Nurse

:This article focuses on the training and regulation of nurses. See the article Nursing for more information on the practice of nursing. For information on the television show Nurses, see Nurses (TV series).

Educational preparation

In various parts of the world, the educational background for nurses varies widely. In some parts of eastern Europe, nurses are high school graduates with twelve to eighteen months of training. In contrast, Chile requires any Registered Nurse to have at least a bachelor's degree.

Related Topics:
Europe - High school - Chile - Bachelor's degree

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At the top of the educational ladder is the doctoral-prepared nurse. Nurses may gain the PhD or another doctoral degree such as Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in research, clinical nursing, etc. These nurses practice nursing, teach nursing and carry out nursing research. As the science of nursing has advanced, so has the demand for doctoral-prepared nurses.

Related Topics:
PhD - Doctoral degree - Doctor of Nursing Science - Doctor of Nursing Practice

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Australia

Canada

Most provinces in Canada prefer any registered nurse to have at least a bachelor's degree. Many practicing nurses are still college graduates but those entering nursing now are required or encouraged to enter at the university level.

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UK

Since the 1990s, UK nurses are now educated to diploma or bachelor's degree level. They undertake their training at universities and in placements in healthcare settings. Following a common foundation programme, nurses then choose to specialise in a branch programme that reflects the area of nursing in which they wish to work. On qualification all nurses take the title of Registered Nurse.

Related Topics:
Diploma - Bachelor's degree - Registered Nurse

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US

Registered Nurses generally receive their basic preparation through one of three basic avenues:

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• Graduation from an associate's degree-granting nursing program (approximately three years of college level study with a strong emphasis on clinical knowledge and skills)earning the degree of ASN/AAS in Nursing.
• Graduation with a three-year (diploma) certificate from a hospital-based school of nursing (non-degree). Few of these programs remain in the US and the proportion of nurses practicing with a diploma is rapidly decreasing.
• Graduation from a university with a bachelor's degree in nursing (a four - five year program conferring the BSN/BN degree with enhanced emphasis on leadership and research as well as clinically-focused courses).

There are also special programs for "LPN to RN", for people who hold undergraduate degrees in other disciplines, and for paramedics or military medics. Graduates of all programs, once licensed, are eligible for employment as entry-level staff nurses.

Related Topics:
LPN - RN - Paramedic - Military medics

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A typical course of study at any level typically includes such topics as:

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• Anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology and medication administration
• Psychology
• Nursing ethics
• Nursing theory
• Nursing practice
• Legal issues in nursing practice

All pathways into practice require that the candidate undergo clinical training in nursing. Care is delivered by the student nurses under academic supervision in the hospital and in other practice settings. Clinical courses typically include:

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• Maternal-child nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Adult medical-surgical nursing
• Geriatric nursing
• Psychiatric nursing

While in clinical training, student nurses are identified by a special uniform to distinguish them from licensed professionals.

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It is common for RNs to seek additional education at the master's degree or doctorate level to prepare themselves to assume leadership or advanced practice roles within nursing. Management and teaching positions increasingly require candidates to hold an advanced degree in nursing. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement or assistance to nurses who want to continue their education beyond their basic preparation.

Related Topics:
Master's degree - Doctorate - Advanced practice

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Many nurses pursue voluntary specialty certification through professional organizations and certifying bodies in order to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their area of expertise.

Related Topics:
Specialty - Certification

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All US states and territories require RNs to graduate from an accredited nursing program which allows the candidate to sit for the NCLEX-RN, a standardized examination administered through the National Council of State Nursing Boards. Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for state licensure as an RN.

Related Topics:
Accredited - NCLEX-RN - National Council of State Nursing Boards

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Nurses from other countries are required to be proficient in English and have their educational credentials evaluated by an association known as the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to being permitted to take the US licensing exam.

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