Posted on January 1, 2019

Passing NCLEX Study tips and tricks

Successfully challenging the NCLEX exam is possible. Preparation begins on the first day of nursing school. The Nursing curriculum is built to provide students with the opportunity to learn the core concepts necessary to pass NCLEX and to step on the floor as a new graduate nurse.

Organization is the key. You must have a designated space to study and you must have your materials and supplies ready. Textbooks, review guides, index cards and colored markers should be kept organized and accessible. Time management is also important. For example, if you have one hour to study, how can you make the most of that hour? You could spend 15-30 minutes reading, 15 minutes reflecting and making notes and 15 minutes with review questions.

How are you doing in your other courses? Students who are successful with NCLEX are often very successful in nursing school. Developing good study habits can result in better grades and translate to NCLEX success. How are your critical thinking skills? Are you able to solve problems and to find ways to be successful? Do you need to seek tutoring assistance from one of your classmates or instructors?

The NCLEX is designed to assess your ability to be a safe and competent nurse. Nurses are expected to have a strong knowledge in nursing content and be able to critically think your way through the problems. This comes with good study habits and with strategic use of practice questions. Get help from your instructors and classmates if you are having difficulty with organized study and review. If you study smart and work hard, you can be successful in nursing school and with NCLEX!

Nursing School is over! What next?

Completing nursing school and passing NCLEX is not the end for nurses. Nursing is a profession with a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. There are so many options available for nurses. It is important to work where you have passion and interest. Otherwise you are working at a “job” instead of having a career (Buffington, Melynyk, & Neale, 2018).

When you are working where your interests and talent are a great fit, you and your patients will have a better experience. When you have found a position, you can choose to work or consider returning to school for additional education.

While working, you will evolve from “novice to expert.” This means that you will start as a new nurse and eventually, you will gain enough experience to be considered an expert at providing patient care. This is a complex process and does not occur overnight. You can pick up tips and best practices from your preceptors and colleagues.

Consider joining a nursing organization. This is important for networking and for continuing education opportunities. There are numerous organizations for nurses. Some are general, and some are specific. Many of them have their own peer-reviewed publications. This is where evidence for clinical practice can be found. Initially, you may want to join a general organization, such as the Ohio Nurses Association.

When you have gained more experience or switched to a specialty area, you should join the organization for your specialty. Remember that nurses are professionals committed to lifelong learning. This does not end when nursing school ends. It begins.

Reference

Buffington, B. C., Melynyk, B. M., & Neale, S. (2018, June). Career wellness. American Nurse Today, 13(6), 20-21.

Posted on February 28, 2018

Felbry College Offers the Best LPN to RN Programs in Ohio

Out of all of the LPN to RN programs in Ohio, Felbry College offers one of the most individualized programs to help students excel at their studies and learn the necessary tools to become registered nurses. By providing an encouraging, caring environment, the faculty at Felbry are able to demonstrate the values that students should implement in their future careers.

All LPN to RN programs in Ohio will teach the student the necessary information; only a few of the programs can provide the moral and psychological support needed to encourage intelligent, considerate registered nurses who can provide the best possible care for future clients and facilities. The LPN to RN program is a bridge for students who currently hold a license as Practical Nurses and want to continue their education to become Registered Nurses. Students of this program will be able to learn the skills they need to take and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN, opening up many new career opportunities.

The Benefits of Felbry’s LPN to RN Program

Graduates of the Felbry College LPN program are granted conditional admission to continue to the LPN to RN program; because Felbry’s curriculum builds on the existing knowledge, skills, and strengths learned by the LPN students, students of Felbry will already be familiar with the base level of information needed. In order to pass the NCLEX-PN exam, students will have to increase and grow their skills enough to be able to manage the responsibility as a registered nurse. Registered nurses are important members of health teams and facilities who provide the best care for patients, as well as kindly informing the patient of health conditions and issues. Any student wanting to become a registered nurse must learn the valuable skill of emotional guidance and support in stressful times; all of these duties must be managed while also supervising practical nurses, nurses’ aides, and any home care aides on the healthcare team.

Although the responsibilities and requirements for registered nurses are high, Felbry’s LPN to RN program will ensure the students possess the skills to constantly learn and update their skills in the medical field. Felbry College teaches graduates to be able to understand and operate within the lawful, ethical, and professional standards, as well as apply informed decision making skills to professional problems to achieve optimal results. Registered nurses will be required to successfully collaborate, communicate, and cooperate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

The Results of Felbry’s LPN to RN Program

By the end of the LPN to RN program, graduates will have received the necessary skills to succeed as registered nurses. Each student has to decide what values and personal standards they will employ as registered nurses, but Felbry College invests a great deal of effort to ensure their future RNs embody honesty, teamwork, and kindness. The faculty demonstrate perseverance and dedication through example, lending a helping hand to any and all who may need it. Without a doubt, the experience and skills learned at Felbry College will continue to help you throughout life, both within your nursing career and outside it. Out of all the LPN to RN programs in Ohio, a degree earned from Felbry College is absolutely necessary to continue the path to become a registered nurse.

Felbry College offers an informative, valuable LPN to RN program that will leave students with the ability to provide future patients the best care possible.

Contact the Felbry Admissions Office to begin your application!

Posted on February 20, 2018

How to Survive Nursing School in Ohio

Anyone who’s been to nursing school, knows someone who graduated, or has a friend currently going through the experience will be able to tell you that nursing school is not easy, but it is exceptionally rewarding. Nursing school is a stress-filled, caffeine driven, haze of chaos, and while it’s worth every minute, you also need to know how to survive it. There are countless tips and advice from other nursing students on how to survive nursing school, but everyone has to find their own rhythm. However, everyone knows there are a few fundamental survival tricks that remain the same for every nursing school in Ohio.

Push Your Limits Every Day

Students who show their teacher the curiosity and passion they feel towards improving as a nurse will definitely succeed; passion and curiosity are not easily taught, and students who pursue knowledge relentlessly are invaluable in the nursing field. While you may not always feel up to being the best person possible, you should make an effort to show the teacher you care. Sitting at the front of the class, asking questions, participating in discussions, and behaving respectfully are all attitudes that will make you stand out as an excellent student. Instructors see the students interested in learning, and they will take note of who you are. If you can prove to the professor that you are willing and capable, they may think of you the next time a job opportunity rolls around. In addition, the more positive contacts you build, the more outlets for assistance you have. If you’re stuck with a difficult question and need guidance, you will have more options to choose from when it comes to people you trust.

Take Control of Your Education

Remember, you are in charge of your own education; don’t let other people’s opinions hold you back from possible opportunities. On the same subject, there are no wrong questions. If you have a doubt or blank space in your mind, ask the question you need to clarify it. Develop your curiosity by finding out the why. If you can understand the why behind the procedure, you can figure out ways to improve the field and possibly impress your future boss. In addition, concepts can be easier to understand than seemingly unrelated steps. By understanding the deeper meaning behind procedures, you can further your own education and give your brain a rest from the constant memorization. Nurses have to remember, comprehend, and calculate huge amounts of information every day. As you’re dealing with the challenges and struggles of nursing school, train yourself to expect the unexpected; you won’t always be able to control what goes right or wrong in a day. Flexibility is an essential survival skill for training and registered nurses alike.

At the end of the day, your education is in your own hands. You have to be the one to persevere, manage your time, and get enough sleep every night. There is no easy way to survive nursing school. However, if you can show your professors and classmates the dedication, curiosity, and ingenuity you possess, you will be able to create a better base to grow your nursing career. The more friends and allies you make now, the more opportunities you may find later in life.

Felbry College is among the best Columbus Nursing Schools, offering a diverse faculty, accelerated programs, and close network of alumni to help you survive and flourish as you begin your nursing career.

