Rn Programs in Louisiana
A registered nurse (RN) program is a course of study in nursing with the ultimate aim of preparing students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and earn their license to practice nursing. Prospective RNs could choose one of three educational paths: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved and accredited nursing program. Although a bachelor's degree is one of the options and not a requirement for the licensure, many nurses choose to earn a BSN degree due to its extensive training in non-hospital settings and curriculum which enables students to take courses in social sciences such as critical thinking, communication, and leadership. These diverse subjects add to a well-rounded personality and equip future nurses with valuable skills as the nursing profession becomes increasingly complex.
All RN programs comprise of clinical work experience where students work under supervision in various hospital settings such as surgery, psychiatry, maternity, and pediatrics. Clinical experience is not extended to hospitals alone; many students gain hands on experience in long term care facilities, home health agencies, public and private health departments, and even in walk in clinics.
RN Programs in Louisiana - General Admission Requirements:
Admission requirements vary from school to school, but the general admission requirements for a RN program are:
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High school diploma: the minimum age of entering the nursing workforce is 18 years as stipulated by the board of nursing in the US. A high school diploma usually suffices for this requirement and well as authenticating that an individual has completed the minimum educational requirements.
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Official transcripts: individuals need to provide official transcripts and should have a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
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General education requirements: these include completing pre-requisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and algebra; they may be studied in high school before entering a RN program.
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Proper English language skills: proficiency in spoken and written English is important for prospective nurses to communicate effectively with their patients. For foreign students wishing to pursue RN programs in Louisiana, it would be advisable to pass English proficiency examinations like IELTS or TOEFL.
Licensure Requirements:
There are two ways to gain a license to become a registered nurse in Louisiana, either by examination or by endorsement. Application by endorsement is for those individuals who are licensed as a registered nurse in another state. These types of nurses should have successfully completed an accredited and registered nurse program and must be willing to provide proof of licensure in another state. They also must provide the necessary documents that list their continuing education hours and completion.
RN application by examination in Louisiana consists of a series of steps, which are as follows:
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Successful completion of a Board approved nursing program or one that meets the educational requirements of schools in Louisiana
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No imposition or restriction of any form by any health regulatory or any nursing board in any state
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Clean criminal record
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No contention or charge for denial of licensure
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Passing the NCLEX-RN in no more than four attempts and within four years of graduation and successfully submitting the application to the Board at least 60 days before graduation
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You need to have your school send an official transcript directly to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing