What is Nursing?
Nursing professionals provide preventative and restorative health care to patients in a variety of settings. Nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illnesses. Nursing is a science that requires in-depth knowledge, skills and understanding. Nursing deals not only with a person's biological needs, but their psychosocial and cultural needs as well.
Areas of Speciality
There are many areas open to nursing graduates, including the traditional hospital nurse who may work in pediatrics, maternity, the operating room, medical/surgical units, critical care, trauma, or the ER. Also found in hospitals are nursing educators, quality assurance nurses, nurse managers, nurse epidemiologists, and nursing supervisors. At the masters degree level the various specialties available to graduates include: nursing administration, certified nurse-midwifery, clinical specialist, nurse anesthetist, and nurse practitioner (most of the clinicians in our Women's Health Clinic in Student Health Services are nurse practitioners). Nurses holding doctoral degrees often take positions in research or academic settings.
Desired Skills
Nurses must be able to accept responsibility, direct or supervise others, follow orders precisely, and determine when consultation is necessary. As nurses are advocates for patients, families and communities, they should be caring and sympathetic.
Degree Options and Compensation
There are several levels of career choices including: the Licensed Vocational Nurse (L.V.N.), Registered Nurse (R.N.), and advance practice nurses who generally have a masters degree and/or a doctoral degree in nursing. The demand for nurses is overwhelming and the salaries are increasing accordingly. A bachelors degree in nursing (B.S.N.) is strongly recommended over the two year nursing program (L.V.N.). While both may lead to licensure as an R.N., a B.S.N. affords the opportunity to continue the nurse's education to the masters, Ph.D., or D.N.Sc (Doctor of Nursing Science) levels, whereas the L.V.N. is a terminal degree. Salaries for nurses with bachelors degrees range from around $28,500 to $41,000, varying greatly with geographical region. In administration, salaries range from $45,000 to $70,000. Generally, the more education a nurse has the greater pay and the greater number of options s/he will have.
Nursing Trends
Changes in health care trends, as well as an aging RN workforce—the average age is 44—are increasing the demand for more nurses in the workforce than ever before. These changes in health care trends are also making it even more important for nurses to be educated at the minimum level of baccalaureate degree. An article published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in February 1998 addresses this importance with their statement, "Unlike associate-degree and diploma graduates who are prepared primarily for hospital and nursing home practice, BSN nurses have broad education in the physical and behavioral sciences, management concepts, and community health and have the flexibility to practice across a range of settings...critical thinking and leadership skills give BSN nurses an edge..."
Employment Outlook
Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than average.
Related Occupations
Workers in other health care fields with responsibilities related to those of nursing include occupational therapists, emergency medical technicians, physical therapists, physician assistants, and respiratory therapists.
The UCLA School of Nursing was established on the Los Angeles campus in 1949 and rapidly became a leading school of nursing in the U.S. Now the school enjoys a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice.
One of the strengths of the School of Nursing is its teaching of the scientific basis for nursing practice, leadership and research. Related clinical experiences are arranged within the UCLA Medical /Center, its affiliates, or in selected community sites. The school has Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Masters of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs.
There are two undergraduate degree program options: Nursing B.S. (Generic/Prelicensure) and Nursing B.S. (R.N. to B.S./Post licensure). The generic/pre licensure program, new for Fall Quarter 2006 with admission at the freshman level, is for students who wish to become registered nurses. The R.N. to B.S./post licensure program is for registered nurses from associate degree or diploma programs who wish to obtain their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in three years.
The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree program also offers pre licensure and post licensure options. The master’s entry clinical nurse (MECN)/pre licensure program, new for Fall Quarter 2006, is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline who wish to become registered nurses. The advanced practice nurse (APN)/post licensure program is for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who wish to prepare for an advanced practice role, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse administrator. Advanced practice specialties include acute care, family, gerontology, nursing administration, occupational and environmental health, oncology and pediatrics.
The Ph.D. program prepares scholars who conduct original research, generate new theories and build the scientific basis for professional nursing practice. Our students conduct both basic and applied research. Moreover, our students learn first hand the value of translational research.
The UCLA School of Nursing has an exceptionally well qualified faculty, many of whom have earned national and international reputations for excellence. The school is consistently ranked high for its teaching and research programs. The innovative curriculum is responsive to national needs in healthcare and the diversity of the patient population. Graduates of the program are sought by healthcare institutions and educational programs and many alumni have become leaders in the field. Education in this research University with its full range of academic disciplines provides a rich environment for preparation in the health sciences. In addition, UCLA includes one of the top medical centers in the world, providing students with a cutting-edge learning environment.
For further information, please visit: http://www.nursing.ucla.edu/
Application Timeline and Acceptance Information
Applications to schools of nursing are generally submitted one year prior to the fall you intend to enter. Competition for these programs is strong due to the fact that a majority of them are on impacted status.
