Minimum Requirements for Advanced Studies in the Nursing Profession

By Jami Willson

The standard for ranking nursing schools is U.S. News and World Report, which asks deans, administrators, and faculty members to evaluate other schools based on the quality of academic programs and how well students are prepared for a career in nursing. Professionals who hire new graduates also are surveyed to help create the list of the best nursing schools.

Nursing is the largest healthcare profession, with around 2.6 million jobs. There is generally a shortage of RNs in the health field, with hospitals having difficulty finding and retaining nurses. The field is also rapidly growing, with an enormous increase in jobs expected due to a growing population of aging Americans. The largest areas of growth are said to be private physicians' offices, home health care services, and nursing care facilities.

In its most recent rankings for the top nursing schools, U.S. News and World Report put the University of Washington in Seattle at the top of the list, followed by the University of California-San Francisco, the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Nursing.

In general, as a nurse, you will be your patients' primary contact and caregiver, administering medication, taking diagnostics, updating medical records, and educating patients about health issues. While a doctor may only be able to spend a few minutes with each patient, you will be able to answer questions, give advice, and prepare the patient for the doctor.There are many opportunities to specialize, as every area of healthcare requires nurses who have specific knowledge. Perioperative nurses assist during surgeries, oncology nurses work with cancer patients, and neonatal nurses care for newborn babies. There are dozens of possibilities, depending on your area of interest.

The University of Washington School of Nursing has ranked Number 1 since 1984, when the first national survey on the best nursing schools was conducted (U.S. News and World Report began its rankings in 1993). What sets it apart from the other schools is a good guide to use when choosing what nursing school you wish to attend.

Finally, a graduate of a nursing program must pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, in order to become a licensed nurse. This is required by every state. Some states or employers will also require nurses to keep up with their education, in order to be knowledgeable about emerging technology and advances in practice.

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More related guideline here : ADN Programs in Washington and ADN Programs in Washington DC.