Choosing the Right Nursing School For You

In considering going into the nursing profession, there are a few priorities that are crucial to determining future success. When individuals look at all of the criteria it becomes clear which schools would be a better choice. The first criteria that many people face when going back to school is financial. Some of the factors that need to be considered about the school are for instance, how much will it cost per credit hour?

Cost per credit hour depends on the school, whether or not it is accredited, a community college, a private college or a four year university. The other criteria for determining which nursing school to attend, is of course whether or not one can obtain financial aid. Financial aid is available for many that are in the working class. There are also Federal loans that can be obtained with very low interest rates. It would be considered a wise step to visit the financial aid office of a college or university near ones home to find out about the availability of government funding.

The next criterion, which may or may not be important for some, is the vicinity of the nursing school. For many whom work and plan to attend school, the closer the school's location the easier the commute. In this society of multitasking, the closer that work, home and school are to one another the better. Also, gas is now a real concern. Driving fifty miles may not have been a deterrent to some a few years ago, but certainly with the cost of fuel now days; it has become a real deterrent to many. Along with the schools vicinity, one needs to look at whether or not the nursing school is accredited.

If someone is considering obtaining an Associates Degree in Nursing from a non accredited nursing school, then if they decide to go on to their Bachelors of Nursing, they will find that they cannot continue. The reason for this is due to the following; an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, requires and accredited degreed Nursing Program from the two year Associate Degreed Nurse. What this implies is that the two years Associate Degreed Nurse who graduated from a non accredited nursing school will not be able to transfer in their nursing courses to the four year university.

This may be a real stumbling block to those nurses who wish to go on for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It is also important to know how the nursing school graduates perform on the NCLEX®, the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. When there is only a forty or fifty percent passing rate on schools National Boards, this should raise a red flag for the prospective nursing student. There is no greater disappointment then failing the boards on the first time around.

Many hospitals will hire graduate nurses prior to their sitting for the national boards, on the premise that if they fail their national boards, one of two things will take place; 1.their job as graduate nurse with the hospital will be terminated, 2. they will be demoted to a lesser position with less money, 3. they will be demoted to a lesser position with less money and be offered a second chance with a specified time frame to sit for the national boards once more. None of the previous scenarios is an attractive option to any graduate nurse. Therefore the percentage of students that pass the boards at a particular school should also be included in the criteria for choosing a particular nursing school. However, do not judge the school too harshly on their rate of students who do or do not pass the national boards.

The reason for this is due to the fact that some schools require a high grade point average, such as a four point zero just to get into the nursing program. This requirement will of course skew the results of passing scores in favor of those with higher grade point averages. These criteria will of course preclude many from even entering the nursing program, since many students are not four point zero in academics. Generally speaking, an average of seventy percent and above passing rate on the national nursing boards is a good predictor of the nursing school. But, it is up to the individual as to how much time and effort is put into the program as to how much they get out of the program.

The nursing programs in general are very physically demanding, time consuming and mentally challenging. It is a very serious profession and there are those who find out that the field of nursing is not for them very early in the program. The best advice to those deciding on which nursing school to attend, is to use the above mentioned criteria only as a guide, because it will be up to the individual how well they do in the final analysis.

The nursing entrance test study guide provides nurses the assistance they need with the nursing entrance test. The nursing study guide helps nurses. Visit nurseslearningcenter.com for more information.

Nursing School Programs That You Can Enter Now

There are nursing school programs today that can suit virtually anyone, younger or older, just graduating high school or a homemaker who's been out of the workplace for years.

Because of a critical shortage of nurses worldwide, the nursing field desperately needs good nurses - and they will go to great lengths to help those who want to choose a career in nursing. If you're wondering whether you would make a good nurse, have the time to complete a degree program, are concerned about the cost involved, even if you're worried that you have been out of school too long to go back, I've got great news for you!

First, there are plenty of choices besides a regular four year nursing school program. There are some great two year programs at technical schools, as well as many community colleges. There are daytime courses, night programs, even programs that can be taken online at your own convenience and pace.

There are also plenty of courses you to help you get ready to tackle the nursing school program curriculum, as well as a plethora of online resources offering you advice about various nursing career choices. Some of them will even direct you to specific programs for nursing that are in your local area.

