Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Ruckersville VA

How to Enroll In a Nursing School near Ruckersville Virginia

Ruckersville VA surgical nurse assisting surgeonLocating the right nursing college near Ruckersville VA may seem like a complicated project, especially if you don’t know what to look for in a good degree program. As you may presently understand, in order to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the appropriate education and training in order to become licensed. So it is critically important that you research and measure the qualifications of each college you are thinking about before enrolling in your final selection. The fact is, too many prospective students base their decision entirely on the cost of tuition and the proximity of the school. Deciding on the least costly school or the one that is local to your home is undoubtedly not the best way to decide on a nursing program. There are various essential additional things to check out before you determine where to enroll in classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first review what the function of a registered nurse is in our medical care system, along with the nursing degree options that are offered.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

Ruckersville VA Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most extensive occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in numerous different medical environments, including Ruckersville VA hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general duty is to support doctors in the treatment of their patients. Having said that, the specific duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise in addition to where they work. A portion of the duties of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Observing patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Coordinating care
  • Supervising LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Educating patients and their families
  • Maintaining health records and charts

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

Nursing Degrees Available

There are multiple degrees available to become a registered nurse. And to become an RN, a student must attend an accredited school and program. A student can receive a qualifying degree in as little as two years, or continue on to achieve a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief descriptions of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Ruckersville VA area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a 2 year program offered by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level position in nursing in medical centers such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many employ the ADN as an entry into nursing and subsequently obtain a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) supplies more in depth training than the ADN. It is typically a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed to complete an accelerated program based on their prior training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may want to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the job market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is normally a 2 year program after acquiring 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 attained one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) so as to become licensed. Additional requirements for licensing vary from state to state, so don’t forget to contact the Virginia board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN and LVN Courses

Ruckersville VA LPN assisting patientThere are basically two academic accreditations available that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be completed in the shortest amount of time, normally about one year, 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 alternative and usually require 2 years to complete. The advantage of Associate Degrees, aside from supplying a higher credential and more extensive instruction, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you pursue, it should be Virginia approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or any other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants that the syllabus effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that the majority of graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Diplomas

In contrast to many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to obtain a college degree. CNA instruction can be acquired at Ruckersville VA area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training can take anywhere from just one to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum period of training directed and that each state has its own prerequisites. So it’s important to make certain that the training program you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but likewise those for Virginia or the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the education is state certified. In addition to the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be additional requirements as well.

What to Ask Nursing Schools

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Ruckersville VAOnce you have decided on which nursing program to enroll in, as well as if to attend your classes on campus near Ruckersville VA or on the internet, you can utilize the following checklist to begin narrowing down your choices. As you undoubtedly are aware, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges throughout Virginia and the United States. So it is essential to reduce the number of schools to select from so that you will have a workable list. As we previously discussed, the location of the school as well as the expense of tuition are probably going to be the initial two things that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your final choice, use the following questions to see how your pick compares 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 recognized accrediting agency. Aside from helping ensure that you get a premium education, it may help in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often not provided in Ruckersville VA for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses differ 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. Some states require a certain number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s important that the school you are attending not only provides an outstanding education, but also preps you to comply with the minimum licensing standards for Virginia or the state where you will be working.
  • Reputation. Check online rating companies to see what the evaluations are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews too. Also, contact the Virginia school licensing authority to check out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Ruckersville VA 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 schools you are considering 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 dissatisfied 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 Ruckersville VA medical community, but that it also has the network of contacts to assist students attain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The best way to get 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. Various states have minimum clinical hour prerequisites for licensing also. Ask if the schools have associations with Ruckersville VA hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placement of students in internships.

Nursing Online Programs

woman attending nursing school online in Ruckersville VAEnrolling in nursing schools online is growing into a more favored way to get instruction and acquire a nursing degree. Certain schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and nearly all programs call for a specified amount of clinical rotation hours performed in a local healthcare facility. But since the remainder of the training can be accessed online, this method may be a more practical answer to finding the free time to attend college for some Ruckersville VA students. Pertaining to tuition, many online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus options. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more affordable. And numerous online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. So if your work and family responsibilities have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online nursing training program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your busy schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Ruckersville VA?

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

Ruckersville, Virginia

Ruckersville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Greene County, Virginia, United States, located in a rural area north of Charlottesville. The population as of the 2010 census was 1,141.[1] The community lies amidst hills, mountain views, trees, and farmland. It is located at the intersection of two major highways, north–south U.S. Route 29 and east–west U.S. Route 33. It was founded by the same family that established Ruckersville, Georgia.[3]

Ruckersville is located in southeastern Greene County. Via US 29, it is 17 miles (27 km) north of Charlottesville and 29 miles (47 km) southwest of Culpeper. Washington, D.C. is 100 miles (160 km) to the northeast via US 29. US 33 leads southeast from Ruckersville 13 miles (21 km) to Gordonsville and northwest over the Blue Ridge Mountains 38 miles (61 km) to Harrisonburg. Richmond is 80 miles (130 km) to the southeast via US 33.

Ruckersville has one media outlet, ESPN 840, a sports talk radio station. Although the station's tower location is in Earlysville, and the mailing address is Quinque, the station still considers itself a Ruckersville station.

Enroll in the Right Nursing Degree near Ruckersville VA

Ruckersville VA nursing studentDeciding on the right registered nursing college is probably the most important first step to beginning a new career in the health care industry. There are a number of aspects that you must think about when picking a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently depending on your current career goals, lifestyle, and economic situation. As we have highlighted within this content, it is essential that you pick an RN college and a degree program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a shortlist of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a practicing RN in Ruckersville VA.

More Awesome Locations in Virginia

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Norwood VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Broadway VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Kinsale VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Aldie VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – West Mclean VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Alberta VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Bristol VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Pocahontas VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Dahlgren VA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Haymarket VA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 2

    Charlottesville Health & Rehabilitation Center
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    505 Rio Rd W, Charlottesville, VA 22901

    Community Memorial Hospital
    75 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    147 N Brent St, Ventura, CA 93003