Nursing RN Program FAQ
A Registered Professional Nurse (RN) is one who has obtained significant knowledge of the sciences that guide nursing care, and the medical & surgical therapies that are used in the treatment of illness/disease.
The RN is totally responsible and accountable for the care that (s)he gives. The RN develops the plan of care based on nursing assessments. The plan may include therapies that are ordered by physicians, but the nurse must be responsible for determining that they fit the over-all picture for that client. The RN is responsible for implementation of the plan of care, either through direct activities or supervision of others in their duties.
Duties of the Registered Nurse can include medication administration, personal (and sometimes intimately personal) care, management of IVs, procedures, assisting physicians with medical/surgical procedures, documentation, collaboration with other health care providers, and many other duties.
The Licensed Practical nurse is involved in all aspects of the care of the client, but may perform only under the supervision of a physician or Registered Nurse. The LPN has extensive clinical preparation, and a basic understanding of sciences and medical-surgical therapies.
Both the Associate Degree and the Baccalaureate in Nursing prepare the graduate for the test that allows one to practice as a Registered Nurse. The main difference in the programs is that in the Baccalaureate program, there is more emphasis on leadership, management, comprehensive physical assessment, and nursing within families or communities. There are some differences in the focus and philosophy based on setting as well.
In Florida, there is an articulation agreement between community colleges and universities, which allows for somewhat seamless advancement between the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and university programs.
No. There is a selective admission process, however. Selections are made based on nursing admissions requirements as described in the Selection Guidelines.
Up to 100 students are admitted each fall and spring. Acceptance is selective because of the limited clinical space in the county.
Several applicants are designated as "standby" status to fill vacancies in the event any of the admitted applicants decline to enter the program.
Yes, the nursing courses follow a sequence, and there is a continuation and completion policy stating that both theory and clinical courses taken in the same term must be successfully completed before moving on to the next term.
All general education and support courses must be completed before the application deadline.
Yes. The RN to BSN Program at Eastern Florida State College is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who have already earned their Associate in Science degree in Nursing. The curriculum and coursework build upon students' fundamental nursing knowledge and skills and allow them the opportunity to expand beyond the clinical aspect of nursing.
Additionally, most Florida universities allow for advanced standing in their programs if the student has completed the Associate in Science Degree through a Florida Community College or a Florida State College. Interested students should speak to the particular university they wish to attend for more information. Students planning to relocate outside of Florida will need to ask this question of the university they wish to attend.
The Nursing programs at EFSC — the Associate Degree Nursing / RN, Transition to Associate Degree Nursing / RN, Practical Nursing and Patient Care Assistant (Certified Nursing Assistant) — are all currently approved by the Florida Board of Nursing (Department of Health).
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is nationally accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 33 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326; Phone: 404-975-5000
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL, 32399; 850-488-0595