Regardless of where you live or what your position is, there are many nursing school programs that you can enter now, either by enrolling online or by visiting the local campus or school.

A simple Google search will turn up hundreds of websites with information about nursing school program requirements, how and where to apply. Sites like Nursing School Programs can answer virtually any question you might have.

Click here for more information about Nursing School Programs you can enter now!

4 Hot Tips to Get Schooled About Nursing Schools

Have you done your nursing school homework? If you want to become a registered nurse, you must find the perfect nursing school for you. Whether you are a new high school graduate or an adult who wants to switch careers, a nursing school will help your dreams to come true.

Of course, the very first step is to ensure that nursing is the profession for you. Quite frankly, while nursing can be a rewarding profession, it can be equally demanding. Another reality to consider is that not everyone can be a nurse. That is not to say that it is an elitist profession. Some people simply do not have the temperament to become an effective nurse. After verifying that you want to become a nurse, follow these tips to find the best nursing school for you:

1. Choose whether to become a practical nurse or a registered nurse

It is important simply to remember that these two types of nurses exist. Although some practical nurses later become registered nurses, the vast majority of them do not take that step. Becoming a practical nurse requires schooling that lasts between 10-12 months. Meanwhile, to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you must attend nursing school for at least two years. To specialize in a particular field, you may need to attend schooling for up to three times that time length.

2. Consider a Bachelor of Science in nursing

One path to become an RN includes a college degree as well. This way is particularly ideal for seniors who are graduating from high school. It allows you to kill two birds with one stone-earning a four-year degree, and simultaneously becoming an RN.

Many of your options in selecting a four-year nursing program via college are the same as for any other college students. You must decide whether you want to attend a college closer to home, or farther away. This is basically up to your personality. If you are somewhat of a homebody, going away to school could be overwhelming.

3. Stay closer to home if you are an adult education student

Typically, this will be your best option, as you can stay closer to your home and workplace. When you are juggling a career, a family, AND schooling, then your time and energy are precious. You might even consider distance learning, as you could study from the convenience of your own home.

4. Talk with alumni from particular nursing schools

To get a better overview of a particular nursing school, talk to roughly five nurses in your area who graduated from that school. This will allow you to learn which schools best prepare their students for state tests and the rigors of nursing. They are already performing nursing duties, while wearing cheap urbane scrubs.

When choosing a nursing school, the key is to choose the right one for you. By following the aforementioned tips, you can help to find schools that meet your schooling and professional needs. Get schooled about nursing schools, before choosing one!

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Nursing Schools in Iligan City

Nursing has been the course of choice for most Filipinos nowadays especially in Iligan City where the hopes of going overseas has always been the goal.

Ever since the nursing course boom, which happened a few years back, nursing schools have been popping about in almost all places in the Philippines. The nursing schools in Iligan City not only give quality education, but can definitely produce qualified and competent nurses.

An Overview of All Nursing Schools in Iligan City

Mindanao Sanitarium and Hospital-College of Medical Arts Foundation Incorporated

Also known as MSH-CMAFI, this college primarily focuses on Medicine and Health Services. The school is located on Pinesville Street, right behind Mindanao Sanitarium and Hospital, beside the highway going to Cagayan de Oro City. The campus includes a cafeteria and a mini-mart and because the hospital is just beside it, the students can choose to be exposed to different hospital areas at their own convenience.

Iligan Medical Center College

Like MSH-CMAFI, this college also focuses on Medicine and Health Services. Located at Pala-o, the school is situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city where students can benefit from the serenity of the environment. Just beside the school, the Medical Center Hospital also offers the students the exposure and experience needed for different areas in nursing.

Lyceum of Iligan Foundation College

Situated at Tubod, Lyceum first opened its doors to the general public in June 1997. On June 2002, Associate in Health Science Education / Bachelor of Science in Nursing (AHSE/BSN) was offered in the college offering complete laboratory facilities to cater the needs of the. Being committed to excellence, Lyceum strives to continuously improve itself as the years continue.

