Nurses Guide | 2023

PLANNING PLUS!

YOUR PATH TO NURSING ADVICE FROM PROS THAT KNOW

FROM SCHOOLS TO CAREERS

NURSES MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE

Nurses do much more than perform medical tasks, they make a lasting difference in someone's life. As a nurse, you offer hope to people, sometimes during the worst time of their life.

NURSES CAN ENTER THE WORKFORCE QUICKLY

Some nursing degrees can be had in less than a year, and many can be earned in two years. This can allow you to land your first job and advance your education while you work, paying your bills today while boosting your earning power tomorrow.

NURSES HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF JOB SATISFACTION

The American Mobile Nurses Healthcare survey reported 81% of nurses were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their career choice. When asked if they would encourage others to become a nurse, 70% said "yes."

NURSES GET TO DO EXCITING WORK

Nursing is a lot of things, but dull isn’t one of them. Anything and everything can walk through the door at any moment and the variety of situations and people you encounter will keep you on your toes.

NURSING IS A RESPECTED FIELD

In Gallup surveys dating back decades, Americans routinely rank nurses in the number one position when it comes to respect for their work, honesty and ethics.

WELCOME TO NURSING

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

If you’re looking at this special publication, you’ve already taken the first step toward a rewarding and enjoyable career as a nurse.

As anyone who’s done it knows, nursing is among the most challenging, emotionally draining and just plain some of the hardest work you can do. It’s also the most rewarding and the most uplifting, a true calling for those who sit at bedside, hold a patient’s hand and welcome new life into the world.

Nurses have led the world through various health crises, including war and pandemics. At each phase of history, they have been on the forefront of medical care and innovation. As a result, nurses receive more demanding training than ever before, an educational journey that continues throughout their working life.

“Throughout your career you will need to expand your knowledge and skills,” said Patricia Cowan, dean of the UAMS College of Nursing in Little Rock. “You’ll be on the front lines — and thus you will need to be diligent in protecting yourself while providing the best evidence-based care possible. Be committed to lifelong learning.”

Nurses are in higher demand than ever as existing nurses move closer to retirement. In 2020, at the outset of the pandemic, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated more than 1 in 5 nurses were age 55 or older. Between now and 2031, the field is expected to grow 6% annually, meaning there's a lot of opportunity both today and in the future for all kinds of entry-level and advanced nurses.

Here are other compelling reasons to pursue a career in this time-honored profession, as reported by nursejournal.org:

NURSES CAN CHOOSE THEIR SPECIALTY

There are more than 100 different types of nursing specialties, meaning you can customize your career according to your passion. Even if your goals change over time, there’s a role for you as a nurse.

NURSES WORK IN A STABLE INDUSTRY

Surveys show up to 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 60% have at least two. Job security has never been higher.

NURSES RECEIVE EXCELLENT BENEFITS

The shortage of nurses has led employers to offer excellent benefits to attract and keep qualified professionals. Actual benefits packages vary, but some common perks include sign-on bonuses, paid sick time, vacation and holidays, tuition/student loan reimbursement, wellness programs and more.

NURSES HAVE MANY LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Just like any profession, nursing offers opportunities for leaders to take charge, from individual work teams and departments to the chief nursing officer in charge of nursing functions of a large hospital. Nurses are even finding their way into the boardroom and government to run health care companies or help formulate public policy.

NURSES ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE TELEMEDICINE MOVEMENT

Telehealth nursing advanced greatly due to COVID, and nurses have been central to that innovation. As this technology develops, nurses will play a crucial role in the development of this new chapter in patient care.

“NURSING IS AN HONORABLE PROFESSION. IF YOU CHOOSE NURSING, YOU ARE CHOOSING TO SPEND YOUR LIFE HELPING OTHERS, USING SKILLS THAT BLEND SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE WITH COMPASSION AND CARING.”

— JANICE IVERS, DEAN OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES, NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

CHOOSE A JOB THAT CHANGES LIVES, INCLUDING YOUR OWN.

From a mission that matters, competitive pay, development opportunities, and meaningful benefits, a career at Arkansas Children’s is filled with purpose and fulfillment. Our Total Rewards program includes benefits that go above and beyond to take care of team members at work and at home!

Arkansas Children’s achieved Magnet Status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), for nursing excellence and patient outcomes. We are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 7 pediatric specialties and were recently named the Best-In-State Employer in Arkansas by Forbes.

See What’s Waiting for You. Search for openings and apply at archildrens.org/careers

LITTLE ROCK | SPRINGDALE | JONESBORO | PINE BLUFF | ROGERS

WHAT DO ALL THOSE LETTERS MEAN?

There are many different degrees and educational designations that come with nursing, so many in fact that it’s pretty easy for the newcomer to drown in alphabet soup. Here’s a snapshot of what the more common credentials are and the job tasks that come with them.

CNA — CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT

Sample Duties: Clean and bathe patients; turn, reposition and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs; measure patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature; serve meals and help patients eat.

LPN — LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

Sample Duties: Monitor patients’ health by checking blood pressure, temperature, etc.; administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters; provide basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress.

RN — REGISTERED NURSE

Further broken down into Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, two-year degree) and BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, four-year degree)

Sample Duties: Assess patients’ conditions; record patients’ medical histories and symptoms; administer patients’ medicines and treatments; consult and collaborate with doctors and other health care professionals; operate and monitor medical equipment; teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries.

