Nursing Program - Occupation Description
Nurses care for the sick and injured and help people stay well. They are most concerned with the whole person, providing for the physical, mental, emotional and assisting with the spiritual needs of their patients. Opportunities exist to specialize in specific areas: emergency, pediatrics, gerontology, mental health or schools of nursing. Registered nurses (RN's) and licensed practical nurses (LPN's) usually work eight or twelve hours a day, rotating shifts to cover the needs of hospitalized patients 24 hours a day, holidays and week-ends. Flexible days off during a 40-hour workweek will vary. Management responsibilities and opportunities are greater for RN's than that of the LPN role.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Talking with patients about their disease and the hospital routines
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Helping doctors and therapists with treatments
- Giving drugs, injections and nursing treatments (LPN's & RN's)
- Teaching and counseling patients and families (RN's )
- Observing and recording the condition of patients (LPN's & RN's)
- Managing complex situations such as impending death of a patient
- Attending to basic hygiene needs and doing wound care
- Participating in team work, making decisions about patients' care
Employment Opportunities
Summer or part-time work in a hospital or other health facility will provide helpful experience in the nursing profession. Methods of entering nursing include completing a 2-year or 4-year college degree in nursing and becoming registered in SC as a nurse through the successful completion of the National Council of Licensure Exam, given upon meeting graduation requirements.
Earnings and Advancement
- Earnings depend on the type of agency and specialty
- LPN's work under RN supervision, making $33,000 annually
- RN's earn $59,000 or more annually in hospitals
- Nurse Practitioner (master's degree nurse) earns $75,000 annually
Students have the option of a Practical Nursing Program for completion in three semesters. Once the student becomes a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), they can register for the LPN Transition Program (three semesters) apply to become a Registered Nurse. The student can work as a LPN while complete the LPN Transition Program. The LPN-RN Transition Program provides an opportunity for LPNs to exempt one year of nursing courses. LPNs meet AND entrance requirements and take NUR 201. For more information e-mail Athena Russell (843.661.8264).
Another option for students is to complete the Associate Degree Program (ADN) to apply to become Registered Nurse. The ADN Program consists of five semesters. Once a Registered Nurse, students can further their education by completing a BS degree while working as a registered nurse and eventually specialize or obtain a master's degree in Nursing.
Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate
Program Need
Area nursing homes hire nursing assistants and this certificate would allow students to apply for the certification exam as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Earning and Duties
- CNA Certificate graduates earn approximately $23,000 annually.
- Duties include making beds, meeting the basic hygiene needs of patients, and assisting patients with daily living activities.
To investigate your career in nursing, call Nursing (843.661.8264 ) or Admissions (843.661.8289).