Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing at Felbry College

When examining the various paths available to become a registered nurse, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the wide range of information. One of the most straightforward and cost-effective paths is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. Depending on the institution you choose, the cost will vary as well as the quality and ease of coursework. At Felbry College, students are able to choose between two tracks towards an Associate Degree in Nursing, depending on the specific needs of the student.

The first track Felbry provides is for students with no previous experience or training in nursing. These students usually attend for two years, before graduating and continuing the steps to become a registered nurse. The second track Felbry provides is directed towards LPN-RN students, or students with previous practical nursing training or license. These students may already work in the job field, but they want to progress their job and skill level to continue growing. In both tracks, the student earns an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and is provided with the necessary skills to become a registered nurse.

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses

After graduating from Felbry College, students are presented to the Board of Nursing to determine whether or not they can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN. The NCLEX-RN is the final certification needed to become a registered nurse. Students that pass the NCLEX-RN will be able to start working in health care facilities, providing care for clients and supervising practical nurses, nurse aides, and home care aides. Popular job opportunities for registered nurses include hospitals, nursing homes, or home care agencies.

Learn the Skills Registered Nurses Need

When Felbry College created the Associate Degree in Nursing program, it was intended to provide students and practical nurses with the skills they need to provide excellent healthcare to all patients they encounter. Felbry College maintains the rigor and standards of the program to ensure that every year students are leaving with the best knowledge possible, and the necessary skills to succeed as a registered nurse.

When graduates enter the job field, they will be required to practice within the legal and ethical standards, use logical reasoning and evidence to make supported, safe decisions about clients, and be able to communicate and cooperate with fellow healthcare professionals, clients, and significant support persons. Throughout the Felbry Associate Degree in Nursing program, students will learn how to use and develop these skills, as well as how to manage the emotional stress of becoming a registered nurse. The requirements to study at Felbry College include proof of high school graduation, proof of US residency, a BCI and FBI criminal history check, and at least two character references. Prospective students will also take an entrance test with a predetermined passing score of 60%.

Felbry College is one of the leading schools providing the Associate Degree in Nursing program, and Felbry faculty continue to provide the support, care, and knowledge their students need to succeed as a registered nurse.

Contact the Felbry Admissions Office to begin your application!

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!