APRN — ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE

Further broken down into Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Sample Duties: APRNs receive advanced training that allows them to work with more autonomy (lack of direct doctor supervision). Depending on specialty, APRNs may manage anesthesia for surgical procedures, provide gynecological services, deliver babies, independently manage medical treatment and make care decisions.

Source: Nurse.org; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

NURSING HERO

ANGIE LONGING

BSN, RN, NE -BC Chief Nurse Executive CHI St Vincent

Beebe native Angie Longing has spent her career in a variety of nursing roles. Starting out at bedside, she steadily worked her way through hospital leadership roles by which she led and supported the nursing corps, enabling them to do their jobs, take a more active role in patient outcomes and confidently advocate for patients. Today, after nearly three decades in health care, she leads the nurses across the four CHI St. Vincent campuses.

What is your current role and what does your job entail?

As the chief nurse executive, I’m primarily responsible for patient care for our four campuses. In my current role, I’m not the one who provides hands-on patient care, but I did when I started my career at our Morrilton campus. I was a labor and delivery nurse, worked med-surg, worked emergency department and worked intensive care.

What is the most common “rude awakening” for new nurses?

I think the intensity, the pace, the demands on you and the demands on your family all take adjustment. The direction that we have tried to go is supporting new nurses in a different way. When I started, you went through orientation for a few weeks and then there you go. Nowadays, you have nurse residency programs that devote a good six months to a year to new nurses, pairing them with a mentor for guidance. It’s much different than it was when I started.

What skills or attributes are foundational to being a good nurse?

A nurse is someone who wants to take care of others; you have to have that in you. You have to be that person with the right combination of personality, professionalism and a compassionate heart. And for me personally, I always try to choose a positive attitude when I’m going into work or any situation I deal with. The best decision you can make in the day is your attitude.

What is empathy to you and what role does it play in being an effective nurse?

Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It is putting yourself in their shoes. It requires you to see that person as you would see yourself — and then provide understanding. You cannot assume you know what brought that person to the state they are in. Continue, even when being firm or setting boundaries, to treat that person the way you would want to be treated if it were you, as many times as you need to.

What advice would you give a new nurse as far as finding their place on the team?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your team is there for you. It takes a while to learn — at least six months to get the basics down well and another six months to really learn your specialty. Then, when you start to feel comfortable, start thinking of ways to improve. Be bold, answer the call and be exceptional. Again it’s OK to ask questions. Never stop learning.

“COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IS A NURSE’S PRIMARY MISSION.”

— SUSAN GATTO, DIRECTOR/PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS SCHOOL OF NURSING

MHSM,

“COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IS A NURSE’S PRIMARY MISSION.”

— SUSAN GATTO, DIRECTOR/PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS SCHOOL OF NURSING

ARKANSAS HOSPITALS ALWAYS THERE,

In her role as a member of the UAMS Nursing team, Casey Sinclair operates in the blended nursing care model. Here’s what she had to say about this team-centered approach.

What is the blended care nursing model and what does it offer for nurses interested in providing bedside care?

There are plenty of opportunities for UAMS nurses to provide care at the bedside utilizing our blended nursing care model. As a licensed practical nurse, I work directly with a registered nurse during my shift to care for up to eight patients in the hospital. I have also had the opportunity to work with various registered nurses on my unit, each with different years of experience and knowledge.

What does your day look like?

A typical day of work as a licensed practical nurse consists of receiving a bedside shift report with my assigned RN. I communicate with the RN to plan how we are going to work together to process orders and complete tasks in a timely manner. I distribute the majority of medications per hospital policy, take and monitor patient vital signs and watch for any changes in our patients. I report any changes to the RN and perform basic patient care tasks, including wound care and collecting urine samples.

How does the blended nursing care model help you provide outstanding patient care?

The blended nursing care model requires us to prioritize our tasks and utilize good time management skills. I enjoy working with the RNs in this model because I can see the difference it makes to our patients. We can provide quality care and spend more time with our patients.

What has been your experience working with UAMS? What do you like about it?

The work environment at UAMS is amazing. If I have a question or need assistance, the other LPNs are always available. Our team has been helpful, nice and always willing to help. We truly have a great team on H6.

Where does your future lie in nursing? What’s next for you?

I chose to work at UAMS because I wanted to further my education, become more successful in my nursing skills, and see firsthand how the registered nurse role differs from my role as a licensed practical nurse. As a result, I am currently attending Arkansas State University Three Rivers’ RN program.

H6 – Hospital Medicine/ Innovation Unit UAMS Medical Center

I am a St. Vincent Nurse.

Brett provides care for patients in the Emergency Room.

“When you join my team, you have joined a family. We support each other, teach each other and encourage each other. And if one of our family members is hurting, we all are hurting. But like all families, we work through it together!”

Join Brett and become part of our work family. Sign-on bonuses and higher pay for all RNs + increased pay for clinical ladder!

chistvincent.com/nurses

Brett Calcagno, RN Emergency Room

NURSING NEWS

A roundup of nursing news from across Arkansas.

NURSING HERO

LAURA

GILLIS

DPN, RN Nurse educator, University of Central Arkansas

Laura Gillis knew she wanted to be a nurse from a very young age, but it wasn’t until later in her career that she decided to become a professor and educate the next generation of Arkansas nurses.

At what age did you decide to be a nurse?

My mother said I knew when I was about 5 that I wanted to be a nurse. I even had a doll called Nancy Nurse and I just thought that was the best thing. I still have a picture of me with that doll. I loved that thing.

