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Nursing education that is required to obtain a nursing license is geared to teach
the nurse to prevent diseases, promote health, collaborate with the health care team
members, and to assist patients to cope with illness.
Required Nursing Classes
To be accepted in a nursing program a student must have taken chemistry, biology
and algebra in high school or have taken the courses before entering the nursing program.
Nursing classes are very similar in online and university programs. They usually include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Nutrition
- Nursing Science
- Pharmacology
- Communication
- Nursing Skills and Foundation
- Concepts of Adult Nursing
- Nursing Clinical Courses
Importance of Nursing Theory
The body of knowledge used to define or explain the various aspects of the nursing
profession is referred to as nursing theory. This theory is actually a group of related
concepts to guide nursing practice by proposing specific actions. Nursing theory includes;
a set of concepts, relationships, definitions, and assumptions that have been derived from
various nursing models, which dictate patient care.
The evolution of the nursing profession has moved from dependence on medical direction
and providing basic patient care into an independent nursing practice modality. Nursing
theory has been developed through the years, thanks to a large number of nursing theorists
who have contributed to the practice of nursing.
No one theory fits each unique situation or area of practice. One good example is
Erickson's Stages of Development, which addresses the progression of an individual's
life stages from birth to death. The theorists have basically given the nurse a huge
body of knowledge in order to provide better care for their patients.
Study Tips for Nursing Students
Several of the required nursing courses are difficult, and developing a program of
study that meets the needs of the student can be very helpful. One obvious tip is
to eat healthy, get plenty of rest and exercise.
Some basic study habits that may be helpful include:
- Be organized. Find a method of study that works for you and use that method consistently.
Many students find it helpful to read assigned materials shortly before they are covered
in class. Then, review the material within a day after the class, as scientific studies
have shown this method to be helpful in retaining information.
- Try using a large calendar that lists all the exam dates and written assignment due
dates. This large calendar will let you see how much free time is available and how
much study time you might need at a glance.
- Choose a place to study that works well for you, as this might be your bedroom,
or the library. Other people find study groups to be beneficial.
- Taking good notes during lectures is always beneficial. Most people retain what
they write very well. Many students make flashcards.
- The bottom line is finding what works the best for you and sticking with it.
Passing the NCLEX
Once a student has graduated from nursing school, they must pass the National Licensure
Examination (NCLEX) to receive a nursing license. Schools are very helpful in preparing
students to pass this test as it is in their best interest also.
Obviously, the better you do academically while in college the more prepared you will
be for this test. There are also prep tests, such as the Mosby Assess Test, which you
can take while you are still in school. The benefit of taking a prep test is to learn
your strengths and weaknesses, so you will know what area to focus your study.
NCSBN's NCLEX online review class is an excellent way to study over 1300 practice
NCLEX-style type questions. This online review has 2000+ questions, along with interactive
NCLEX online review exercises. Scheduling the exam as soon as possible is wise while all
the nursing concepts are fresh in your mind.
If you should fail this test you will receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which
shows the area of your strengths and weaknesses. It may be retaken from 45 to 90 days,
which is determined by each state's board of nursing.
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