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Nebraska RN Certification and Schools - NE
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 16th, 2010
Registered Nurse Education in Nebraska
Nurses are extensively trained and must have the ability to absorb new and changing information that is pertinent to the industry all of the time. Prior to working, though, nurses are formally educated through accredited Nebraska RN schools. The schooling can last anywhere from 2 to 4 years in length. Depending on the program you choose you can graduate from nursing school with an associates or bachelor's degree. The formal education in nursing includes both time in a classroom setting as well as time to practice nursing skills including drawing blood and administering medications as directed by doctor's. These clinical experiences are just as important as your schooling and should be taken very seriously. Successful completion of nursing school will prepare you to write the NCLEX-RN examination. Passing this examination is the most important requirement for you to practice as a registered nurse in Nebraska. After completing a bachelor's degree in nursing you can advance as an RN with a Master's degree in nursing. As well you can earn special credentials in nursing, such as Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS) or Advanced Practice Nurse (APN).
Continuing Education for Nebraska RNs
Nurses must have the ability to stay on top of the many changes in the field. A crucial way in which nurses are informed of changes in the best practice models or alerted to new laws and rules within the profession is through continuing education. Registered nurses must have a thorough understanding of their profession in order to work adequately with the other important members of the health care delivery team such as doctor's and nursing aides, among others. Therefore, it is required that Registered Nurses in Nebraska complete 20 continuing education hours every other year. You must attest to and keep records of completion of CEUs and this is your responsibility alone. It is important to understand the somewhat complicated rules regarding the credit earned for continuing education so you should work closely with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service's Board of Nursing. Along with completion of the continuing education, you will also be required to pay a renewal fee for your license every other year by October 31st.
Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue and Grand Island, Nebraska may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Bryan LGH Medical Center, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, Alegent Healthcare and Blue Cross of Nebraska.