What inspired you at such a young age?

UA LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL OF NURSING

In June 2023 the UA Little Rock School of Nursing’s Center for Simulation Innovation (CSI) team received the Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award for dedication to innovation, creativity, collaboration and positive outcomes in simulation.

This prestigious international award makes CSI the only simulation program or team in Arkansas to ever be recognized for excellence by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning.

CSI’s simulation program is one of the most exciting and engaging nursing training systems in the region. It includes a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot simulation hospital bursting at the seams with technology, giving students the chance to work in a variety of simulated scenarios they will encounter in the real world. These include caring for transgender clients, engaging with deaf clients in interprofessional collaborations, and learning critical thinking in high-level, multipatient critical care scenarios.

Combined, CSI students spent more than 30,000 hours in simulation training in 2022, utilizing the most advanced technology, including a $250,000 audiovisual system, virtual and augmented reality obstetric simulations and a new homegrown electronic health record with real-time chart updates.

UAMS HEALTH

The Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences opened June 4, offering patients access to the latest technology and innovation. The hospital will transform how musculoskeletal health care is provided, delivered by UAMS Health's premier team of orthopaedic, spine and pain management experts.

The state-of-the-art hospital offers a 158,000-square-foot facility featuring 24 private rooms for overnight observation and inpatient stays.

In addition, there are 12 specialty clinic examination rooms for orthopaedic trauma, orthopaedic oncology and physical medicine and rehabilitation; 12 operating rooms and eight pain management clinic exam rooms; and two procedure suites.

Other amenities include an advanced imaging suite, rehabilitation therapy services, spacious waiting areas, easy access parking, a cafe and a host of modern amenities and technologies.

UAMS is proud to be recognized with Exemplar Status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for Magnet Excellence. In each of the past two years, UAMS scored above benchmark in all service categories. As part of its commitment to providing patients with an exceptional experience, feedback is gathered following each visit, with patients asked to complete a survey and provide comments regarding specific aspects of care and care providers. Service categories include how well hospital personnel communicated, how responsive personnel was to the patient’s needs, and whether the patient felt they were treated with dignity and respect.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

The Integrated Health Sciences building houses the School of Nursing, the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation and the Interprofessional Teaching Center. The newly constructed 80,000-square-foot building facilitates interprofessional teaching experiences, research and health care services. The 20,000-square-foot Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation provides students with a high-tech, real-world environment that improves student clinical reasoning, critical thinking and confidence to make judgments and key decisions affecting patient care. These simulations allow the student to experience realistic clinical experiences that may not be available or safe enough for students to participate in otherwise.

My mom would always take me with her to visit the little old ladies at church who were shut-ins. At a young age I was comfortable around older adults with health problems. I also enjoyed taking care of sick animals, the dogs in the neighborhood. I just always enjoyed caring for other living things.

Where did you get your education?

I graduated from Harding University with my BSN. As a nurse I did med-surg, ICU, some cardiology. When I got married and started having babies, I went part time in med-surg.

How did you get inspired to shift and go into teaching?

Someone approached me and said they thought I would be a good nursing instructor. We were moving to Conway and I contacted Barbara Williams, who at the time was the nursing department chair. I became a part-time clinical instructor and did that for several years, still working part time at the bedside.

I decided I wanted to go back to school and be a full-time instructor, so at age 50 I went back and got my master’s and I finished my doctorate at age 58. I’ve been teaching in all the undergraduate and graduate classes since then.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

A lot of nursing instruction is encouraging students that, yes, you can do this. I like taking big concepts and breaking them down to where the students can understand them and then apply them. I love to see students have that “aha moment” when they go, “Yeah I see that now!”

What would you tell someone to encourage them to consider a career in education?

I would definitely say just be open to what doors can open for you. That’s the good thing about nursing. There are so many avenues that you can be an effective nurse, it doesn’t have to be at the bedside. The possibilities are just limitless and there’s so much variety you never get bored.

BECOME A NURSE. LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES. EASY AS 1-2-3

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

Benefits of getting a nursing degree at BHCLR:

• Only 3 semesters to become an RN with prerequisites

• Hands-on instruction - highest number of clinical hours in the state, multiple hospital instruction

• Large pool of nursing instructors, mentors & advisors within the program with Masters & Doctorate education

• Christian compassion & loving environment

NEW RN GRAD HIRE AT ANY BAPTIST HEALTH HOSPITALS AS AN RN IN MED/SURGERY OR SPECIALTY AREAS

• Senior Assistance Bonus

• 12 Month Residency Program

WORK IN SPECIALTY AREAS

• Experienced RN Educator for Unit

Preceptor Charge Nurse

Assistant Nurse Manager

Case Coordination

Home Health

MedFlight Nurse

Quality Assurance

Risk Management

Utilization Review

Wound Care Nurse

• Educator/Faculty

Staff Educator

Staff Specialist Faculty at BHCLR

DNP/PhD

• Nurse Management Shift Supervisor

Nurse Manager

Assistant Director Director

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Comprehensive Benefits and 401K

• Master’s Prepared

APRN

CRNA Clinical Nurse Specialist

Surgical First Assist

To learn more about becoming a nurse for Baptist Health, visit BHCLR.edu BaptistHealthCareers.com

FOR YOU. FOR LIFE.

CHI ST. VINCENT NORTH

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, and CHI’s physicians and nurses are leading the field in the treatment of this deadly disease.

CHI St. Vincent North, home of the CHI St. Vincent Arkansas Neuroscience Institute, received the American Heart Association’s Silver Plus Get With The Guidelines® — Stroke quality achievement award for its expertise in treating stroke patients. The hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award for reducing the time between a stroke patient’s arrival at the hospital and start of treatment, which is critical to patient survival and minimizing damage.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, causing brain cells to die. Early stroke detection and treatment are keys to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

CHI St. Vincent North also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award in recognition of its work to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

CHI ST. VINCENT HOT SPRINGS

For the third straight year, CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs has received Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades’ highest rating for patient safety. Leapfrog assigns grades to all general hospitals across the country and updates those grades regularly. Three straight years of “A” grades recognizes CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs’ commitment to providing quality, compassionate care to patients and protecting them and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

The grade is the latest recognition for CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, which has been consistently recognized for excellence in patient care. It recently received three national Women’s Choice Awards for cancer care, heart care and patient safety and has received national Magnet designation for its continued commitment to nursing excellence and its support of nurses.

CHI ST. VINCENT MORRILTON

CHI St. Vincent Morrilton was designated for the third time as a Pathway to Excellence hospital, a prestigious designation awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The designation recognizes excellent patient care and quality nursing standards, including nurses in positions of leadership and decision-making, equitable compensation and professional development opportunities.

The designation, which must be renewed every four years, is only held by a small number of hospitals worldwide. CHI St. Vincent Morrilton is the first and only hospital in Arkansas to receive Pathway to Excellence recognition.

CHI ST. VINCENT HOT SPRINGS

Cardiovascular care at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs earned the hospital a spot on Fortune and PINC AI’s 2023 list of 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals® nationwide and among the top 10 community hospitals in the country. The list recognizes CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs’ significantly higher survival rates associated with cardiac care, including fewer readmissions and complications.

The awards join the hospital’s recent recognition for Primary Heart Attack Center, Advanced Primary Stroke Center and Total Hip and Knee Replacement certifications from The Joint Commission, the only hospital in Arkansas to be recognized in all three areas of care. It was also highlighted in the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals List.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for all Americans, resulting in nearly 700,000 deaths and $229 billion in added costs each year. CHI’s commitment to cutting-edge care by physicians and nurses leads to significantly higher survival rates associated with cardiac care, with fewer readmissions and complications.

NURSING HERO

ELIZABETH RILEY

DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC, RNC-NIC, CNE, ANEF

Clinical Associate Professor

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing

As the program director of the Master of Science in Nursing program at UAMS College of Nursing, Elizabeth Riley has literally written the book on nursing, having published more than 30 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, textbook chapters and textbooks during her career. For this and other contributions to the field of nursing education, Riley was inducted into the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education in 2022.

You’ve not only invested in the education of others, but yourself as well. What has your training, up to the level of Doctor of Nursing Practice in Educational Leadership, taught you that has benefited you most?

I’ve always valued lifelong learning. The specific skills I’ve gained through my formal education are related to curriculum development, assessment and evaluation and accreditation standards. But as a member of the millennial generation, I can also connect with my students on the value of meaningful motivation at work, collaboration with peers and implementing technology into the classroom.

How does a Masters degree help a student in their career development and marketability as a nurse?

The new RN-MNSc program in the College of Nursing at UAMS is a program for registered nurses who are seeking to enhance their professional development and career ladder opportunities. Nurses can greatly expand their career options by completing the RN-MNSc program, which is offered in two tracks: Case Management or Nursing Administration, with or without a Nurse Educator minor track. Extra coursework ranges from 57 to 63 additional credit hours.

While all nurses have some technical demands in the modern health care workplace, what nursing roles are more tech-focused than others?

There are several technical aspects related to nursing. Such careers may include working in catheter labs, aesthetics or nursing informatics. Nursing informatics is a growing area that combines the science of nursing with information technology. Those with excellent computer and problem-solving skills can certainly use them for nursing informatics jobs in the hospital setting and with companies that program electronic medical records.

What did COVID reveal about the physical and emotional side of this profession and how are nursing programs addressing this?

During COVID-19, nurses were on the front lines and faced extreme situations in real time, meaning guidelines and policies were constantly changing for nurses and other inpatient health care providers. Stress and burnout drastically increased in 2020; it was certainly not the Year of the Nurse that we expected.

Collaboration has always been important to nurses, but COVID-19 showed us we must continue to do more mentoring and to foster and maintain self-care programs for all nurses. We were reminded just how vital mentorship really was for new nurses and nursing students alike.

ARKANSAS STATE HOSPITAL ARKANSAS STATE HOSPITAL

GREAT BENEFITS

• Generous leave time

• Excellent state benefits

IS NOW HIRING RNS, LPNS & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AIDES

IS NOW HIRING RNS, LPNS & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AIDES

BHA LPN RN

• Evening, night, & weekend differentials

• Work at Arkansas’s largest mental health hospital

JOBS IN DEMAND

SEE WHAT'S HOT IN NURSING.

Nursing has always been an in-demand profession but with the retirement of the baby boomers and the challenges of COVID, the need for nurses is even more acute. The following are some of the most in-demand specialties going today.

MENTAL HEALTH NURSE

• Description: Mental health nurses work in a variety of settings, including addiction centers and psychiatric hospitals. They may serve a range of patients from children through adults.

• Job growth (2021-2031): 6%

• Median salary (U.S.): $68,000

• Minimum education needed: RN licensure; a psychiatric nurse practitioner is one of the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialties.

NURSE MIDWIFE

• Description: Nurse midwives provide gynecological exams, family-planning services and prenatal care. They help deliver babies and assist with Cesarean sections.

• Job growth (2021-2031): 11%

• Median salary (U.S.): $115,000

• Minimum education needed: Master’s degree

CRITICAL CARE NURSE

• Description: Critical care nurses treat patients suffering from life-threatening conditions. They must master a variety of medical skills and often specialize in areas such as pediatrics, cardiology or oncology, or focus on treating a particular demographic.

• Job growth (2021-2031): 7%

• Median salary (U.S.): $77,000

• Minimum education needed: RN licensure

HIGHEST-PAID NURSING JOBS

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST $195,610

GENERAL NURSE PRACTITIONER $120,680

ICU NURSE $120,243

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE NURSE $118,586

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER $113,114

CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE $112,830

CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST $112,267

CERTIFIED DIALYSIS NURSE

• Description: Specialize in diseases of the kidney; use dialysis machines to reproduce kidney function and combat chronic and acute renal failure.

• Job growth (2021-2031): 7%

• Median salary (U.S.): $74,000

• Minimum education needed: RN licensure

CERTIFIED NURSE CASE MANAGER

• Description: Collaborate with professionals in and outside of the medical community to develop long-term patient care plans.

• Job growth (2021-2031): 7%

• Median salary (U.S.): $74,000

• Minimum education needed: RN licensure

OPERATING ROOM NURSE

• Description: Specialize in the popular surgical nursing field. These nurses care for patients before, during and after surgery.

• Job growth (2021-2031): 6%

• Median salary (U.S.): $74,000

• Minimum education needed: RN licensure

PAIN MANAGEMENT NURSE $110,420

REGISTERED NURSE FIRST ASSIST $101,890

NURSING ADMINISTRATOR $101,340

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER $98,041

GERONTOLOGICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER $90,391

NURSE EDUCATOR $82,040

INFORMATICS NURSE $79,531

Source: nursejournal.org

Source: Nurse.org

JEFFERSON REGIONAL

Choose the Best. Choose UAMS.

Whether you’re looking for the right place to further your education or the right place to start your nursing career, UAMS is the best choice for you.

Become a nurse today! Apply now and embark on a rewarding nursing career that will:

■ Transforms Lives – Make a positive difference in people’s lives

■ Lead Change – Become a nursing leader and drive innovation

■ Impact Healthcare – Through research, policy development and advanced clinical practice

Visit nursing.UAMS.edu for Student Recruitment

Already a nurse and looking for the best place to practice? UAMS Nurses AR the Future!

■ Statewide opportunities for growth in many areas, clinics and hospital units

■ Nurse Patient Ratios: 1:2 ICU and 1:5 Med./ Surg. at the state’s only academic medical center

■ 50% Tuition discount (undergraduate) at UA System colleges for full-time employees

Visit nurses.UAMS.edu for Nurse Recruitment

NURSING HERO

ZENA STONE-HILL, RN Baptist Health

A nurse in Baptist Health’s Telemetry Unit, Zena Stone-Hill served during the challenging days of the pandemic. She said working on health care’s front lines under pandemic conditions forever shaped her and her fellow nurses.

How did the pandemic change the nursing vocation? In what ways are its effects still being felt by health care workers?

Nursing over the past few years has changed. Prior to COVID, nursing was pretty straightforward, being that you took care of your patient, gave them their meds and explained what was going on during the stay.

Since COVID, however, nurses have had to become the physical, mental and emotional support for patients. People were confined to their homes during quarantine, causing more spikes in depressive episodes in patients that had never had depression symptoms before.

Has that situation righted itself? How are the nurses you know working differently today and what has been the

Now that COVID has died down, things are getting better. However, those mental health issues are still present. Personally, since COVID, I have altered my nursing style. My primary focus, of course, is still on the patient's health but now I am putting more focus on their emotional and mental health needs. In return I’m seeing positive physical outcomes directly related to the support and encouragement from myself and the nursing staff.

This new focus has, in turn, created a family dynamic on our unit. We like to use the phrase

Has that also impacted the nurses

Most importantly, nurses are paying more attention to their mental health. It has become crucial that nurses take breaks and find time for themselves. In this job, you give your all and it can be physically exhausting. Every nurse needs some TLC every now and then.

What is your advice for a nursing student or someone who is brand new

My biggest suggestion to any new nurse coming into the field is to find something that destresses you. Find out what that is and set aside time at least twice a week to destress

You ARE the light that refused to surrender.

-John Mark Green

You ARE NOT the darkness you endured.

Treatment and Therapy for Psychiatric, Behavioral & Emotional Issues in Arkansas Children and Youth MethodistFamily.org

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

FOR NURSES, THE SKY'S THE LIMIT.

Nursing is most often thought of as a job performed in a hospital or clinic; however, that just scratches the surface on the variety of work settings nurses occupy. Here are a few you might not have thought of:

HOME HEALTH AIDE

National average salary: $35,722 per year

Primary duties: A home health aide visits patients at their homes and helps them complete daily tasks. They may assist with activities like bathing, dressing, taking medication, eating and cleaning.

COMMUNITY NURSE

National average salary: $47,735 per year

Primary duties: A community nurse serves an area by offering medical services in schools, businesses and organizations near or in a community. Their role helps people in remote locations gain access to health care.

NURSE EDUCATOR

National average salary: $59,888 per year

Primary duties: Nurse educators teach classes about nursing practices on college campuses. They can train and mentor new nurses and advocate for nursing students.

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL NURSE

National average salary: $60,082 per year

Primary duties: A school nurse works in an elementary school, middle school, high school, university or another educational institution to attend to students when they're sick or injured.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSE

National average salary: $68,872 per year

Primary duties: Occupational health nurses visit groups and teach them about proper safety and health. They often work for large companies or manufacturers, keeping employees safe.

HOSPICE NURSE

National average salary: $83,254 per year

Primary duties: Hospice nurses specialize in endof-life care. They may travel to retirement communities or patient homes to provide pain management and end-of-life services.

MILITARY NURSE

National average salary: $90,453 per year

Primary duties: A military nurse is a U.S. Armed Forces registered nurse who cares for service members who have illnesses or injuries that prevent them from performing their duties. They may be stationed on a base or deployed into foreign duty stations.

NURSE CONSULTANT

National average salary: $94,698 per year

Primary duties: Nursing consultants use their knowledge of the nursing field to provide suggestions for improving nursing teams and training protocols. A legal nurse consultant may serve as a link between legal staff and nursing staff.

NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR

National average salary: $110,827 per year

Primary duties: Nursing home administrators oversee all operations within nursing homes, including hiring, organizing health care teams, creating budgets, allocating funds to various departments and overseeing marketing.

RESEARCH NURSE

National average salary: $112,445 per year

Primary duties: A research nurse oversees patients during experiments and studies, or they may work in a lab as part of a research team, collecting data and interpreting trial results.

REHABILITATION NURSE

National average salary: $116,694 per year

Primary duties: A rehabilitation nurse works with patients who experience chronic conditions and illnesses or who are recovering from a major health event. They often work on-site or in rehab centers, supporting patients by helping them adapt and improve their abilities and functions.

FLIGHT NURSE

National average salary: $126,054 per year

Primary duties: A flight nurse works with paramedics and other medical employees in the medical field aboard helicopters for emergency patient transportation. They provide care to patients before they arrive at a hospital and help stabilize them before physicians intervene.

Source: Indeed.com

NURSING CAREER PATHWAYS

HOW TO GET FROM HERE TO THERE.

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers you can have and also one of the most diverse, with literally hundreds of medical specialties and work positions you can build your career around.

When you’re just starting out, however, nursing can be a very confusing journey. The following breakdown doesn’t cover every path, but it does illustrate some general steps you can take to get started, get credentialed and finally get to work in your new career.

GET YOUR CREDENTIAL

No matter what level of education you complete, you’re not licensed to work in nursing until you have passed your credentialing exam, the National Council Licensure Examination (or, NCLEX, as it’s commonly known). When researching schools, ask the recruiter what their graduates pass rate is on this test — the higher the number, the better the instruction.

PRO TIP:

ADOPT A MINDSET OF LIFELONG LEARNING! EVEN IF YOU DON’T GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS AND ENHANCE YOUR EARNING POWER IN VARIOUS MEDICAL SPECIALTIES THROUGH LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS. ALWAYS LOOK FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE YOURSELF; YOUR PATIENTS WILL THANK YOU.

PURSUE ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

Just like any other field, graduate degrees exist in nursing that open up new job opportunities, which typically pay more. These include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and, above that, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degrees generally require a prerequisite, meaning in order to earn a MSN you must first hold a BSN, and to earn a DNP you usually need a MSN. Taking these advanced degrees cost additional money and take additional years of coursework, but can open career doors that a BSN or less can’t.

EARN YOUR DEGREE

No matter what type of nursing you have in mind, you’re going to need to complete a degree from a credentialed college or university. Within that, though, you have options.

PRO TIP:

TAKING CONCURRENT CREDIT CLASSES IN HIGH SCHOOL — COLLEGE CLASSES TAKEN FOR FREE OR AT GREATLY REDUCED RATES — CAN GET MANY OF YOUR COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS OUT OF THE WAY, REDUCING THE TIME AND EXPENSE OF TAKING THE EXACT SAME CLASS IN COLLEGE.

A nursing license is technically the last step before interview-

ing for a job, but times being what they are, many health care organizations are aggressively recruiting new nurses while they’re still in school. This means with good grades and a little legwork, you’ll likely have a good-paying job lined up before graduation.

No matter when it happens, be sure to treat the interview as something other than a formality. Just because nurses are in high demand doesn’t mean you don’t have to make the best impression possible, so prepare your answers and practice interviewing skills.

A PLACE TO LEARN, A PLACE TO WORK

Choosing the right school and employer are some of the most important decisions a nursing student can make. Many factors go into this process, from the quality of educational programs and classroom technology to on-the-job working conditions and advancement opportunities.

The organizations featured on the following pages — both educational and professional — each have their own outstanding qualities, including engaging faculty, career placement and exciting and rewarding work environments. We’re confident you will find programs and employment that’s tailor-made for you both during your educational journey and throughout your career.

Arkansas Times’ 2023 Nurses Guide has compiled the following profiles to give you, the aspiring nurse, a small taste of what these organizations offer for your education and career. We’re sure you’ll agree — Arkansas enjoys a multitude of outstanding opportunities when it comes to your journey as a nurse, with something to fit every learning style, field of study, or career aspiration.