Contact Felbry Admissions to apply!

Posted on November 22, 2017

For ambitious, career-minded caregivers looking to make a lifelong career in nursing, getting into nursing school and acquiring the necessary training for the job is priority #1. A combination of knowledge and practical skills are required to get into nursing school. Along with compassion and persistence, success comes from a multitude of factors. Check the boxes on the following guide for getting into nursing school and get your career started.

Six Steps to Success

The following are six important steps to help get started on the path to nursing school.

Get a High School Diploma

This may seem a no brainer, but it’s important to get a diploma or GED as nursing candidates will only be eligible to apply if they have a high school degree. The first step to higher education is basic education, so lock that in and take it seriously. Volunteering in medical environments can be helpful to gain useful experience prior to graduation.

Research Nursing School Requirements

It is important to ‘shop around’ when looking at potential nursing school programs. Explore options that make the most sense and are a perfect fit for your learning style, location, and busy schedule. The type of program may vary for LPN, CNA, RN, and others. Know the requirements of the program to which you’re applying, coordinating the necessary support and documents as well as educational attainment necessary for acceptance and success.

Apply to Nursing School

Filling out a nursing school application requires adequate time, thoughtful intention, and sincerity. Your first choice school may not accept your application but it is important to pay close attention to guidelines, deadlines, supplemental materials and more to be effective in the long run.

Attend Information Sessions

Most nursing schools will provide an information session for prospective students looking to learn more about the nursing program. The sessions will help you learn more about the steps needed to apply and often provide an opportunity to ask questions prior to jumping into the process.

TEAS Test

One basic requirement for enrollment into nursing school is testing essential academic skills (TEAS). TEAS is a standardized exam from Assessment Technologies Institute for anyone interested in attending nursing school. ‘Standardized tests’ were nerve-wracking in elementary school and not much has changed. Do not be afraid of the process. Tackle it head on and stay focused.

Prepare for Entrance Interview

After an application is submitted and reviewed, the necessary tests are taken and a school may show interest. It requires up-to-date vaccinations to be ready and prepared for the interview. The nursing dean or high-level faculty will be doing interviews. Schools want to ensure the best candidates enroll and that the process is thorough enough for them to make confident acceptance decisions. If it’s the right fit, it will all work out. Nursing school careers are beneficial emotionally and financially. With some prep work, a good nursing school can get a person started off on the right foot for a rewarding career.

Take the Next Step

A career is so much more than a financial means of living, it’s the work you were put on Earth to accomplish. It’s the service you provide to your community and fellow man. If your heart calls you to the nursing profession, speak with one of our admissions counselors about the best nursing program to help you bring good to the world and make a difference.

Posted on August 2, 2017

Enrollment into Felbry’s Nursing School Program is a great step for individuals looking to receive a quality education in the field of nursing and propel them toward a rewarding career as a nurse. There are several steps required to enroll in our nursing program. We encourage anyone that has considered a nursing career to browse our website and learn how to get started. We’re ready for you when you’re ready to begin!

Enrollment

The following are some steps to take when considering enrollment in Felbry’s Nursing School.

Schedule a campus visit to speak with an admission representative and tour facility
Complete an application form and pay registration fee
Schedule an entrance exam if a program requires one
A valid driver’s license, proof of US residency, and social security card are required
Check admissions criteria for required documents
Apply for FAFSA to gain financial aid
Schedule a financial interview to determine various payment options available
Schedule time to attend orientation session once your offer letter is received

Grants

Felbry College School of Nursing awards grants and scholarships to potential students. Outside organizations and agencies which provide grants and scholarships are accepted. Students who attend Felbry and withdraw are expected to repay student loans regardless of success in the program.

The admissions process is, for the most part, pretty straight forward. We encourage all students who are considering Felbry to take time to review enrollment options and make sure all required documents are filled out and submitted for review to ensure the best opportunity for success.

