Nursing school

A Nursing school is a type of educational institution, or part thereof, providing education and training to become a fully-qualified nurse. The nature of nursing education and nursing qualifications varies considerably across the world.

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. 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.

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
Yale School of Nursing became the first 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 educational plan rather than on hospital service needs. In 1956, the Columbia University School of Nursing became the first in the United States to grant a master's degree in a clinical nursing specialty.

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, 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 Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).

Degrees Granted
See articles on individual degrees for variations on the exact name.
 * Diploma in Nursing
 * Associate of Science in Nursing
 * Bachelor of Science in Nursing
 * Master of Science in Nursing
 * Doctor of Nursing Science

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.