Nursing generally is defined as the process of caring for, or nurturing, another individual. Nurse refers to those persons who have had formal education and training in the art and science of nursing. Professional nurses combine many different disciplines, including aspects of biology and psychology, to promote the restoration and maintenance of health in their clients or patients.
As a critical member of the healthcare team, nurses provide care to patients, monitor the patient's health and well-being, assess daily health changes, and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare team members. The daily activities of the nurse include assessing patients, planning and implementing care, evaluating the outcomes of care, providing education to patients and families, advocating for patients within the healthcare system, and even supervising other nurses and healthcare staff.
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There are two major categories of nurses: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN).
LPNs often work in a doctor's office or clinic, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. They must be supervised by either a Registered Nurse or physician. LPN training is usually a 12-month program through one of our Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology located throughout the state. Following graduation, students must successfully complete the Practical Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) in order to obtain their LPN nursing license.
RNs provide and supervise patient care delivery in many healthcare settings. They have critical roles in hospitals, clinics, health departments, surgical centers, physician's practices, long-term care, rehabilitation care, insurance companies, school systems, and employee health in many industrial settings. Tennessee colleges and universities offer Associate and Baccalaureate degree programs that lead to licensure as an RN by successfully completing the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
Advanced practice or graduate degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offer RNs the ability to further specialize in some aspect of nursing practice, research, or nursing education. These educational programs are usually pursued after an RN has practiced for a period of time and determined a specialty area of interest. Graduate programs will vary from two to four years in length depending on the ability to attend school full time or part time.
If you are considering a career in nursing, ideally you should plan your high school education to include courses in science, math, and health. If you are considering the RN role, you should choose the additional "college prep" courses.
If you are a high school student thinking seriously about a career in nursing, you should talk with your high school guidance/career counselor. These professionals are prepared to assist students in developing a plan of study that will meet typical nation-wide requirements for colleges and universities.
The typical course of high school studies for careers in nursing includes:
- English: 4 years (verbal and written communication skills as well as reading comprehension are essential)
- Math: 2-4 years (medication administration and chemistry require a knowledge of algebra)
- Science: 2-4 years (chemistry and biology are both required courses in college-based nursing curriculums; if you have a chance to take anatomy and physiology in high school, do it!)
- Computer Science: basic knowledge of computers is required; computers are used in a variety of ways in health care delivery
- Social Studies: 3-4 years (psychology is essential; sociology, history, government, and economics are recommended)
- Foreign Language: 2 years (language skills such as Spanish are becoming more critical in the nursing profession)
- Health Studies: 1-2 years (basic knowledge of health care/maintenance principles are helpful)
If you already have a good idea or know which college or university you want to attend, contact that admission office and the school of nursing for more specific high school requirement guidelines.
Colleges and universities have general education requirements which must be met prior to admission into a school of nursing. The typical general education course of study includes:
- English Composition – 2 semesters
- College level Mathematics – 1 semester
- General Psychology – 1 semester
- General Chemistry – 1 semester
- General Biology – 1 semester
- Anatomy & Physiology – 1 semester each
- Microbiology – 1 semester
- General Education Natural Sciences (Sociology, Anthropology) – 1 semester
- Pathophysiology – 1 semester
- Music or Art – 1 semester
- Basic Computer Science – 1 semester
Upon completion of the general education requirements and acceptance into a school of nursing, you will begin a course of study specifically in a nursing curriculum. Typical nursing courses include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing – fundamental health concepts, nursing process and nursing theory – 1 semester
- Pathophysiology – clinical manifestations and implications for treatment of diseases – 1 semester
- Health Assessment – selected assessment skills adaptation to health function and status – 1 semester
- Pharmacology – drug classifications, action, use, nursing implications and drug interactions – 1 semester
- Adult Nursing I & II with Clinical Applications – care of the adult patient; critical thinking and accountability – 2 semesters
- Nursing of Children with Clinical Applications – care of the child from infancy to adolescence – 1 semester
- Family Nursing with Clinical Applications – care for the expectant family – 1 semester
- Community Health Nursing with Clinical Applications – primary nursing care in the community – 1 semester
- Mental Health Nursing with Clinical Applications – care of the client with mental health needs – 1 semester
- Professional Nurse Management, Leadership, Research, Theory and Issues offered at varying levels dependent upon the degree sought.
Be sure and check with the school or program that you choose to attend for more detailed information on the courses you will take!
Federal & State Funding Assistance
The U.S. Department of Education Financial Aid offers several opportunities to help fund your education.
Pell Grants unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor's or professional degree.
Stafford Loans are subsidized loans awarded on the basis of financial need. You will not be charged any interest before you begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment.
Other Tennessee Scholarship and Grant information can be found at the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
Private Funding
Local and state civic organizations as well as businesses often have scholarship monies available for nursing students. Contact your area Lion's Club, Civitan Club, Rotary Club, and DAR (to name a few) for local and state scholarship opportunities.
Many healthcare organizations also offer scholarship/grant opportunities to individuals who are pursuing nursing education. Be sure and check with local healthcare facilities to determine what opportunities may exist in your community.
Institutional Funding
Each college or university has a variety of funding resources available to students. Be sure and explore the financial aid links for any school that you may be considering to determine what specific scholarships, grants, and/or loans are available and how to apply for financial assistance!