WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
WHAT NURSES DO:
At the advanced practice level, nurses are prepared for specialized roles with the Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or doctorate (PhD or DNP):
Workers in other health care occupations with responsibilities and duties related to those of registered nurses are occupational therapists, emergency medical technicians, physical therapists, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, social workers, and physicians.
Faster than average growth is expected through the year 2020 because of industry growth and the need to replace existing workers. Job opportunities will be plentiful in home health, long-term, and ambulatory care. Two out of three present jobs are in hospitals, but the trend is for more nursing care to be provided in community settings in the future.
WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR NURSES:
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm....Most RNs work in well-lighted, comfortable health care facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients’ homes, schools, community centers, and other sites. RNs may spend considerable time walking, bending, stretching, and standing. Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities require 24-hour care; consequently, nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. RNs also may be on call—available to work on short notice. Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other settings that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours. About 21 percent of RNs worked part time in 2006, and 7 percent held more than one job.
Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, where nurses may be in close contact with individuals who have infectious diseases and with toxic, harmful, or potentially hazardous compounds, solutions, and medications. RNs must observe rigid, standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases. RNs also may suffer emotional strain from caring for patients suffering unrelieved intense pain, close personal contact with patients’ families, the need to make critical decisions, and ethical dilemmas and concerns.
Please refer to the link: Technical Standards for Nursing for more detailed information regarding the non academic requirements for the nursing program.
GOOD PREPARATION FOR SUCCESS IN THE PROGRAM:
Biology, chemistry, and algebra courses are good background for success in nursing courses. Participation in a High School health occupations program can also provide an excellent preparation for nursing as a career.
THE PROGRAM AT FERRIS (INCLUDING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS):
At Ferris, the students must fulfill entrance requirements for the BSN program before beginning the clinical experiences, which are provided to small groups of students in hospitals and community settings within the area. All students are admitted as “pre-nursing” students until they complete the requirements to qualify for the professional sequence of the nursing program. For admission to the professional nursing sequence: specific pre-requisite courses with must be successfully completed by the end of the Spring Semester to qualify for entry into the professional sequence.
Qualification Criteria include:
Graduates of a BS degree program in another field can be considered for admission to the 2nd degree accelerated program if they have an overall GPA of 2.7 or higher, and have completed or demonstrated proficiency in designated science and core curriculum coursework as outlined on the BSN qualification check sheet.
Admission to the Professional Sequence
Each year 32 students are admitted to the traditional program for each fall (August start) and spring (January start) semesters. Students apply to the professional sequence between April 15 and April 30 for the fall start and/or between September 15 and September 30 for the spring start. The Professional Sequence of the traditional BSN program is scheduled year around for 6 consecutive semesters, including summers. This allows students to complete the professional sequence (i.e. NURS courses) in two calendar years.
Each year 24 students are admitted to the accelerated 2nd degree track for each summer (May start) semester. Students apply to the professional sequence for the accelerated 2nd degree track between January 15 and January 30 of each year. The Professional Sequence is scheduled for 3 consecutive semesters, with students completing in one calendar year.
For both traditional and accelerated programs, students are admitted based upon their semester of qualification for the program, with the original date of application to the nursing major (also known as the priority date) used as a tie breaker when there are more qualified candidates than there are spaces available. Therefore, it is essential to apply for admission at the earliest possible date. High School students may apply at the end of their junior year.
Completion of the four year Bachelor’s degree enables the graduate to sit for the R.N. licensure exam. Students with an Associate’s degree and RN licensure can complete Ferris’s Bachelor’s degree (BSN) on a part-time basis on-campus, at selected sites across the state, or full-time on campus. RNs with a BSN degree can then complete Ferris’s Masters Degree in Nursing (MSN) in the areas of Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, or Nursing Administration.
The BSN and MSN programs at Ferris State University are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC).
FERRIS STUDENT ORGANIZATION:
Ferris Student Nurses Association is an active group. Students can participate even before they begin taking the clinical courses within the professional sequence of the program.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The ACEN publishes a variety of nursing and nursing education materials, including a list of nursing programs and information on student financial aid. For a complete list of NLN publications, write for a career information brochure. Send your request to: Communications Department, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone: 404-975-5000. FAX: 404-975-5020. Website: www.acenursing.org
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.ferris.edu/chp/nursing/
Revised July 8, 2013