Anatomy of a Top Nursing College

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Nursing school is a bold undertaking. There is much to consider when pursuing a career in this professional specialty. One of the best ways to begin is with excellent counseling before the first college class is ever discussed. Interviews with competent nurses from different backgrounds in different specialties are also helpful.

Achievements

Things to look for in a top nursing college might include academic achievements. One might like to look into the success rates of the students and see what some final GPAs are listed in statistical studies. Academically, one would also want to check out the final pass rate for the board exams to see what percentage of the class actually passed their exam. Comparatively, if the pass rate is low, consistently for several years, another choice of school might be considered.

Types of Degrees

The type of degree program is also very important. A top nursing college should offer at least a Bachelor’s Degree program. If the student wants to go higher in the education realm, possibly to become a nurse practitioner, an Associate’s Degree may not benefit.

Instructors

An aspect of nursing colleges that is often overlooked is the type and quality of instructors. Some nursing instructors seem to be overly punitive; therefore, causing a drop in moral within the first few weeks. On the other hand, instructors who are too lenient may inhibit the student from learning to stay disciplined throughout the training process. A top nursing college will have well informed, confident, helpful instructors who do not wish to hinder the progress of the individual who is already struggling in a stressful situation. A good instructor will assist and encourage, and at the same time, implement boundaries and good instruction.

Counselors

Concerned counselors are definitely an asset. All students are different, and have different abilities and requirements. Counselors cannot group 55 year olds students with 20 year olds students for the exact same academic loads. Each individual’s lifestyle and personal needs must be considered in order for the nursing college to graduate the maximum amount of students with spectacular outcomes of exam passing and eventual employment. If each student’s needs are not addressed and planned out accordingly, he or she may be set up for failure before the first semester is even complete.

Training Facilities

Excellent nursing colleges must have an excellent rapport with their training facilities and personnel. Many people don’t realize that all physicians do not like to have students involved in nursing care. There is a slight uncertainty, but each student should be supervised when performing tasks that could be life threatening. For example, in the operating room, a student nurse cannot administer medication without direct supervision. So, the actual risk is probably lower with the student because they are more conservative with acting on situations because of their training status.

Personnel sometimes do not like to deal with a trainee. It can be truly inconvenient during emergencies and crowded days. The clinical instructor can be an excellent bridge of communication between disgruntled personnel and discouraged students.

Grading Systems

The grading system must be a fair one. The student should be told in advance if there is a “there strike” rule. Some nursing colleges only allow a certain number of mistakes before the student is dismissed. More refined programs can cause the student to become more successful with positive reinforcement and gentle guidance into proper solutions.

The training facility itself is also important. It is a shame for a student to spend countless hours studying to get to the clinical stage of training, only to find that those long days on the floor will be done in a rundown facility with archaic equipment. Fresh, well-lit halls, upbeat environment with more contemporary equipment may lend an enjoyable approach for the student to look forward to the career that is so demanding during the initial stages.