Posted on March 31, 2020

Shortage of Nursing

Additional information on pursuing RN with FCSON
According to The American Nurses Association (ANA), there will be more registered nurse jobs available through 2022 than any other profession in the United States. According to an article in the Nursing Times, The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11 million additional nurses are needed to avoid a further shortage. Employment opportunities for nurses are projected to grow at a faster rate (15%) than all other occupations from 2016 through 2026.
Because of both the current and projected shortage of nurses, FCSON encourages all Practical Nursing and LPN to RN Bridge Nursing graduates to continue your studies into the AAS program with FCSON in hopes of placing additional health care workers in the future. More information can be obtained from: admissions@felbrycollege.edu or 614-781-1085.

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Posted on August 23, 2017

A nursing degree provides opportunities to practice in various healthcare settings across the US. Nursing degrees help set up professionals for success. Those who are strong leaders and possess team management skills can advance their personal careers into leadership roles at hospitals and other medical institutions. Learn more about how a college degree in nursing can help build a career.

Nursing Degrees

Various degrees exist depending on the type and certification desired by the potential student. Schools like Felbry provide online and in person opportunities to engage with classroom opportunities to advance learning in many areas of nursing. Consider the following degrees:

Certificate and diploma programs in nursing are a great way to prepare for entry-level jobs in nursing. Some of these programs may take a few months to complete while others may require a year of training. Some typical courses may include medical terminology, basics of healthcare, introduction to geriatric care, and pediatric nursing.
Associate degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse (RN) which can take two years. RN-to-BSN programs are a popular way for registered nurses to earn a BA while advancing career opportunities. Practical requirements may be required along with courses in pharmacology, mental health nursing, surgical nursing, or advanced maternal and infant nursing.
Bachelor’s degrees in nursing are recommended for registered nurses. A nursing major at the BA level must complete general education credits in science and liberal arts. Internships and clinicals will be required. Working nurses already licensed as RNs may advance careers through pursuit of a BA at an online program. BSN students without an RN license need clinical experience prior to treating patients. Some classes include nursing ethics and the law and being a critical thinker in healthcare settings.
Master’s degrees in nursing prepare nurses for very specialized careers with courses like advanced nursing concepts and theories, public healthcare policy, and advanced concepts in public health.

What to Do

Following the achievement of a nursing degree, most graduates seek to obtain employment in hospitals, care facilities, private practices, or other healthcare settings. State laws determine specific tasks associated with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

Registered Nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, private offices and home healthcare companies. The duties vary by state and position but include medical treatments and medications, education of patients and families along with diagnosis of injuries and illness and emotional support.
Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses work in a variety of healthcare facilities. Completion of post-secondary training is required. Typical tasks include monitoring patients, assisting patients with bathing and dressing, changing bandages, recording patient information, and giving emotional support.
Certified Nursing Assistants provide support to nurses and doctors who provide basic care to patients in healthcare settings. Work commonly associated with it may include nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and home healthcare services. A CNA may help patients with basic tasks, measure vital signs and serve meals.

Felbry College provides a variety of programs for individuals who want to become nurses. Call us to find out how to get started on the right program for you. We will help guide you through the process and make the best choice to suit your goals.

Posted on October 4, 2017

Getting into a nursing program can be challenging and daunting. Landing a job post graduation can be even more challenging depending on the choice of specialty. When a person loves nursing and is passionate and dedicated to the job search, it is possible to land that dream job. The following tips can help encourage new grads on how to land that dream nursing job.

Attitude is Everything

Even if a new grad knows what to do and is open to many positions, the focus should be on humility rather than pride. New nurses have a responsibility to remember all that he or she learned in school and practicals to translate that into real world experience. Confidence and humility are the keys to landing that dream nursing job.

Get Marketing

A new nurse who sells him or herself well is more likely to land that dream post. It helps to let upper management in clinical rounds know personal goals to figure out how to turn those dreams into reality. A solid approach to personal brand marketing helps to show employers what you’re bringing to the table. Be willing to learn, grow and be a team player which goes a long way for referrals and possible open doors to employment.

Network

The hardest part can be marketing oneself and networking properly. Asking around can be helpful when seeking that job after graduation. Speak with nurses, classmates and faculty about contacts. Reach out via email and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be interested and engaged as well as open minded.