Felbry College is all about student success. We are here to help guide you in the process of discerning whether we are the right school for you including how to enroll in our programs.
Call us to find out how to get started!

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 June 28, 2017

Felbry College School of Nursing is one of the best options for prospective students to select from when looking for the perfect educational experience. One of the best things about choosing Felbry College is that it’s more than a school, it is a community with a family of instructors committed to student success beginning to end and beyond. Learn more about the key benefits of choosing Felbry College for a nursing school education.

Overview

Individuals from various cultural backgrounds thrive at Felbry College due to the imparting of skills taught by world class faculty committed to student success. The knowledge needed on the job as well as softer skills such as demonstrating compassion and care for patients is part of the well-rounded experience of a Felbry College education. Every student will have the opportunity to be active in the community and benefits from a student-centered approach, focused on engagement and interaction in and out of the classroom. Felbry College helps nursing students become lifelong learners in the ever changing profession of nursing. Other benefits include:

Comprehensive programs that are challenging and build confidence in nursing skills
Faculty and administrative staff dedicated to success of every student
Provide support for underprivileged, under-served, and underrepresented populations of students
Dedicated to helping students who may have lost hope for a career in nursing find a home at Felbry College
Smaller class sizes
In person and online course offerings
World class city in which to study and do clinical experience if so desired

Thrive at Felbry

Students who pursue a nursing degree at Felbry College can request information over the phone or online. Programs are offered in person and online to suit student needs. Some of the following are also reasons why students thrive at Felbry College:

Accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools including ACICS program recognized by United States Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Students with a high school diploma or General Education Development Test (GED) are welcome to apply
Financial aid in various forms is offered through the Office of Financial Aid and through FAFSA
All classes currently offered on campus with small classes for individualized attention
Qualified instructors focused on their area of discipline to teach challenging curricula
VA benefits accepted

Felbry Family

Joining the Felbry family is not something students or the school take lightly. Every student who comes through Felbry College’s doors is going to have a unique, individualized experience and bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Instructors provide lots of opportunity for one-on-one attention and keep an open door policy to discuss coursework and work-life balance issues with a demanding career ahead. Courses are made flexible to maximize opportunities for student growth and accelerator programs are a great way for some students to take on the challenge of fast tracking an education in a short period of time. Felbry College is not just a school, it is a community of students and faculty moving together to create change now and in the future.

Considering joining the Felbry College family?
Call us to find out how we can help you get started on the next step in your educational journey.

Posted on June 25, 2017

To be a nurse is a great personal and professional choice. The nursing field provides many opportunities to be successful while working to help educate, transform, and save lives. The first year of nursing school may be filled with excitement and mixed emotions but it will also set you up for a lifetime of rewarding work and personal satisfaction. With the right attitude and information, any person can get the most out of a first year on through to graduation.

What to Expect in Nursing School

A four-year nursing program may see a student taking classes that also exist in the associate’s degree program, as well as general education and nursing theory classes. Four year programs also offer more advanced training for Registered Nurse credentials and other specializations. Regardless of the degree, whether two or four year, a nursing education will provide ample opportunities to learn in the classroom, work hands-on in labs, and get a feel for the job during clinical rotations. Nursing schools may provide affiliations with hospitals, mental health clinics, and nursing homes as part of residential education. Nursing Programs vary so it pays to find out what the expectations are early on and work to maintain the best outcome possible.

First Year of Nursing School

Learn as much as possible that first year and be prepared! Enjoy the experience but also consider some of the following ways to make the most of it:

School will be challenging and time-consuming. Nursing school is not as easy as some people think. There is so much to learn and contend with. Accept the fact that things will be hectic for a time and prioritize accordingly.
Not everything will be amazing but some classes and aspects of rotations may be challenging. Try not to get discouraged if a class is not fully enjoyable or if you aren’t an expert on your first try. You’re here to learn and acquire skills, which means lots of practice.
Keep an open mind before and during nursing school. The plan may be to become an emergency room nurse but it is a great idea to know what you want while trying to keep an open mind towards what is most interesting and available.
Rotation through different hospitals may come up as a possibility. Take advantage and speak with medical workers in different specialties to learn more about the various areas of work available.
Learning time management skills is important early on. Nurses need to have great time management skills to juggle caseloads, orders, treatments, and charting requirements.

