Nursing school has been one of the most complex college degrees. If we compare it to other degrees, many factors need to be considered to reach the conclusion
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How Hard is Nursing School Compared to Other Degrees?
Many factors need to be considered when comparing nursing school to other degrees. It is important to remember that each person’s experience will be different. Some students may find a nursing school easier than others, and vice versa. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide if nursing school is the right fit for them.
Below are the factors that makes difference between a nursing school and other courses
Expense
The cost of a nursing degree is also much higher than most other degrees. A four-year nursing degree costs around $$35,087, while the average cost of a two-year degree is only about $20,000. The cost of other degrees varies from 38000 to 60000 for a bachelor’s degree.
Duration
The duration of nursing school is also much longer than most other degrees. The average nursing program is 4 years long, while the average length of time for other degree programs is only two years.
Curriculum
The nursing curriculum is also more complicated than most other degrees. It is filled with science and math courses, which can be difficult for some students. In addition, the clinical rotations can be very demanding, leaving little time for anything else.
While other courses mainly focus on theories, nursing students have to apply whatever they learn in their classrooms practically.
Stress Management
Nursing students learn how to manage stress in their field. It is an important skill, as nurses often work long hours and deal with sick patients. However, this stress management can also be a downside, leading to burnout.
Other degree students might not have to deal with this issue. Stress management is a very core quality of nurses, unlike other graduates.
Compassion
One of the essential qualities of an upcoming nurse is compassion. Nurses have to be able to show empathy and care for their patients. It can be difficult, as nurses often see people at their worst.
Students of another degree might not require this quality. Hence this feature requires lots of patience.
Time Management
Nurses have to be able to manage their time well. They often have to juggle multiple tasks, such as taking care of patients, charting, and attending meetings. It can be not easy, as there is often little downtime.
Students of other degrees also have to do time management in their studies, but the intensity of time management in nursing school is vital.
Multitasking
Nurses have to be able to juggle multiple tasks at once, such as taking care of patients, charting, and attending meetings. It can be not easy, as there is often little downtime.
Students of other degrees might not have to focus on many tasks together, but it is widespread in nursing school. Hence nurses need to develop this skill.
What are the Different Types of Nursing Degree?
There are many different nursing degrees, and each has its own set of requirements.
Here is a list of some of the most common nursing degrees:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – It takes two years to complete this degree, and is offered at community colleges and technical schools.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – This degree takes about four years to complete and is offered at colleges and universities.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – It takes two years to complete this degree, and is offered at colleges and universities.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – It takes three years to complete this degree, and is offered at colleges and universities.
- Ph.D. in Nursing – This degree takes about four years to complete and is offered at research institutions.
As you can see, there are many different types of nursing degrees. The type of degree that you choose will depend on your career goals.
What is the Curriculum of Nursing Courses?
Nursing school curricula are very demanding and are filled with science and math courses. In addition, the clinical rotations can be very demanding, leaving little time for anything else.
Below is the list of some of the types of courses that you can expect to see in a nursing program:
Anatomy and Physiology
This course will cover the function and structure of the human body. You will learn about the body’s different systems and how they work together.
Microbiology
In this course, you will learn about different microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You will also learn about how these microorganisms can cause disease.
Pharmacology
This course will teach you about the different types of drugs used to treat various conditions. You will learn about how drugs work and their potential side effects.
Nutrition
This course will teach about the different nutrients that the body needs to function correctly. You will also learn about how to maintain a healthy diet.
Child Health Nursing
This course will teach you about the care of infants, children, and adolescents. You will learn about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them.
Mental Health Nursing
In this course, you will learn about the different types of mental health disorders. You will also learn about the available other treatment methods.
Community Health Nursing
This course will teach you about the different health problems affecting a community. You will also learn about additional prevention and treatment methods.
Nursing Research
In this course, you will learn about the different research methods used in nursing. You will also learn how to apply this research to your practice.
These are just a few of the many courses you will take in nursing school. As you can see, the curriculum is very demanding. However, if you are up for the challenge, nursing school can be an enriching experience.
How to Get into a Nursing School?
There are a few different ways to get into nursing school.
- The most common way is to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete specific pre-requisite courses, like math and science. Some nursing schools also require that you take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before being accepted into their program.
- Another way to get into nursing school is through an accelerated nursing program. These programs are designed for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to quickly become registered nurses (RN). These programs typically last about 15 months and include classroom and clinical instruction.
- And finally, some nursing schools offer RN-to-BSN programs. These programs are for current RNs who want to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. These programs can be completed in as little as 12 months and often offer online course options.
How to Successfully Complete the Nursing School Program
Once you’re in nursing school, it’s essential to do well in your classes and clinical rotations. Nursing school is very challenging, but you can succeed if you work hard and stay focused. Here are a few tips for success:
- Get organized and stay on top of your coursework. It includes reading the assigned chapters, completing the homework, and studying for exams.
- Attend all of your classes and clinical rotations. It is essential to learn the material and get the most out of your education.
- Be an active learner. It means asking questions, participating in class discussions, and working on group projects.
- Find a study group or tutor. If you’re struggling with a particular topic, it can be helpful to connect with other students who are doing well. You can also hire a tutor to attain the required help to master the material.
- Take care of your Health: It means getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly.
FAQs:
What is the Difference Between an RN and a BSN?
An RN (registered nurse) is a nurse who has completed an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. A BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) is a four-year degree that builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in an RN program. BSN-prepared nurses can provide more comprehensive care than RNs and often have better job prospects.
Is There a Difference Between an ADN and a BSN?
An ADN (associate’s degree in nursing) is a two-year degree that typically prepares students for entry-level nursing positions. A BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) is a four-year degree that builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in an ADN program. BSN-prepared nurses can provide more comprehensive care than ADN-prepared nurses and often have better job prospects.
What is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?
An LPN (licensed practical nurse) is a nurse who has completed an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-PN exam. An RN (registered nurse) is a nurse who has completed an accredited nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. RNs are able to provide more comprehensive care than LPN.
Conclusion
Earning your nursing degree can open up many doors of opportunity. With the right education and training, you can become a registered nurse and provide high-quality patient care. Nursing school is challenging, but you can succeed if you work hard and stay focused.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.