Mindanao State University-College of Nursing

Acknowledged as one of the best universities in Philippines, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is located at Barangay Tibanga, Iligan City, Philippines. The College of Nursing just started in 2006 and produced its first batch of top-notchers for the Nursing Licensure Exam in June 2007.

St. Michael's College

St. Michael's College is known as the oldest school in the area. It was formally established in 1915 as Escuela de San Miguel in honor of the patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel. It has an active bid to become the city's first Private Catholic University. The College of Nursing produced the top 6 board exam taker for June 2008 Nursing Licensure Exam. Currently, SMC is expanding its infrastructures to support the growing needs of the academic community.

So if you are thinking about taking up a nursing course or probably wondering what Nursing School to send your kids to, look no more. Iligan City produces the most competent, qualified and world-class nurses that the world needs today.

Faith Marie Melendres, RN

Iligan City, Philippines

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NCLEX – Nursing School Aptitude Examination

How important is the nursing school aptitude exam NCLEX? - As important as the need to provide nursing health care for patients in need.

NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination – an international nursing school aptitude exam standardized by each state-jurisdiction board of nursing to determine if nursing candidates are competent for entry-level nursing practice in the United States.
There are basically two US licensing NCLEX nursing school aptitude exam tests offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) – the NCLEX-RN® (for Registered Nurses) and the NCLEX-PN® (for Practical and Vocational Nurses).

Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN nursing school aptitude exam questions are mostly multiple-choice questions with 4-answers. In some cases the exam uses more difficult question formats such as multiple-choice questions asking for 1+ correct answers, fill-in-the-blank questions, or identifying an area on a picture.

Both exams cover mostly the same topics and both are time-limited. The main difference between the two is that the NCLEX-RN is more difficult, determined by the number and difficulty of correctly answered questions required to pass the exam.

Both of the nursing school aptitude exam NCLEX is administered using Computerized Adaptive Testing - CAT. In the CAT-administered NCLEX, the computer measures the ability of the candidate using the answers provided previously and changes the difficulty and topic of the new questions accordingly - if you answer correctly the computer will select harder questions and if you are answer incorrectly it will choose easier questions. With each new answer you provide the estimate of your ability gets more precise. The computer then selects questions you will have a 50% chance of answering correctly. This is done so that a well-prepared examinee will be asked more difficult questions thus having a good chance of passing the exam by answering the minimum number of questions, while less-prepared candidates are not forced to guess the answers to questions too difficult for them.

This rule is also followed: for each correct answer add one to your score while for each incorrect answer subtract one. Adding your scores one at a time for each question answered should never result in a negative score in order for you to pass if you run out of time but you have answered the minimum number of questions required. The required number of correct answers is 1/2 the total number of questions you are presented with because of the adaptive nature of the test. The computer will then shut-down when the program running the test has determined with 95% certainty that your ability is either passing or failing. [next…]

The US and state boards of nursing necessarily use these measures in making licensure decisions. The nursing school aptitude exam NCLEX is registered and directed by each state board of nursing requiring all candidates to pass the examination to assess if they have the knowledge required to perform nursing safely and effectively. This is to ensure public health protection in the whole of the United States starting with its territories.

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NCLEX Exam - What to Do About the Dropping Pass Rate

With proper planning you can pass the NCLEX exam the first time. Most students pass the exam on their first try, but there is still a large percentage that don't. When you take the time to determine how you are going to approach your studies, you can too! Only 87.1% of US educated pupils and 47.4% of students educated abroad passed the NCLEX in the first quarter of 2008. this figure dropped 2% and 10% for US and internationally educated students compared to the first quarter of 2007 according to the NCSBN. An initial review of this statistic could be a bit disheartening, but when analyzing the numbers as a whole they are curious. Here are some interesting statistics .

US Educated Students- First Time NCLEX TestTakers 2007:

First Quarter- 26,923 Candidates 89.1% % Pass Rate

Second Quarter- 31,379 Candidates 87.6% Pass Rate

Third Quarter- 51,428 Candidates 83.5% Pass Rate

Forth Quarter- 9.849 Candidates 78.6% Pass Rate

The passing rates vary tremendously between the quarters. Does the test taken differ that much from one quarter to the next? It is not likely that the NCSBN is making changes that will cause a variance of this degree. The amount of students sitting for the exam does not appear to be a factor either, as the highest and lowest pass rates are during periods where there are the most and least number of candidates.

