Becoming an RN in West Virginia

Nursing has always been a well-respected field, attractive to caring, people-centered students. Like other high stakes professions, it has also had its share of stresses. Faced with an increasing demand for professional nurses, the state of West Virginia has been working to make the field more attractive than ever. This has included instituting a workforce center to study workplace issues and developing a residency model to help graduate nurses make the school to work transition.

A person becomes a professional nurse, or RN, by completing an approved degree program. West Virginia currently has ten approved BSN courses and twelve approved ADN programs. Both courses of study prepare a candidate to practice at the professional level in pediatric, obstetric, mental health, or adult medical/ surgical nursing. The BSN typically also includes more advanced nursing coursework that is applicable to community health and management positions as well as to clinical practice.

After degree completion, nursing graduates must take and pass a board examination called the NCLEX-RN. Questions about character and legal history are also included on the licensing application.

Registered Nursing Pre-Licensure Entry Paths

Prior life experiences and education will make it easier for some people to get their RN license. The state has several accelerated BSN programs for professionals who already have a BS or BA in another field.

Previous experience in health care is also valued. There are bridge programs designed especially for LPNs. These are called LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN programs. Even if a course isn’t labeled LPN to RN, a practical nurse may be able to challenge some courses, which in the end will cut down on the length of the course.

Second degree BSN programs are another option for those holding a bachelor’s degree in another field. These programs are also frequently referred to as accelerated BSN programs. A student may need to complete additional prerequisites in general studies like composition and sciences before being considered for admission. If, though, she/he has a broad general studies background with classes in psychology and physiology (at the appropriate level) his/her path may shortened. Registered Nursing licensure candidates should be aware that there may be a fee associated with the licensure exam.

CNA experience is also regarded as a sign of nursing aptitude and commitment. Some programs, for example, the one at West Virginia Northern Community College, require that applicants be registered nursing assistants prior to admission to their RN program. Certification does not necessarily have to be in the state of West Virginia.

Registered Nursing Career Outlook in West Virginia

West Virginia expects a high demand for nurses in the years to come. This is due to changing demographics and increased need for health care services. Concerned with potential shortfalls, the state is even reaching out to middle school students, hoping to get them excited about the possibility of a career in nursing.

Short term economic factors do influence job prospects in West Virginia. What can you expect if you are entering the workforce in the near future? A 2010 survey reported RN vacancy rates by geographic location. The situation varied greatly from district to district. Districts 1, 3, and 4 had significant vacancy rates. Interestingly, these regions represent a wide range of communities, both urban and rural. The workforce center had a difficult time pinpointing commonalities.

The report indicated that relatively high turnover rates occurred in regions that bordered metropolitan areas in other states. Presumably some experienced nurses were leaving positions in these areas to work for higher wages elsewhere.

The Application Process for Nursing School

Nursing schools take a variety of factors into consideration when making admission decisions. These include general academic achievement, achievement in prerequisite courses, health care experience, and other life experiences. A representative of HOSA (the Health Occupations Students Association) notes that schools like well-rounded candidates.

Some schools do publish their admission point system. At Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, students are awarded points for ACT scores, A or B grades in prerequisites, and allied health certifications. If you are a CNA, for example, you will get some additional points. There is an RN entrance exam, and students who don’t meet the cut-off score won’t be considered for admission, no matter how well they performed in other academic areas.

There is no standardized admission process, even at the community college level. Some schools may ask an NLN-RN score of 96, others 100.

State Approved ADN Programs in West Virginia

(Source: West Virginia RN Board)

Approved BSN Programs in West Virginia