Nursing school 921327 219514157 2008-06-15T16:18:42Z 62.107.139.206 /* United States */ {{Expand|date=April 2007}} {{TOC right}} A '''Nursing school''' is a type of [[Education|educational institution]], or part thereof, providing education and training to become a fully-qualified [[nurse]]. The nature of [[Nurse education|nursing education]] and nursing qualifications varies considerably across the world. ==History of Nursing Schools== ===United Kingdom=== [[Florence Nightingale]] was one of the pioneers in establishing the idea of nursing schools from her base at [[St Thomas' Hospital]], [[London]] in [[1860]] when she opened the 'Nightingale Training School for Nurses'. Her intention was to train nurses to a qualified level, with the key aim of learning to develop observation skills and sensitivity to patient needs, then allow them to work in hospital posts across the [[United Kingdom]] and abroad.<ref>{{cite web | author=Florence Nightingale Museum| title=Florence Nightingale | url=http://www.florence-nightingale.co.uk/flo2.htm | accessdate=2007-02-02 }}</ref> Her influence flourished and nursing is now a course taught at a number of British universities. The [[University of Manchester]] was one of the first English institutions to offer the course at degree level.<ref>{{cite web | author=University of Manchester| title=About the school | url=http://www.nursing.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/ | accessdate=2007-02-02 }}</ref> Entry levels for nursing courses, sought by most universities, are often five [[Standard Grades]]/[[GCSEs]], including English, maths and a science (preferably biology), and two [[Highers]]/[[A-Levels]]. Mature students, over the age of twenty-one, have the option of entering upon completion of a college access course, and experience in jobs such as being a health/nursing assistant are also worthy for consideration into the course. Currently, nursing is a three-year course in the UK with a balance between course work in classes and practical placements in a health care setting. The first year is foundation, where students learn anatomy and physiology and basic health care. In Second Year, students then split into one of four chosen branches-- adult nursing, paediatric nursing, mental health or learning disability nursing-- that they wish to specialise in and nursing placements usually involve working within the chosen branch area (for example, paediatric student nurses would only be sent to paediatric units) learning skills essential to that setting. Students complete their course after their Third Year, with the choice of undertaking degree essays during that final year or graduating with only a diploma. Those studying [[midwifery]] follow a different pathway, specialising in this area from the first day of First Year. Newly qualified nurses then have to register with the [[Nursing and Midwifery Council]] in order to apply for jobs and legally practice. ===United States=== In 1909 The University of Minnesota was the first university based nursing program. [[Yale University|Yale]] [[Yale School of Nursing|School of Nursing]] became the first [[Autonomous entity|autonomous]] school of nursing in the United States in 1923. It had its own dean, faculty, budget, and degree meeting the standards of the University. The curriculum was based on an [[Tertiary education|educational]] plan rather than on hospital service needs.<ref>{{cite web | author=Yale University| title=Exhibit on the History of the Yale School of Nursing | url=http://info.med.yale.edu/library/exhibits/nursing/nursing1.html | accessdate=2007-02-02 }}</ref> In [[1956]], the [[Columbia University]] School of Nursing became the first in the United States to grant a [[master's degree]] in a clinical [[:category:Nursing specialties|nursing specialty]].<ref>{{cite web | author=Columbia School of Nursing | title=History of the Columbia School of Nursing | url=http://www.nursing.hs.columbia.edu/about-school/history.html | accessdate=2007-02-02 }}</ref> Pre-requisites often include math, English, and other basic level courses. Expanded courses in biology, anatomy and physiology are required. Core coursework includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on procedural education such as insertion of intravenous and urinary catheters, sterile dressing changes, proper administration of medications, physical examinations, caring bedside manner, and other vital skills. After the first semester basic skills are obtained, students rotate through Obstetrics, Mental Health, Medical, Surgical, Oncology, Critical Care and Pediatric Units to get a holistic view of nursing and what it encompasses. Many nursing students and nursing schools use [[medical and healthcare educational software]] as a study or training aid. In the [[United States]], students graduate from nursing education programs qualified to take the national licensing exam for [[Licensed Practical Nurse]]s (LPNs) or [[Registered Nurse]]s (RNs). ==Degrees Granted== * [[Diploma in Nursing]] * [[Associate of Science in Nursing]] * [[Bachelor of Science in Nursing]] * [[Master of Science in Nursing]] * [[Doctor of Nursing Science]] ''See articles on individual degrees for variations on the exact name.'' Immediately after graduating from nursing school (Diploma, Associate and Bachelor's), each graduate is expected to take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam, or the NCLEX-RN. ==Distance Education== Historically, those who wanted to attend nursing school needed to live near a nursing school or relocate, at least temporarily, to attend one in another community. Fortunately, prospective nursing students have many more options today, in large part due to the growing numbers of online nursing programs. Innovative online nursing programs have made it possible for students to take classes from home or work. The distance education format creates a community of learners from across the country and affords busy adults the opportunity to pursue a formal academic degree without having to leave their jobs, families, and communities to attend classes on campus. ==Footnotes== <references /> ==See also== {{nursingportal}} * [[Academic dress]] * [[Nurse education]] * [[Nurse educator]] * [[:Category:Nursing schools by country|Nursing schools by country (category)]] * [[Timeline of nursing history]] {{Nursing}} [[Category:School types]] [[Category:Nursing|School, Nursing]] [[Category:Nursing schools| ]] [[de:Krankenpflegeschule]] [[ja:看護専門学校]]