The only significance we may be able to ascertain from this is that it is possible that the students taking the exam during the first and second quarters were full time students and they sat for their tests as the course was completed. An amazing fact which is not mentioned above is that in 2007, on average pupils with a high school diploma passed at 87.9% ; baccalaureate degreed students 86.4%; and associate degreed students at 84.8%. Amazingly, students with only a diploma had a higher passing rate.

The most likely reason for this is that they have fewer distractions, and they have more time to study. Students with less responsibility are more likely to focus on what they have been taught, opposed to their counter parts, who must focus on the needs of their children and their careers.

It is challenging to find the time to study for the NCLEX Exam with such responsibilities It is imperative to budget your time. If you haven't begun nursing classes yet, start taking the time to determine when you will be able to study. set realistic expectations. Consider what other activities you will have to give up. If you know in advance what sacrifices you have to make and you tell those who rely on you, they will be more conscience.

Decide where you will study. This must be a location where you feel focused on your studies. The effort that you spend focused only on your studies will be productive and take less time. Surprisingly, the car is a great place to study and review what you have learned. Get NCLEX RN audios and start listening to them. Take advantage of this time, so you can reward yourself with free time later. Take full advantage of all the audio study materials. The more you listen to and learn, the less time you will be sitting down gaining weight.

Only careful planning and execution of all aspects of your studying and test preparation will help you pass the NCLEX exam. As mentioned above, it is not a matter of your prior education that will determine if you Pass the NCLEX, it is how you execute your plan for education.

NCLEX Exam Study Guide- Audios NCLEX Exam Study Guide- Audios

NCLEX RN Exams - Not Just For US Students

According to NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing test results among students studying outside the United States and US educated students taking the NCLEX RN are both on the rise from 2000.

In 2000 there were a total of 71,475 US educated students and 7,506 internationally educated students taking the NCLEX RN. International students made up only 10.5% of the students sitting for the exam.

Although the number of nursing students increased significantly in 2007, it is not meeting the needs of the demands. Aging Baby Boomers, growing population, and increased number of nurses used in place of doctors is causing a serious demand for nurses.

Is the need for nurses similar to the need for computer engineers? Computer engineer positions were met by students outside the United States who were willing to learn the trade. These students are also recognizing and satisfying the need for nurses. Many United States Citizens are arguing that there are citizens with education and experience to fill the positions in the computer science field and issuing more work visas will only increase unemployment in the US. Will this be the same for the nursing industry? Last year there were 119,579 United States educated students and 33,768 internationally educated pupils taking for the NCLEX RN exam. This is a bit more than 28% of all nursing students taking this exam.

The dramatic increase is quite possibly the result of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing opening three exam centers abroad. In just seven years the percentage of international students has risen 17.5%

Students educated outside the United States are alert to the need for nurses in North America and know that educating themselves may be their opportunity to obtain a work visa and possible citizenship in the United States and may garner them a life of a greater quality of living and freedom from oppression.

Students Educated in the United States are still out performing international students, but international students are gaining on them.Last year, there were 119,579 United States educated nursing students taking the NCLEX RN. 85.5% of them passed. 52% of the 33,768 students educated outside the United States nurses passed the first time.

How about the students who did not pass the NCLEX RN Test? Last year 26,411 students sat for the exam for at least the second time. These were United States educated students retaking the exam. Simple math indicates that there are students taking the exam for at least the third time Only 52.4% of these repeat test takers passed. Internationally educated test takers pass rate dropped to 25.7%

Many students are looking for study aids to help them getting better test results and have turned to NCLEX NCLEX Study Audioson CDs and MP3 downloads. Since the audios are available online they are accessible to anyone in the world.

Students from around the world listen to the audios to prepare for the nursing classes, reinforce what they are learning and prepare for the exams., but some students have thought ahead and use it to learn the class material prior to starting the class.

Most students attribute poor test results to the lack of time they have to study. NCLEX review materials on audio make it easier to review while performing other activities such as driving or going to the gym.