First Impressions Count

Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes but a good resume is built on experience and interpersonal connections. Honesty goes a long way as well as including everything required by an employer. Pay attention and focus on making that great first impression on paper. Ask people to review the resume, critique it and offer positive feedback. The first impression only happens once, so make it count.

Study Up

Learn how to respond to certain scenarios in an interview for your dream nursing job. Make a plan, practice and get to feeling comfortable. Prepare for how to respond when asked certain questions and focus on three or four key points to convey. Let go of comparison to others to focus on personal strengths. Being authentic means more than trying too hard to make an impression. There is so much more to pursuing a dream job than just the above tips but this should be a great primer to help get started on the right foot.

Interested in pursuing an exciting and fulfilling career in nursing?

Learn about the Columbus Nursing Programs available here at
Felbry College and get your new career started today!

Posted on October 11, 2017

A travel nurse plays an important role for the people communities that he or she serves. Nursing is a complex and ever-changing field, which means that nurses who can travel to fill in where they’re needed most are in high demand. Requirements to become a traveling nurse vary depending on the location. It is an exciting field with lots of possibilities and challenges. Learn how to launch a career as a traveling nurse and pursue this exciting field!

Why Travel Nurses Exist

Hospitals hire travel nurses for many different reasons. This can include some of the following:

Difficulty keeping skilled nurses
Need for temporary staffing for shortages
Seasonal population growth (snowbirds, etc)
Lack of qualified nurses nearby

Due to the shortage of nurses, some hospitals are willing to hire skilled, qualified nursing candidates for short periods of time to fill in gaps for patient support.

Know the Benefits of Being a Traveling Nurse

Travel nurses can have a pick of workplaces including the specialty of choice and length of time in a contract. Travel nurses are often paid well for their time and location flexibility and may have housing and travel costs covered along with full benefits. Many opportunities to make extra money exist including bonuses for extension of a contract or taking assignments in a ‘high need’ facility. A traveling nurse will often bounce between two or three key locations that need contingent staff or on-call help. The benefits of being a traveling nurse certainly outweigh the inconvenience of ongoing travel, for most people. It really depends on your temperament. If you’re always on the go and look forward to seeing new places and meeting new people, then some years as a travel nurse might be perfect for you.

Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse

To get started with a career as a travel nurse, a person must do the following:

Attend nursing school and become at least a Registered Nurse (RN)
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and work for minimum of one year at a hospital in the chosen speciality
Hold at least a minimum of Associate of Science (ASN) in nursing
Obtain certifications in a specialty area
Receive a TB test, physical and immunizations prior to starting an assignment

Most places are looking for a qualified nurse with the flexibility to relocate and pick up shifts as needed.

Find the Right Traveling Nurse Job

Finding a position as a traveling nurse is not as hard as one might think. The demand for nurses is so high, the best way to find a job is to work with a staffing agency who can provide multiple job opportunities at once to allow comparison of options. Many travel nurse agencies offer benefits including health care, housing, retirement and travel. Comparing offers and interviewing around can help find the best position to suit personal goals.

If you’re looking to get the skills and training necessary to launch a career as traveling nurse, consider enrolling here at Felbry College where your education comes first.

Call us today for more information!

Posted on October 18, 2017

Nurses are in high demand with many hospitals and clinics hiring for positions. The nursing profession is not for everyone. It takes dedication and passion, as well as a willingness to work with vulnerable people while juggling emotional situations as professionally as possible. Understanding what it takes to be a nurse can help you determine whether a nursing career is the right profession for you to pursue. So many nurses look back on their rewarding careers with pride and joy in what they have been able to offer the word. It’s a reward of its own.

Qualities of a Good Nurse

The qualities of a good nurse cannot be understated. A good nurse is one that can exhibit the following qualities when working with colleagues and patients.

Compassion

All nurses need to be long on compassion and flexibility. Kindness, empathy and concern for others’ wellbeing is critical for ensuring compassionate care. Personalized patient care helps the healing process as well as creates comfort for the patient and family members during a difficult time.

Dedication

Dedication to the profession of nursing and being of top quality matters. Not everyone is a good nurse. The inner yearning has to be there to want to make a difference for another human being. Some of the following are great motivations to remain dedicated to the job:

Inspiration for family members
Giving back compassionate care
Desire knowledge
Drawn to profession

Advocacy

Many nurses want to advocate for a patient’s wellbeing and health. This helps empower the patient and family to feel confident in a diagnosis and course of treatment. Nurses must also speak on behalf of or help patients and groups discuss feelings when needed such as communicating patient desires when it conflicts with a physician’s opinion.

Other qualities a good nurse must possess include:

Patience
Willingness to learn
Sense of anticipation of what’s next
Active listening and communication skills
Critical thinking skills
Time management skills
Endurance
Leadership abilities

Becoming a nurse takes time, persistence and dedication. To discern whether a nursing career is the right path, it helps to speak with nurses who are both new and seasoned as well as check out the places where jobs exist for nurses in the chosen field. Exploring all the possible options and what it entails will help make the decision to become a nurse easier.

If you’ve decided that a nursing career is right for you, explore the programs available here at Felbry College School of Nursing and get in touch with our admissions office today!

Posted on October 25, 2017

The world of medicine is advancing at a high rate of speed. Procedures are done more quickly and safely than ever before. The required knowledge and skill is higher than ever as well. Surgical teams must choose the most well-trained and competent doctors and nurses to best support positive patient outcomes. If you’re interested in becoming a surgical nurse, you’re in for a wild ride! Surgical nurses and those that work in trauma experience a wide variety of experiences that challenge your resolve and offer professional growth. Learn about becoming a surgical nurse here at Felbry College.

Surgical Nursing

A surgical nurse is a professional nurse trained to assist during both routine and difficult surgical procedures. Nurses can be found around operating tables across the world, assisting surgeons with elective and life-saving procedures. Surgical nurses support a surgeon to do a job so well it would be nearly impossible to do the job without nurses there to back up the surgical team. Nurses offer help before, during and after surgery.

What to Expect as a Surgical Nurse

A surgical nurse provides many types of assistance and support in the surgical environment. Prior to surgery, a nurse may work closely with the patient to provide pre-procedure instructions and reassure the patient. A surgical nurse will have a hand in preparing the patient for surgery. This including measuring and reading vital signs, starting IVs, administering medication and assisting with anesthesiology and marking incision sites.

Once a procedure starts, a nurse may not have a moment’s rest until the end. Everyone must be on pins and needles. Nurses will take vital signs and pass instruments to the surgeons while running surgical equipment. If vital signs dip or change, the nurse must alert the team and, if necessary, perform life saving maneuvers.

Post-surgical care is also part of the nurse’s job. This includes transportation of a patient to recovery rooms or dressing a patient’s surgical sites, administering medication and follow post-op procedures.

Where Surgical Nurses Work

Surgical nurses can find employment in hospitals with surgical wards and operating rooms including trauma and emergency care centers. Employment in recovery rooms and intensive care units are part of a nurse’s work environment. A surgical nurse may need to become a registered nurse (RN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam as well as gain necessary experience. It takes patience and diligence to become a surgical nurse but it is a rewarding profession with great personal and financial rewards.

If you’re interested in becoming a surgical nurse and contributing to the world of miraculous surgeries around the world, contact our admission staff here at Felbry College and learn how you can become a qualified surgical nurse.

Posted on November 15, 2017

Emergency room nurses have a difficult job to perform which requires a prospective ER Nurse to be fully prepared for any and all situations that may arise in relation to a patient’s life. The opportunity to work as part of a medical team in assisting patients with traumatic injuries and illnesses can be highly rewarding. Preparing for a career as an emergency room nurse is not for everyone, but it’s certainly worth the effort.

How to Prepare for a Career as an Emergency Room Nurse

Emergency room nurses are required to work in fast-paced and often stressful environments. Many nursing professionals would acknowledge that these brave nurses have the most rewarding careers in the field. An emergency nurse will perform many skills in busy facilities in cities across the United States and around the world. Victims of crime, people who have accidents, or those who face dangerous circumstances can expect to receive help from emergency room nurses and staff to offer life saving procedures.

