How Nursing School Prepares You for the Reality of Being an RN
Becoming a registered nurse can establish a foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
And training to become an RN helps position students for jobs that are consistently in demand. Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that employment of registered nurses is anticipated to grow 6% between 2023 and 2033. This is faster than average and demonstrates the continual need for trained RNs.
Nursing school prepares students for the reality of working as an RN, as it provides experience and knowledge for carrying out the roles of a nurse.
This article explains how to prepare for work as an RN, the realities of the job, and how nursing school prepares you for your future career.
Preparing for Work as an RN
Educational training
Before you can start your career as an RN, you first need to successfully complete your training and gain the qualifications needed to work as a registered nurse. Upon completion of a nursing school program, the next step is to gain your licensure.
RN licensure exam
All RNs need to be licensed to work. To become licensed, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
Apply for licensure
Once you have passed the exam, the final step to take is to apply for state licensure so that you can start working as an RN.
On-the-job Realities
One of the most appealing aspects of becoming an RN is the crucial role that RNs play in patient care. Another is the range of employment choices that the job offers. RNs can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools
- Rehabilitation centers
- Assisted-living facilities
RNs carry out a range of critical tasks while caring for patients, such as:
- Carrying out physical exams
- Recording patient medical history
- Assisting doctors and other healthcare professionals with diagnostic tests
- Creating care plans
- Administering medication
- Delivering health information and advice
- Carrying out patient observations
Benefits of Nursing School
Nursing school can play a crucial role in preparing you for your career as an RN. Use your nursing school training to gain valuable skills for passing your RN qualification requirements, preparing you for the realities of the job, and assisting you throughout your career.
Here are some of the many nursing school benefits to prepare you for the realities of working as an RN:
Expert instructor knowledge
Those enrolled in a nursing school can benefit from being taught by experienced nurses who can pass on the knowledge they have gained through years working as RNs in healthcare settings.
Technical training
Nursing school offers more than just academic nursing knowledge. Nursing school provides students with hands-on learning and many hours of technical training to prepare aspiring nurses for daily working life once qualified as RNs. This training may include practicing the administration of treatments and other aspects of patient care to mannequins.
Learning communication skills
Excellent communication is an essential skill for an RN. During your time at nursing school, you will have opportunities to develop your communication skills. This aspect of participating in nursing school includes learning how to communicate effectively with your healthcare colleagues to deliver patient information and learning the best ways of communicating with patients and their loved ones.
Understanding your individual strengths and weaknesses
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Through your training, you will have chances to develop an understanding of the areas of nursing with which you are strongest and to identify areas that may need improvement. Discovering these strengths and weaknesses through your training can assist you in developing skill areas before you begin working as an RN.
A Local Connection to Nursing School
The Idaho Healthcare Institute has partnered with the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) to provide individuals with opportunities to train to become RNs. This RN bridge program is for those with licensed practical nurse (LPN) status to enroll in RN training at CEI.
Through this partnership, nursing school training can be completed in nine months to two years. Those enrolled in the program may continue working in LPN roles.
The CEI nursing program includes student access to a skills lab and a simulation lab, and the program also provides opportunities for hands-on training at Idaho Falls Community Hospital and Mountain View Hospital. The program also includes a 12-week nurse shadowing component.
The program from CEI is comparable to other nursing programs in Idaho, and there is a high NCLEX pass rate among those who complete the program.
RN Bridge Scholarship Program
If you’re hoping to become an RN, but don’t know how to begin applying for courses or are worried about the costs involved in training, the Idaho Healthcare Institute can help. Our partnership with the College of Eastern Idaho provides aspiring nurses with resources and guidance regarding RN training and sets them on the path to a successful career in healthcare.
As well as connecting future RNs with the College of Eastern Idaho’s RN nursing program, we also offer eligible students financial support to help fund their training through our scholarship offerings. The RN Bridge Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to nursing school for those currently working as LPNs.
Application for the RN Bridge Scholarship Program is handled from the Idaho Healthcare Institute website. If your application for a nursing school scholarship is approved, the Idaho Healthcare Institute will pay the College of Eastern Idaho directly, helping smooth the process for starting the CEI RN nursing program.
Scholarship Support from Idaho Healthcare Institute
If you’re ready to progress your nursing career and train as an RN, the Idaho Healthcare Institute is here to help.
Contact the Idaho Healthcare Institute today to learn more about scholarship support for nursing school from the College of Eastern Idaho.