Tag Archives: Colleges for Nursing near Willow Lake SD 57278

Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Willow Lake SD

How to Select a Nursing School near Willow Lake South Dakota

Willow Lake SD surgical nurse assisting surgeonChoosing the best nursing program near Willow Lake SD may seem like a challenging undertaking, especially if you don’t know what to look for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must acquire the appropriate education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you study and evaluate the qualifications of each college you are considering before enrolling in your ultimate choice. Regrettably, too many potential students base their determination entirely on the price of tuition and the distance of the school. Choosing the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your house is most likely not the most reliable way to pick a nursing program. There are many key additional factors to explore before you make a decision where to enroll in classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first discuss what the job of a registered nurse is in our health system, together with the nursing degree alternatives that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Activities

Willow Lake SD Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most extensive occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical environments, including Willow Lake SD hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic function is to help doctors in the treatment of their patients. However, the exact duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise as well as where they work. A few of the functions of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Monitoring patients
  • Conducting physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Overseeing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Instructing patients and their families
  • Taking care of health records and charts

Nurses with a more advanced degree may have more advanced job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for example, must hold a Master’s Degree and commonly work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can deliver primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat common illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees

There are several degree options offered to become a registered nurse. And in order to become an RN, a student must attend an accredited school and program. A student can obtain a qualifying degree in as little as 2 years, or advance to achieve a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some short descriptions of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Willow Lake SD area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a two year program offered by community colleges. It preps graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical centers such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many employ the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately achieve a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more expansive training than the ADN. It is commonly a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be eligible to complete an accelerated program based on their previous training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might wish to advance to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the employment market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is normally a 2 year program after obtaining the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.

Once a graduating student has acquired one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed. Additional requirements for licensing change from state to state, so don’t forget to contact the South Dakota board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN Certificates and Degrees

Willow Lake SD LPN assisting patientThere are principally two academic credentials offered that provide training to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be concluded in the shortest amount of time, commonly about one year, is the certificate or diploma course. The 2nd alternative is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma alternative and commonly require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, aside from offering a higher credential and more in-depth training, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the type of credential you pursue, it should be South Dakota approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or any other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the course of study adequately prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to earn a college degree. CNA education can be acquired at Willow Lake SD area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training can take anywhere from one to 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimum amount of training directed and that every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s essential to make certain that the course you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but also those for South Dakota or the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the education is state certified. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional requirements as well.

Questions to Ask Nursing Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Willow Lake SDOnce you have chosen which nursing degree to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus near Willow Lake SD or on the web, you can use the following pointers to start narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt realize, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges throughout South Dakota and the United States. So it is important to reduce the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a workable list. As we previously pointed out, the site of the school along with the cost of tuition are most likely going to be the initial two things that you will consider. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your final selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection compares to the field.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program as well as the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Besides helping verify that you obtain a premium education, it may assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not provided in Willow Lake SD for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses vary from state to state. In all states, a passing score is needed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) as well as graduation from an accredited school. Many states require a specific number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s essential that the school you are enrolled in not only delivers an excellent education, but also preps you to meet the minimum licensing standards for South Dakota or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Look at internet rating companies to see what the evaluations are for all of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. In addition, get in touch with the South Dakota school licensing authority to find out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can call some Willow Lake SD healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their opinions are of the schools as well.
  • Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the RN colleges you are looking at what their graduation rates are as well as how long on average it takes students to complete their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. It’s also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the Willow Lake SD healthcare community, but that it also has the network of contacts to assist students gain employment.
  • Internship Programs. The most ideal way to acquire experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical setting. Almost all nursing degree programs require a specific number of clinical hours be completed. A number of states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing too. Find out if the schools have a working relationship with Willow Lake SD hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the positioning of students in internships.

Online Nursing Programs

woman attending nursing school online in Willow Lake SDEnrolling in nursing schools online is becoming a more favored way to obtain training and earn a nursing degree. Some schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and nearly all programs call for a certain number of clinical rotation hours completed in a local healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more convenient approach to finding the free time to attend school for many Willow Lake SD students. Regarding tuition, some online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus alternatives. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more easily affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your work and family obligations have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing school will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Willow Lake SD?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Willow Lake South Dakota area.  If that is the case, then the following information may prove to be both educational and useful regarding the location of your future Alma Mater.

Willow Lake, South Dakota

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 263 people, 115 households, and 68 families residing in the city. The population density was 710.8 inhabitants per square mile (274.4/km2). There were 129 housing units at an average density of 348.6 per square mile (134.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.0% White, 7.2% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.0% of the population.

There were 115 households of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.9% were non-families. 37.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 23.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age in the city was 42.2 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 14.4% were from 25 to 44; 28.9% were from 45 to 64; and 18.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.6% male and 49.4% female.

Choose the Right Nursing Degree near Willow Lake SD

Willow Lake SD nursing studentPicking the right registered nursing college is probably the most critical phase to starting a new career in the medical care industry. There are many aspects that you should take into account when deciding on a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career objectives, obligations, and financial situation. As we have pointed out within this article, it is critical that you select an RN school and a degree program that are each accredited and have outstanding reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a short list of schools to pick from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a licensed registered nurse in Willow Lake SD.

More Awesome Locations in South Dakota

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mount Vernon SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – New Effington SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Summit SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Witten SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mc Intosh SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Selby SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Philip SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Lake Andes SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Burke SD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Parker SD
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 0