Work Environment

Working as an emergency room nurse can be emotionally charged. A person will be required to work long hours with long shifts and not expect to punch a clock to leave right on time. Emergency nurses must be able to assess patients quickly and accurately. The first step a person must take is to stabilize the patient and work to make sure the patient’s condition does not deteriorate. While trying to stabilize the patient, emergency room nurses often will be called upon to perform any number of medical procedures with confidence including:

IV lines
First aid
Blood transfusions
Rescue breathing
CPR
Intubation
Suturing
Setting broken bones
Delivering babies

How to Become an Emergency Room Nurse

Once the decision is made to become an emergency room nurse, the steps that are necessary can include licensure with the nursing board (NCLEX-RN) and choosing to continue education for further advancement, which is up to each nurse’s career goals and educational needs. Available options for nursing education abound and include Master’s degrees and advanced practice nursing. A floating nurse can be in an emergency room or assist paramedics to gain valuable experience working in emergency and high intensity situations. To become certified, it takes two years of experience in emergency medical settings before sitting the Certified Emergency Nurses Examination, administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.

If you have dreams of joining the highly respected ranks of emergency room nurses and want more information about how to get started in nursing school, contact the admissions officers at Felbry College and let us help you on your way to saving lives.

Posted on November 29, 2017

Nurses on television are not always a good representation of what nurses actually do. Registered Nurses (RNs) are among the most versatile nurses in the field, which means they’re not limited to working in hospitals. RNs can also work in community clinics, schools, assisted living facilities, a patient’s private residence, even in foreign countries doing humanitarian work. Nursing is a practical skill set with a compassionate core, and that’s something you can apply to almost any part of life.

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Basic Duties of Registered Nurse

Nursing responsibilities vary greatly depending on the needs of the healthcare setting. In an average day, RNs may administer medication, consult with doctors, monitor patient vitals, educate family members, and maintain medical records. They also stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technology in order to provide the best care possible to patients and families. Outside of patient care, RNs can eventually attain leadership positions in healthcare facilities and hospitals, as well as advisory roles in non-profits or humanitarian organizations. RNs may choose a speciality within the medical field to advance their career path in several exciting directions.

Job Settings for Registered Nurses

A Registered Nurse can be found in many unique environments and settings. Each nurse will find her niche in an environment that suits her temperament and benefits most from her skills.

Hospital

RNs who work in hospitals support patients and doctors in every corner of the hospital. Job titles include things such as cardiac care nurses, nurse managers, perioperative nurses, surgical nurses, and labor and delivery nurses. Average shifts in a hospital can include admission and discharge, issuing of medication, patient assessments, vital signs, charting, and more.

Clinics

Clinic RNs may be responsible for getting exam rooms ready, checking equipment, turning on computers, and completing charts for the day. A slow day in a clinic may see fewer patients but they are generally very busy places. Clinic nurses often check height, weight, and other vitals for patients checking in and issue follow-up tests when prescribed.

Critical Care

Critical care RNs are also known as intensive care nurses, treating patients with life-threatening conditions in need of constant care. Nurses who work in critical care have the title of trauma nurse, ICU nurse, or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. This requires a nurse assume several important responsibilities for sick and dying patients, life-saving procedures, and treating serious injuries.

Nursing is a Career of Caring

Healthcare is about more than tests and meds. A registered nurse will help patients feel comfortable and safe in times of need. The support system is the critical main vein of the medical establishment and nurses fulfill one of the most vital roles. All RNs have plenty of common qualities which include critical thinking, problem-solving, and perception of patient needs. They also require more subtle qualities like compassion, warm bedside manner, and communication skills. RNs are invaluable members of a medical team who provide compassionate, attentive care in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Ready to Become a Nurse?

If you feel the calling, then there’s no sense in waiting. Speak with an admissions counselor to lay the groundwork for your future career in nursing and see what a difference you can make!

Posted on July 11, 2017

People study nursing for many different reasons and often have differing goals for the resulting career. One of the big drivers for nursing students is that the field has plenty of job opportunities and comes with a great degree of respect and satisfaction. Nursing is about caring for others and there’s nothing more noble in our world. A nursing career can be quite lucrative too, if you find your niche and specialize your skills for high pay job sectors. Let’s run down a list of other reasons that nursing is a great career choice.

