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Major Related Resources School of Nursing Resources Career Development Center | Description of MajorAcademic preparation to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam can be earned through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or an Associate of Science (ASN) degree. These degree programs are available on campuses throughout the IU system but only the BSN degree is available at Indiana University Bloomington. To become a Registered Nurse, students must complete the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) following completion of their degree. The NCLEX is administered by the Indiana State Board of Nursing, or a comparable agency in another state. The BSN curriculum includes one year of pre-nursing course work followed by three years of upper division nursing course work. The upper division nursing program consists of course work in a variety of classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Students are eligible to apply to the BSN major after completing a minimum of 29 hours of pre-nursing course work. Admission to the major is competitive, based on academic achievement in pre-nursing general education courses.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyThe knowledge base of the profession centers around biological, psychological, physiological, and sociological sciences. General skills developed through the major include problem solving, communication, critical thinking, leadership, and decision making. Overall, the nursing major seeks to teach students how to assess, develop, plan, and implement care plans for the client(s).Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorAnthropology, business, foreign languages, health administration, information systems, nutrition, public health education, psychology, religious studies, and sociology.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeNonhospital related roles: home health care nurse, informatics nurse, nurse administrator, occupational health nurse, psychiatric/mental health nurse, public health nurse, school nurse, physician's nurse; hospital related roles: critical care nurse, emergency nurse, labor and delivery/post-partum nurse, medical/surgical nurse, operating room nurse, pediatric nurse, mental health nurse.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeHealth care administrator, health care supplies sales representative, pharmaceutical sales representative, consultant (in a variety of roles and settings).Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeClinical specialist, upper level nursing administrator, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and nurse researcher.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookWith the rapid reshaping of the nation's health services delivery system, the nursing profession is experiencing dramatic change that will create new opportunities. More nurses will be employed in settings outside of the hospital such as clinics, h omes, schools, outpatient surgery centers, health centers, and business fields. The fastest job growth for nurses is expected to be in home health care roles, with additional growth occurring in nursing home related jobs. Employment in hospitals, currently the largest sector, is expected to grow more slowly than other health care sectors. Additionally, job opportunities within acute care settings are shifting to more community-based settings. Opportunities for nurses with advanced nation, creating an excellent employment outlook in the field. There are four career paths availadegrees are anticipated to be the greatest. By the year 2005, it is expected that the demand for Master’s and Doctoral-level nurses for advanced practice, clinical specialties, teaching, and research will be more than twice the supply.Salary InformationAccording to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, median annual earnings of registered nurses were $44,840 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,870 and $54,000.Potential Career GrowthRegistered Nurses are in short supply across the ble in nursing: clinician, researcher, educator, administrator. Through clinical experience, self study, staff development programs, and continuing education, nurses can ensure that a variety of career opportunities continue to remain available to them. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2000 the highest 10 percent of registered nurses earned more than $64,360.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorStatistics are not available, but historically, students who are willing to work in a variety of settings, and are flexible in their geographical preference have had little difficulty finding jobs.High School PreparationA strong background in natural, physical, and social sciences is recommended.Special OpportunitiesThe community-based learning experiences in the Bloomington area provide students with a broad exposure to health care delivery systems. Although the BSN degree prepares students as generalists, many students are able to concentrate on an area of interest within the nursing profession through their use of summer elective course work, internships, or research. The School of Nursing sponsors a scholarship competition each spring. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, but several are also based on financial need.Noted AlumniAlumni of the IU School of Nursing work in service and educational settings across the nation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
