Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Harvey IL

How to Pick a Nursing Program near Harvey Illinois

Harvey IL surgical nurse assisting surgeonSearching for the right nursing program near Harvey IL may feel like a formidable project, especially if you don’t know what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must receive the appropriate education and training in order to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you research and evaluate the qualifications of each program you are considering before enrolling in your final choice. Unfortunately, too many prospective students base their selection solely on the cost of tuition and the nearness of the school. Selecting the least costly program or the one that is closest to your residence is probably not the most ideal way to choose a nursing program. There are various key additional aspects to check into before you decide where to enroll in classes. But before we explore that checklist, let’s first cover what the function of a registered nurse is in our health system, along with the nursing degree choices that are offered.

Registered Nurse Job Activities

Harvey IL Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most extensive occupation in the medical care delivery system. RNs practice in numerous different medical settings, including Harvey IL hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic role is to assist doctors in the care of their patients. However, the particular duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise as well as where they work. A few of the duties of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Overseeing patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Overseeing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Instructing patients and their families
  • Managing health records and charts

Nurses with a higher degree may have more complex job duties and responsibilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), as an example, must hold a Master’s Degree and normally work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can provide primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat basic illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees Available

There is more than one degree option 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 earn a qualifying degree in just two years, or continue on to achieve a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some short descriptions of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Harvey IL area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is commonly a 2 year program offered by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and afterwards achieve a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more extensive training than the ADN. It is commonly a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be qualified to complete an accelerated program based on their previous training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might desire to advance to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the job market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is usually a 2 year program after achieving the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.

When a graduating student has attained one of the above degrees, she or he must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. Additional requirements for licensing fluctuate from state to state, so don’t forget to check with the Illinois board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN Certificates and Degrees

Harvey IL LPN assisting patientThere are principally two scholastic accreditations available that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be finished in the shortest time period, commonly about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma program. The second option is to attain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are broader in nature than the diploma option and usually require 2 years to finish. The benefit of Associate Degrees, along with providing a higher credential and more extensive instruction, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the kind of credential you seek, it should be Illinois approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the course of study effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

In contrast to other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to attain a college degree. CNA education can be received at Harvey IL area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training program can take anywhere from 1 to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to receive at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimum amount of training directed and each state has its specific prerequisites. So it’s necessary to make certain that the course you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but additionally those for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing. One tip is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the education is state certified. As well as the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be other requirements as well.

Things to Ask Nursing Schools

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Harvey ILNow that you have selected which nursing program to enroll in, along with if to attend your classes on campus near Harvey IL or on the web, you can utilize the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your options. As you undoubtedly are aware, there are many nursing schools and colleges throughout Illinois and the United States. So it is essential to reduce the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a workable list. As we previously mentioned, the site of the school along with the expense of tuition are most likely going to be the primary two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your final selection, use the following questions to see how your selection measures up to the other schools.

  • 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 acknowledged accrediting agency. Besides helping ensure that you get a premium education, it may assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not provided in Harvey IL for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing criteria for registered nurses vary from state to state. In all states, a passing score is needed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) along with graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a specified number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are enrolled in not only provides an excellent education, but also readies you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Illinois or the state where you will be working.
  • Reputation. Look at internet rating services to see what the reviews are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. Additionally, contact the Illinois school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Harvey IL 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 considering what their graduation rates are as well as how long on average it takes students to finish their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were displeased with the program and dropped out. It’s also essential that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a favorable reputation within the Harvey IL healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to assist students obtain 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 specified number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing too. Check if the schools have a working relationship with Harvey IL hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the positioning of students in internships.

Nursing Online Classes

woman attending nursing school online in Harvey ILEnrolling in nursing schools online is emerging as a more favored way to receive instruction and earn a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and nearly all programs require a specified number of clinical rotation hours performed in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more convenient answer to finding the free time to attend classes for many Harvey IL students. Pertaining to tuition, many online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus options. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more economical. 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. So if your job and household responsibilities have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Harvey IL?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Harvey Illinois 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.

Harvey, Illinois

Harvey is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States, and a south suburb of Chicago. The population was 25,282 at the 2010 census.[4] The city suffers from high levels of poverty (33.2%)[5] and unemployment (22.0%).[6] It also suffers from high levels of crime.[7]

Harvey was founded in 1891 by Christian leader Turlington W. Harvey, a close associate of Dwight Moody, the founder of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Harvey was originally intended as a model town for Christian values and was one of the Temperance Towns; it was closely modeled after the company town of Pullman, which eventually was annexed into the city of Chicago.[8]

In the 2000s and 2010s, Mayor Eric Kellogg attempted to boost Harvey's economy with little success. Kellogg offered developers millions of dollars in incentives to revive the long vacant Dixie Square Mall.[9] In another plan to redevelop the Chicago Park Hotel, a developer was given $10 million from the city but then abandoned the project, leaving behind a gutted building.[10]

Enroll in the Right Nursing School near Harvey IL

Harvey IL nursing studentChoosing the ideal registered nursing school is probably the most important first step to beginning a new career in the healthcare industry. There are many aspects that you should consider when deciding on a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career objectives, lifestyle, and economic status. As we have pointed out within this post, it is important that you pick an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By utilizing our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a shortlist of schools to pick from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your dedication and desire to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Harvey IL.

More Awesome Locations in Illinois

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Willow Springs IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mackinaw IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Logan IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Harmon IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Riverdale IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Wonder Lake IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – New Salem IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Tilden IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Long Grove IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Granville IL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 106

    Windsor Estates Nursing and Rehabilitation
    4 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    18200 S Cicero Ave, Country Club Hills, IL 60478

    Providence Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
    5 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    13259 S Central Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463

    Symphony of Dyer
    3 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Retirement Homes, Habilitative Services
    Phone:
    1532 Calumet Ave, Dyer, IN 46311

    Generations at Applewood
    2 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    21020 Kostner Ave, Matteson, IL 60443

    Westmont STRIVE Center for Rehabilitation
    8 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing, Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    6501 S Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559

    Park Villa
    4 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    12550 S Ridgeland, Palos Heights, IL 60463

    Symphony of Crestwood
    4 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    14255 S Cicero Ave, Crestwood, IL 60445

    Evergreen Care Center
    12 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Medical Centers, Family Practice
    Phone:
    9760 S Kedzie Ave, Ste 3, Evergreen Park, IL 60805

    Burgess Square Healthcare Centre
    14 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Hospice, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    5801 S Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559

    Victorian Village Retirement and Assisted Living
    4 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    12600 Renaissance Cir, Homer Glen, IL 60491