Nursing Programs in Nyc
New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world with a vibrant economy of which the healthcare sector forms an integral part. With technological advancements and an ageing population, there is an ever increasing demand for nurses in the city. Over the years, a number of nursing schools have been set up which offer a range of programs in the field. Apart from nursing schools, vocational training and community colleges also offer nursing programs. The kind of programs offered in the city can be broadly categorized into three categories:
- Entry level nursing programs - These programs provide the basic knowledge and practical training required to become a nurse. Some of these programs are: LPN/LVN programs, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, etc.
- Graduate programs for nurses - These programs are designed to provide advanced nursing knowledge, usually in a particular field. Most of these programs are offered online as well, so that practicing nurses can pursue further education while still working. These programs include: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and DNP and PhD in Nursing.
- Transition programs for nurses - These are accelerated bridge programs, which enable students or practicing nurses to complete a higher qualification in a relatively shorter period of time. Some of these programs are: LPN to RN and RN to BSN programs.
After successfully completing any of the above mentioned programs, the students will have to obtain a nursing license by taking and passing the NCLEX state board examination. There are separate exams for both RNs and LPNs.
What Do Nurses Do?
Nurses are responsible for carrying out a number of tasks including:
- Providing basic patient care and preliminary treatments such as checking blood pressure, dressing wounds and injuries, taking temperature and performing catheterization
- Observing patients and measuring and recording their vital signs
- Administering prescribed medications and intravenous fluids
- Monitoring and recording food and fluid intake and output
- Assembling and properly using medical equipment including nebulizers, tracheotomy tubes, catheters and oxygen suppliers
It is important to note that nurses form an integral part of the health care system and should be able to work as part of a team in order to ensure high quality service delivery.
Job Outlook for Nurses in NYC
New York offers more than the average national wages to nurses of all qualifications. According to O*NET OnLine, the median annual wage for RNs in New York in 2013 was $74,400, while the national wage was $66,200. Similarly, the median annual pay for LPNs in New York in 2013 was $44,500 while the national wage was $41,900. The projected employment growth rate for RNs in New York City over the period 2012-2022 is 13% with an annual 5,360 job openings, while the projected growth rate for LPNs is 21%, with an annual 2,250 job openings. Hence, the city offers a fairly positive job outlook for those already pursuing and those planning to pursue nursing programs.