Troubleshooting

Everyone is bound to encounter some problems during the first year of nursing school. What helps is not ignoring the situation. Whether in regards classes or experiencing challenges of coping with what is seen on the job, help is available. Speak with a trusted adviser or individual. It pays to be honest with oneself and try to determine the problem that exists. Use the situation to speak with instructors and find a way to make adjustments where needed to improve study habits, grades, or other issues which may have risen up.

Nursing is a great career choice. The field provides many opportunities to learn and grow as a professional and to help others in a way that few other fields can. The choice of attending a nursing school is the first step along a lifetime of fulfilling work and care. Take heart and realize that everyone deals with all of the stress in different ways. Stay open to new experiences and believe in yourself. We’re rooting for you!

Felbry College is the right place to be if you are ready to start a nursing school education that makes a difference. Call us to find out how to get started.

Posted on June 15, 2017

Nursing school can seem like a long and arduous trek through an intense curriculum, challenging information, and new ways of thinking. The first week will be filled with a mixture of emotions ranging from excitement to fear, anticipation to joy, and of course, stress. As millions of nurses in America can attest, it is not only possible to survive the first week of nursing school, but also to set yourself up to thrive throughout your nursing education.

Know Your Classmates

Once school begins, your classmates will be the ones you come to rely on for pretty much everything. Whether taking courses in person or online, this group is the cohort that will be present throughout your program. Whatever emotions you experience in the first week, rest assured that your peers are facing the same challenges. At the very least, this helps an individual not to feel so alone. Some classmates may become good friends while others are passing acquaintances. Rely on this support network to get through the stress of school, air any grievances, and connect over studies.

Get Organized

A course syllabus is the student’s best tool to stay organized throughout nursing school. Whether it is a calendar app on your phone or a paper organizer, a good tool for keeping track of your responsibilities is invaluable. Some helpful hints to get organized using the syllabus include:

Entering all dates and projects into a calendar system
Lay out the semester ahead once your syllabus is released
Mentally give space to processing all the deadlines to stay ahead
Being organized and prepared will help relieve stress now and in the future

Meet the Teachers

Instructors will be instrumental to your success in nursing school. Become acquainted with each instructor by introducing yourself and letting them know your goals for their course. Instructors want to get to know who is in their classes and always appreciate feedback from students eager to learn. Sharing knowledge and empowering students is part of the teaching process. Establishing a connection with instructors now can help navigate expectations for the course including grading and other issues that may arise later. These instructors may turn into lifelong colleagues as you progress in your career.

Check Expectations

Even the best student with high grades prior to nursing school can struggle with the shifts in expectations. Most students receive great grades in high school and college but find nursing school to be an entirely different process. Getting straight A’s may not be possible for every student but getting a B is not necessarily a failure. A good nurse is always learning throughout his or her career so take this one step at a time and commit yourself to digesting and understanding the material. Grades are an indicator of your progress. If they need improvement, spend more time on your trouble spots. Remember, this is about setting you up to help others in your career as a nurse so take it seriously and absorb everything you can.

Get Excited

Lots of emotions will be present when starting school but it helps to remember the journey lasts a lifetime. Get excited, be proud, and get ready to buckle down. Think about all the friendships that will be made and knowledge that will accumulate but don’t forget about all the great things ahead of you. Relationships are a big part of the equation so take time to digest it all and get excited to be a nurse.

Felbry College provides a diverse, student-centered approach to education.

Call us to find out how we can support your dream of becoming a nurse.