Nursing Jobs are In Demand

One of the fastest growing occupations in the United States is nursing, with a greater need for caregivers and qualified nurses to care for our aging elders and patients combating chronic disease. Opportunities for nurses will continue to expand in the next several years. The aging population within the United States will drive demand ever higher, along with some of the following reasons:

Retiree vacancies will continue to see openings grow in the coming years. Predictions demonstrate hundreds of thousands of nurses will be needed in the next few years.
Population growth is fueling demand with increased longevity and the need for healthcare services. Advanced practice nurses will be needed for preventative and primary care with a huge need to fill openings for elderly populations.
Rural healthcare programs and grants will become available to those seeking employment in high need areas. Typically remote, isolated and understaffed regions of the United States, rural regions will see an uptick in need with a desire to fill positions.

Job Security

The overall career field of nursing provides economic stability and job security, both highly attractive to nursing graduates. Options for work will increase while the opportunity to specialize and expand your career continue to unfold. It might mean taking a less than desirable job in a location that is not the primary choice at first, but jobs will become available with more experience, allowing nurses to continue their education and seek out new jobs tailored to their unique skill set.

Nursing is a Diverse Field

A wide-ranging career field, nursing is one that never has a dull moment on the job. A person working with other individuals who have any variety of ailments and concerns will never be bored. New patients come in daily which require new decisions, present new problems to solve, and keep everyone on their toes. Some fields in nursing are as varied as they come including:

Travel nurses who relocate to cities with the highest need or go abroad to help manage health clinics, treat patients, or educate local staff in other countries.
Flight nurses provide pre-hospital, emergency, and critical care to individuals needing medical evacuation via air transport or tend to individual victims of a natural disaster.
Research nurses work with some of the front leading researchers in medicine and science around the world. Typically these nurses are among the first to know about medical developments and advances.
Emergency room nurses enjoy the work of a fast-paced environment treating patients who need immediate attention, have been in an accident, or are in a high risk situation.

Nurses Make a Difference

Commitment and dedication is needed to be a nurse. Nurses experience a rewarding career but not without hard work, grit, and determination. The work put in is equal to the reward. Skills will be learned that can be adapted to life and work situations. Nurses help patients and families during high times of need. Listening, thinking, organizing, and leading are all skills needed to be a high level nurse. An individual not only makes a decent living but also feels good about the rewarding nature of the work over the lifespan of one’s career.

Felbry College supports students in finding the career path of their dreams. If you desire a rewarding profession with room for professional and personal growth, call us. Let us help you find the right educational path.

Posted on July 5, 2017

Finding the right nursing job out of college can be one of the first big challenges facing graduates. A little work goes a long way towards securing that desired position. It takes putting some effort into the job search to make things go smoothly and quickly. Learn some helpful tips to get started on the job hunt here in Columbus and elsewhere in the USA.

Reality Matters

It may take some sacrifices up front, but sometimes the reality of the job market does not allow for the dream job or location right away. While using loans or working part time in school both help build the course for graduation, getting out into the real world is a much different story. Come to terms with what is realistic, apply for jobs where they exist, and start somewhere before looking for that dream location. We all have to build up our resumes and work experience to get to that position we’ve been eyeing for so long. Stay focused and do the work, you’ll get there!

Be Flexible

Specific goals are the best way to get organized for the job search. Some helpful tips for staying flexible but goal-oriented include:

Know what population feels good to work with
Think about the kind of role that will be most rewarding
Pick some specific areas and start by applying there

Use Clinicals

Clinicals, for those who get them, are a great opportunity to seek out the nurse manager or other person in charge and introduce yourself. Tell them about how your nursing school experience is shaping a future in medicine for you. Nurse managers typically love to hear from students in clinicals. Show genuine interest and have a great personality that shines while producing quality work with an open attitude. This will show positively if and when a student chooses to apply for work at that location.

School Credentials Don’t Matter (Much)

Hiring managers do not pay as much attention to GPAs or school extracurriculars as one might think. A few of the traits managers may be looking for include:

Great personality
Professional attitude
Integration into the team
Honesty about strengths and weaknesses
Accountability for actions
Strong desire to learn and be teachable

Write Cover Letters

First impressions matter. Put in good effort and don’t be too generic. People can read between the lines so be genuine. Create a resume that stands out but is still professional. Go to networking events and use nursing school contacts to help score connections. Getting a degree in nursing or any profession is not a guarantee of employment. Potential employers look for people who apply and follow up, then demonstrate their ability to back it up with action. Be willing to work hard and the jobs will come.

Felbry College helps prepare graduates for the job market by providing support and resources for the search. We are there every step of the way. Call us to find out how we can help you get started on an education that will take you places.