Overview of Nebraska Nursing Schools
The culture of health care is rapidly evolving and growing to meet the needs of legislation and patients all over the United States. In Nebraska, this has led to a deficiency of skilled health care providers, growing wait lists, and patients who may have difficulty getting the care they need. What do health care organizations and agencies need? They need nursing professionals who are willing to dedicate their education and career to the health of their patients.
If you’d like to see how a career in health care could change your future, learn more about nursing programs in Nebraska by contacting those listed below.
Nebraska’s nursing home industry is one of the largest in the country. As a result, there’s a great need for nurses who are willing to work with the aging population or take on irregular shifts. As the state’s nursing homes restructure or close, many nursing homes may see an influx of new patients and need more nurses to meet their needs.
In fact, the need for nurses is considered a severe shortage in many parts of the state. According to nursing home owners and industry leaders, finding and retaining strong nurses is a major concern.
Nursing Education in Nebraska
In response to the state nursing shortage, local schools have stepped up their nursing programs. Public community and technical colleges have added new nursing degree pathways, hoping to encourage aspiring nurses to complete their education.
You can choose from several different educational routes as a nursing student. A four-year Bachelor’s degree program is the longest option. With this degree, you may be able to work in various specialties or take on nursing leadership positions. An Associate’s degree in nursing can provide you with the knowledge you need to work in emergency care, acute care, and other high-demand fields. If you want to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you may be able to complete a diploma or certificate program in about one year.
The courses that are part of your nursing curriculum may take you through many areas of study and many types of practical experience. Early nursing courses often include Patient-Centered Care, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Evidence-Based Practice, and Pathophysiology. Higher-level nursing courses may include Population-Centered Care, Policy and Issues in Health Care Delivery, Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals, and Leadership in Practice.
There are quite a few resources you can use during your search for nursing scholarships and grants. The Nebraska Nurses Association is a statewide organization with different scholarship programs for students with financial need. Bryan Health and other local employers fund scholarships for promising nursing students. If you join the Nebraska Health Care Association, you may apply for scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Nursing Degree Programs in Nebraska
A list of links to specific nursing programs available in Nebraska is below.
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in NE
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in NE
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in NE
Entry level nursing programs:
- All LPN/LVN Programs in NE
- All Associate Degree Nursing Programs in NE
- All Four-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs in NE
- All Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs in NE
- Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Programs in NE
Working as a Nurse in Nebraska
The final step in starting your nursing education is earning your license. The Nebraska Board of Nursing administers licenses to graduates who have provided proof of graduation and passed the NCLEX.
Anticipated job growth rates in Nebraska are quite promising. O*Net predicts a 22% increase in licensed practical nursing jobs through the year 2022. In this same time period, LPN jobs are expected to swell by 12% (O*Net, 2012).
Salaries in this state tend to be in line with national averages. The average salary for a Nebraska LPN is $40,630 per year and the average salary for a registered nurse is $60,370 per year (BLS, 2016).
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Nebraska include The Nebraska Medical Center, Immanuel Medical Center, BryanLGH Medical Center East, Methodist Hospital, and Bergan Mercy Medical Center.
