New Jersey is one of the highly populated and wealthiest US states. Pharmaceutical and telecommunication industries, real estate, agriculture, tourism and retail are some of the major sectors that drive the state’s economy. Healthcare is another prominent sector in the state that is likely to create a number of employment opportunities in the future. The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development predicts that thousands of new healthcare opportunities will be created between 2008 and 2018. Students who want to pursue healthcare jobs in New Jersey can find a number of programs that can help them acquire skills and knowledge essential to get into the industry. Aspiring nursing professionals can also find numerous programs in the state that can train them for this profession.
Registered nurses (RNs), who may have a broad range of specialties, are the most prevalent occupations in the health care industry. In 2009, there were an estimated 65,000 RNs in the state of New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, there is a strong short- and long-term demand for qualified nursing professionals.
Who are registered nurses?
Registered nurses are healthcare workers who work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. They provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions. Some of the major responsibilities of these healthcare workers are:
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Recording patients' medical histories and symptoms
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Operating and monitoring medical equipment
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Administering patients’ medicines and treatments
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Observing patients and recording observations
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Helping perform diagnostic tests and analyzing results
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Advising patients and their families on how to manage illnesses or injuries
The responsibilities of RNs vary depending on the area of their specialty. For example, addiction nurses look after patients who need help overcome addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and other substances while critical care nurses work in intensive care units in hospitals and providing care to patients with serious and acute illnesses and injuries. Rehabilitation nurses provide care to patients with temporary or permanent disabilities and clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care in one of many nursing specialties, such as psychiatric-mental health or pediatrics.
BSN Programs in NJ
Students who want to become a registered nurse can choose from a number of educational paths. RNs generally hold a nursing diploma, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. New Jersey’s has a number of colleges and universities that offer bachelor of science in nursing programs. These programs enable LPNs, RNs and others to enhance their skills and receive advanced clinical training. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare settings.
Students can complete a BSN program in 4 years if they take the full time study route. In addition to completing a variety of courses in classroom, students also need to complete a clinical experience in a healthcare facility as part of a BSN program.
What are the requirements for admissions?
To enroll in a BSN degree in the state of New Jersey, applicants must:
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Hold a high school diploma or GED
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Provide college transcript(s)
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Submit SAT or ACT (with writing) scores
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Provide English Proficiency Exam scores (if applicable)
What courses will you cover?
BSN students will study a variety of topics that will enable them to acquire leadership, problem solving and communication skills essential to take up administrative roles in the field of nursing. Common courses include:
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Anatomy and physiology
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Microbiology
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Math
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Social science
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Nursing research practices
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Health promotion
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Community health
BSN Learning Outcomes
Graduates of BSN degrees in New Jersey will be able to:
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Perform as healthcare providers
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Use information and health care technologies
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Demonstrate cultural awareness, and competency in providing nursing care to individuals, families, and groups within a diverse society
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Perform health-promotion, risk-reduction, and disease-prevention activities
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Make clinical judgments using critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
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Take up leadership roles within the scope of professional practice
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Work as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team
Licensure Requirements
Registered nurses in New Jersey must have a nursing license. In order to be licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Requirements for a license include:
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Filling out an application
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Agreeing to criminal background check
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Register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN and pay the $200 testing fee
Career Outlook for RNs in New Jersey
According to the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the employment outlook in the health care industry in New Jersey is positive. From 2008 through 2018, it is projected that over 56,000 additional employment opportunities will be added. There will be an additional 10,000 registered nurses, which will remain the top occupation by employment in 2018, the NJ Labor and Workforce Development concluded.
In New Jersey, many of the larger cities such as Newark, Jersey City and Paterson will have more options for hospital work, while more rural regions may provide opportunities for advanced RNs.
What are the opportunities for graduates?
Ranging from schools to clinics, registered nurses work in a number of settings. Some of the workplaces may include:
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Hospitals; state, local, and private
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Offices of physicians
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Home health care services
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Nursing and residential care facilities
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Government
How much do RNs make in New Jersey?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for registered nurses in New Jersey was $77,360 in 2013.
Continuing Education
RNs who earn a bachelor’s degree can further their education by enrolling in master’s programs in nursing. These programs enable RNs to possibly pursue careers as advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists. PhD programs are also available for those who wish to pursue careers in academia and research.
Financial Aid Programs
Students who wish to pursue a BSN program in New Jersey but cannot manage the tuition fee and related expenses on their own can apply for financial aid programs. Federal, state as well as private sources offer funding for nursing students who may qualify. Some of the financial aid programs RN students in NJ may apply for are:
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New Jersey State Nurses Association Research Grants
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Institute for Nursing Career Mobility Scholarships
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New Jersey Legion Auxiliary Past President’s Parley Nurses Scholarship
Federal work-study programs as well as student loans such as Federal Stafford and Federal Perkins are also available for students who may qualify. To apply for financial aid, students need to file and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet other eligibility requirements.