Pre-Professional Nursing Preparation and Required Courses
Chemistry
Life science or non-science majors: Chemistry 14A, 14B/BL, 14C/CL, 14D.
Physical, life or non-science majors: Chemistry 20A, 20B/L, 30A/AL, 30B/BL, 30C*. *Chem 30CL may not be required for applicants from the life science majors.
Requirements vary per program. Biochemistry is recommended for all pre-health professions (i.e. Chemistry 153A/153L).
Microbiology
MIMG 101/101L. One quarter with lab. MIMG 6 is the lower division microbiology class, but does not have a lab component. One course from a community college with lab may also be acceptable.
Human Anatomy
Phy Sci 13 or 107 (upper division PS courses are generally restricted to PS majors). Phy Sci 13 through UCLA Extension is another good option.
Human Physiology
Phy Sci 3* or 5 or 111A-C (upper division PS courses are generally restricted to PS majors). *PS 3 has a lab component effective Summer 04. Any offerings before Summer 04 did NOT have a lab. One course from a community college with lab may also be acceptable.
Anthropology
Any lower division introductory class (e.g. Anthro 7 or 9)
Psychology
Any lower division introductory class (e.g. Psych 10 or 15)
Sociology
Any lower division introductory class (e.g. Soc 1, 2, or 3)
Nutrition
Phy Sci 5 or 167 (upper division Phy Sci classes are generally restricted to Phy Sci majors). This can also be taken at any community college.
English
One year of college level literature and composition. Writing I and Writing II courses, select general education literature courses, and any upper division English literature or English Composition courses will satisfy this requirement. Please see the “English requirement for health professions schools” sheet for a complete list of suggested courses.
Other Recommended Courses
Other Humanities and Social Science courses are strongly recommended. The non-science GPA is an important component to your overall academic record, and liberal arts education. Courses in the following can enhance your communication skills and overall understanding of the world: Anthropology, Communication Studies, Economics, any ethnic studies area (e.g. Women’s Studies, LGBT Studies, Afro-American Studies, Chicana/Chicano Studies, Near Eastern Studies), Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech to name a few.
Computer skills are strongly recommended. Many programs have incorporated computers and electronic media into their curriculum. Several programs are strongly recommending that a student owns a computer.
UCLA is not responsible for coursework being accepted by recipient schools. Students should contact the individual schools directly.
Additional Information and Resources
How Can the UCLA Career Center Help?
The Career Center offers a wide range of workshops to assist you in preparing for graduate and professional school. Workshop topics range from Graduate School Planning to Resume Writing and Mock Interviewing. In addition, a number of special programs and panels related to the healthcare/nursing field are planned for Career Week to be held in January. A list of workshops and special programs can be found on the Career Center's website: career.ucla.edu.
Health Care Related Internships
Experiential educational and volunteer programs are an excellent way to expand your knowledge of the health professions beyond the classroom. Participation in health related internships will strengthen your application to professional schools and provide exposure experiences that can be highlighted in the personal statement. A select number of health care internships focusing on research, legislation and public policy are available through the Career Center's internship office on a local, national and international basis. A sampling of internship opportunities include (but are not limited to) the National Institute of Health, the Surgeon General's Office, Cedar Sinai, AIDS Action, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association. Visit the Career Center's Internship and Study Abroad Services Office for a resource sheet handout providing an overview of health related internships. Please visit career.ucla.edu for more information.
Publications (Available in the Career Center Lab, UCLA Career Center)
Caring Careers: From Nursing Assistant to Professional Nurse, Greseth, Anabel & Judson, Karen (Glencoe Publishing Company)
Exploring Careers in Nursing, rev. ed., Heron, Jackie (Rosen Publishing Group)
Opportunities in Nursing Careers, Frederickson, Keville (VGM Career Horizons)
Peterson's Guide to Nursing Programs, 4th ed., Peterson's and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (Peterson's)
Program Information
Students can obtain more information and academic program lists by visiting the web site address for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing at www.aacn.nche.edu,or writing to the following address:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202.463.6930
Fax: 202.785.8320
General Information
National League for Nursing, www.nln.org, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
American Nurses Association, www.nursingworld.org, 600 Maryland Ave. SW., Washington DC 20024-2571
NursingNet.Org www.nursingnet.org
Includes information about mentoring programs including a Nursing Chatroom and Information Forum
NursingCenter.com www.nursingcenter.com - An interactive web community and portal created by nurses for nurses as a source of nursing information and content that is comprehensive, convenient, and current. It provides a forum to share ideas, access reference materials, advance their careers and education, order products and services, and read about the social, ethical and political topics affecting the nursing profession.
THINKING ABOUT A CAREER AS A NURSE?
Informational Interview with: Regina Perez, Kaiser Permanente
Pre-Professional Information
Student Nurse Forum kcsun3.tripod.com
Provides support and encouragement for those called to the diverse and rewarding field of nursing.