Q. Why should I choose nursing as a career?

A: Nursing is a very rewarding career that combines the art of caring and the science of nursing. As a nurse, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by focusing on the patient as a whole, not just a particular health problem. Registered Nurses function in a variety of roles and settings, depending upon education, competencies, and experiences. For example, nurses may work in hospitals, nursing homes, or provide home health care to patients in their homes. Nurses with graduate education may work as nursing faculty, researchers, administrators, or as advanced practice nurses in direct patient care. In today’s labor market, new graduates have their choice of several job offers and start their nursing career with salaries in the low-to-mid $50,000 range.

Q: How do I prepare for a career in nursing?

A: Preparing for a career in nursing requires a solid foundation in math; the natural sciences such as chemistry, biology, or physics; and the social sciences, such as psychology or sociology. Currently, there are three types of nursing educational programs that prepare the graduate to sit for a standardized test to become a Registered Nurse.

• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a university/college-based nursing educational program that can be completed within four years of full-time study.
• The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is granted through community colleges. This nursing course of study can be completed in two years of full-time study.
• Hospital-based/diploma schools of nursing are affiliated with a hospital and generally can be completed in two years of full-time study. A diploma in nursing is awarded.

Q: Should I decide to pursue a nursing career, what resources are available to help fund my nursing education?

A: Financial aid is available for those students who qualify, through federal, state, institutional, and special programs. Student loans are available but must be repaid gradually after graduation or if the student discontinues his/her studies. Some employers offer tuition forgiveness (repay any outstanding loans for education) programs in exchange for employment as a Registered Nurse. There are also many professional and community organizations that offer scholarships to nursing students. For further information about federal, state or college aid, www.fafsa.ed.gov. Other funding information can be found at: www.njccn.org/helpful_web_links.asp.

Q: As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I have always wanted to advance my education and become a Registered Nurse (RN). However, a friend told me that the Registered Nursing programs would not consider my previous work or educational experiences. Is this true and what steps would I take to advance professionally to become a Registered Nurse?

A: It is true that schools of nursing at every level have admission requirements that may vary from school to school. Until recently, however, there was no standardized model that facilitated the mobility from one level of nursing education to another. The Revised New Jersey Articulation Model for Nursing Education is the result of the work by the state nursing community and the Fuld Leadership Council. This model acknowledges the “articulation between nursing programs and enables nurses to advance their education by recognizing their prior education and experience.” The model focuses on two levels of educational mobility: (1) Licensed Practical Nurses becoming Registered Nurses by completing an Associate Degree or Diploma nursing program; and (2) Registered Nurses earning a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). All but one nursing program in the state has endorsed the model. For further information about schools of nursing in New Jersey, click: www.njsna.org.

Q I have been a Registered Nurse for many years and have not worked as a nurse for quite some time. My nursing license is current and I want to re-enter the nursing workforce. What courses are available to update me on the latest technology and the changes in nursing practice?

A Refresher courses are available throughout the state to assist Registered Nurses in returning to clinical practice. The continuing education refresher courses provide theoretical and clinical practice content in addition to skills that are necessary for employment. Most courses are from 6 weeks to 2 months in length and generally include full day or evening clinicals.
For more information, www.njccn.org/returning_direct_Patient_Care.asp.