diploma, associates, bachelors and masters levels and can be found in hospitals, community colleges and universities.
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Hands-On Hospital Nurse Training
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Many hospitals and medical facilities across the United States offer specialized hands-on nurse training. These health science associates or diploma programs may lead to licensure as either an RN or LPN (licensed practical nurse). In a hospital school setting practical, or clinical hands-on courses, takes place within simulation labs and with patients on actual hospital floors.
For example, the Ohio Valley General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a two-year RN diploma curriculum that includes a combination of classroom learning and clinical practice in a variety of different health-care departments. Specific training may consist of taking vital signs, starting an IV, patient health assessment and basic nursing care.
Most hospital schools of nursing offer financial aid and/or scholarships to students in need. Before applying to a hospital program, prospective students should inquire to the accreditation status of the school, and ensure that graduates are able to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN licensure test. Organizations such as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission Inc. review training programs for quality assurance.
Ohio Valley General Hospital
School of Nursing
25 Heckel Road
McKees Rocks, PA 15138
412-777-6161
ohiovalleyhospital.org
Community College Nurse Training
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Students searching for hands-on nursing training programs that do not live near a major hospital school can choose a two-year community college option. These programs might be less expensive (for in-county or in-state residents) than hospital or college schools of nursing. Additionally, many community colleges offer a transfer option or agreement with four-year institutions.
Unlike a hospital school of nursing, community colleges are not directly located within the walls of a medical facility. Students typically complete hands-on training in the form of clinical practicum experiences in a participating medical setting. Clinical training locations might include area hospitals, mental health centers, or specialty health-care facilities such as nursing homes.
The Queensborough Community College Nursing program located in New York City offers students an associate's degree option with hands-on training at public and private acute care hospitals in the surrounding Queens and Nassau areas as well as clinical lab practice training.
Queensborogh Community College
The City University of New York
Nursing Department
222-05 56th Ave.
Bayside, NY 11364
718-631-6034
qcc.cuny.edu -
College and University Nurse Training
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University level nurse preparatory programs are typically at least four years long, and result in a bachelor's or master's degree. Graduates are awarded a Bachelors of Science in nursing (BSN), a Masters of Science of nursing (MSN) or specialized degree such as nurse anesthetist or nurse midwife.
Although these programs are not located within a hospital, hands-on training is provided in nearby area hospitals and medical facilities. At the undergraduate level, student nurses may learn techniques such as taking vital signs or drawing blood, as well as assessing and caring for patients in both general medical-surgical settings and specialized areas such as maternity or pediatrics.
Masters or other graduate level students will participate in highly specialized hands-on training in a selected area. This may include working directly in an operating room or a maternity ward. Universities often operate or are associated with their own medical facility or hospital organization. One such example is the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing in Pennsylvania. Students at this nursing school participate in hands-on training in one of the many University of Pittsburgh Medical Center area hospitals and health-care facilities.
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
3500 Victoria St.
Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-15261
pitt.edu
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