Find your future at one of these fine institutions and take your first steps into nursing, one of the most challenging and rewarding professions there is.

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

As one of the state’s leading institutions of higher learning in the health care space, Baptist Health College Little Rock proudly serves students and the community alike by offering high-quality instruction and producing graduates that serve the health needs of people statewide.

Offering instruction in nine critical areas of medicine, the college is a longstanding and well-respected institution, with thousands of graduates at work throughout Arkansas in a wide range of rewarding health careers.

Baptist Health College Little Rock, a part of Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock, shapes the health of Arkansans by educating and mentoring health care professionals with excellence and Christian compassion.

EDUCATIONAL FOCUSES

Baptist Health College Little Rock offers nine programs of study in a variety of medical fields. Each program offers excellent opportunities with real-world experience. These include:

LPN/Paramedic ― Nurses provide and direct others in the provision of nursing care to patients in an acute care setting and a variety of other health care settings. This accelerated track is an option for paramedics and LPB/LPTNs who wish to become a nurse. Medical Laboratory Science ― Medical technologists perform tests on blood and body fluids to determine the presence or absence of disease, monitor response to treatment and aid in health maintenance.

Nuclear Medicine Technology ― Nuclear medicine technologists use small amounts of radioactive pharmaceuticals for diagnosing and treating various diseases.

Occupational Therapy Assistant ― Occupational therapy assistants help clients of all ages learn or re -

gain the skills required to function as independently as possible in self-care, work, play and leisure activities.

Patient Care Technician ― Patient care technicians work under the supervision of nurses, advanced practice personnel and physicians to provide direct patient care of basic needs, draw labs and perform electrocardiograms.

Practical Nursing ― Under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), a licensed practical nurse provides direct patient bedside care such as personal hygiene, treatments and medication administration.

Radiography ― Radiographers are medical professionals who perform diagnostic X-ray examinations using ionizing radiation and assist physicians in the diagnosis of diseases.

Sleep Technology ― Sleep technologists are medical professionals responsible for patient care and outpatient procedures associated with the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

Surgical Technology ― Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon or registered nurse (RN) and anticipate the needs of the surgeon utilizing surgical equipment while providing for the needs of the patient, and serving the surgical team.

Traditional Nursing ― Nurses provide and direct others in the provision of nursing care to patients in inpatient, outpatient, clinical and community health care settings.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Baptist Health College Little Rock-School of Nursing assists students wishing to continue their education in the health sciences by maintaining a robust slate of partnerships with other institutions of higher learning in Arkansas. The college is proud to coordinate with these colleges and universities to provide seamless online options for graduates to complete a Bachelor

of Science in Nursing degree.

Partnering with Baptist Health College Little Rock in this arrangement are Arkansas Tech University, Ouachita Baptist University, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Capella University and the University of Central Arkansas. These agreements serve current and historical graduates from the BHCLR-School of Nursing program.

Other transfer partnerships exist between BHCLR-School of Practical Nursing and Arkansas Baptist College and a general education support agreement with Geneva College-Portage Division.

Baptist Health College Little Rock maintains an affiliate network with numerous schools of allied health, including Arkansas State University, Arkansas Tech University, Geneva College Portage Division, Henderson State University, Southern Arkansas University, Ouachita Baptist University, Harding University, Louisiana Tech University, Missouri Southern State University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College and the University of Central Arkansas.

PAYING FOR SCHOOL

In order to bring higher education within reach of more students, Baptist Health College Little Rock assists students in understanding available financial aid programs. Among these are federal and private student loans and state aid programs, including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, as well as scholarships awarded by the Baptist Health Foundation.

Through the generosity of its many donors, the Baptist Health Foundation supports myriad scholarships for students. For specific financial aid information and application guidelines, contact the school at (501) 202-6200.

Arkansas Children's offers over 80 specialty clinics and services all dedicated to improving the lives of children. The organization strives to offer the very best in emergency medicine and acute care as well as preventative and well-child care.

The only hospital system in the state solely dedicated to caring for children, the organization has shaped the landscape of pediatric care in Arkansas for more than a century. Arkansas Children’s is driven by four core values — safety, teamwork, compassion and excellence — which inform every decision and every action, from the aggressive pursuit of zero hospital infections to treating each family with dignity, kindness and concern.

More than just a hospital treating sick kids, Arkansas Children’s system includes two hospitals, a pediatric research institute, a foundation, clinics, education and outreach, all with an unyielding commitment to making children better today and healthier tomorrow.

A WORLD OF NURSING POSSIBILITIES

Choosing a career with Arkansas Children’s gives nurses a multifaceted career path. From kidney disorders and cardiac care to pulmonary and urology to cancer and blood disorders, there’s a department that’s right for what you want to accomplish in your life as a nurse. In addition to the physical side of medicine, Arkansas Children’s also provides the Dennis Development Center which cares for children with developmental conditions that affect learning and behavior.

In addition to a wealth of medical speciality areas, Arkansas Children’s also offers a variety of work locations, including hospitals and clinics positioned across the state, allowing nurses to work closer to home. These locations include:

Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH), a pediatric hospital with a Level I Trauma Center, located in Little Rock. It is among the largest pediatric hospitals in the United States and serves children from birth to age 21. ACH is affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and is a teaching hospital with the UAMS College of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics.

ACH staff consists of more than 505 physicians, 200 residents and 4,400 support staff. The hospital includes 336 beds and offers three intensive care units on a campus spanning 36 city blocks and offering over 2 million square feet of floor space.

Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) is the region’s first and only children’s hospital and pediatric emergency room. Designed, staffed and equipped just for children, Arkansas Children’s Northwest offers families a variety of health care services and comprehensive pediatric medicine.

The hospital features 24 inpatient rooms for overnight stays; a Level IV Pediatric Trauma Center; a primary care clinic; a wide variety of sub-specialty services; and a state-of-the-art pediatric surgery unit with five operating rooms. In addition, ACNW offers a full range of ancillary and diagnostic services, child life, social work and pastoral care programs, as well as 234,000 square feet of wellness space designed to maximize children’s discovery and delight.

In addition, Arkansas Children’s operates five clinics around the state, including the ACH Jonesboro Clinic, ACH West Little Rock Clinic, ACH Southwest Little Rock Clinic, ACH Pine Bluff Clinic and Harvey Pediatrics, Operated by Arkansas Children’s in Rogers.

For nurses interested in a career in medical research, Arkansas Children’s offers the Arkansas Children's Research Institute (ACRI), a nonprofit corporation seeking to address a broad spectrum of children’s health concerns, including birth defects, diabetes-related complications and numerous childhood diseases, including asthma and cancer. Opened in May 1992, ACRI researchers annually bring in more than $21 million in grants and contracts from federal and private agencies, industry, and individual and organizational donations.

AN AWARD-WINNING PLACE TO WORK

Arkansas Children’s has won numerous awards through the years for its innovative and dynamic level of care. Some of the most prestigious recent accolades specific to nursing excellence include:

Magnet Status — Presented by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Magnet Status is a designation recognized worldwide as the pinnacle of nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes. The designation is held by only 8% of hospitals worldwide.

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information;

• Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates;

• Higher job satisfaction among nurses;

• Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions.

The Beacon Award — Presented by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. The award spotlights exceptional patient care and healthy work environments according to criteria consistent with Magnet status, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

Arkansas Children’s has received silver-level recognition for both its cardiovascular intensive care unit, which provides comprehensive surgical and intensive care for Arkansas children with heart disease and defects, and its pediatric intensive care unit, which cares for the state’s most critically ill and injured children. ACH is the only Arkansas health care center to receive this prestigious national award

Best Children’s Hospitals — Arkansas Children’s has been nationally ranked in seven service areas in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals list for 2023/2024. The rankings denote the best of the best in the nation. ACH was ranked in the top 45 in the U.S. for cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, nephrology, orthopedics, pulmonary and lung surgery and urology.

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S

CHI St. Vincent is a regional health network serving central and southwest Arkansas. Serving Arkansans since 1888 with a history of many firsts, CHI St. Vincent’s networks include primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, hospitals, home health, rehabilitation and surgery centers.

Together with more than 4,500 co-workers, 1,000 medical staff and 500 volunteers, CHI St. Vincent consistently receives praise for advancements in care. Its growing Medical Group includes more than 300 providers across almost every medical and surgical specialty.

CHI St. Vincent is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. Created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, CommonSpirit Health combines the strength and expertise of 150,000 employees, 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians across 142 hospitals and more than 700 care sites in 21 states.

The health system offers a wide variety of nursing opportunities at its four hospitals and conveniently located clinics. CHI St. Vincent nurses enjoy a challenging, fulfilling career, good work-life balance, the joy of a servant ministry, comprehensive benefits, continued education opportunities, tuition reimbursement, higher starting pay with sign-on bonus for RNs and much more.

PROFESSIONAL NURSING

The nurses of CHI St. Vincent play an integral role in the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional patient care and an excellent place to work. CHI St. Vincent nurses use their professional knowledge to drive clinical practice. These passionate nurses are involved in projects such as the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program Certification (Infirmary) and the Journey to ZERO CLABSI initiative (Hot Springs).

At CHI St. Vincent, the bedside nurses help design the process by which decisions are made. They are at the core of every decision that impacts bedside care. As experts, they are relied upon to help in the continual improvement of the nursing practice environment.

CHI ST. VINCENT

chistvincent.com

From a nurse’s first shift and throughout their career, CHI St. Vincent provides the opportunity to build a rewarding career supported by caring and professional team members. Teamwork is at the heart of the CHI St. Vincent culture, as together everyone accomplishes more.

“As nurses, we have a duty; it is our privilege to care for people in their greatest time of need. When they are at their worst, they choose to come to us so we can lay our healing hands on them,” said Brett Calcagno, RN. “Successful nurses stay calm and engage with their team. When problems arise, they actively bring forth ideas and try to be part of the solution. They are a focal point of strength knowing their patients are depending on them to help give them strength back.

“When you join my team, you have joined a family. We support each other, teach each other and encourage each other. And if one of our family members is hurting, we all are hurting. And like all families, we work through it together.”

A PATHWAY TO YOUR FUTURE

With the demand for nurses on the rise, CHI St. Vincent has partnered with schools across the state to offer Nursing Pathway Program Scholarship opportunities. Nursing students can earn their ADN, RN and BSN degrees at UA Little Rock, Henderson State University and National Park College with the help of CHI St. Vincent. Scholarships are awarded to qualifying students with after-graduation employment guaranteed for 24 months at a CHI St. Vincent facility.

NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

CHI’s Nurse Residency Program is designed to allow residents to experience different patient care environments. Residents rotate through day and night shifts and through all units within their track, providing opportunities to learn the organizational culture, meet peers in their specialty and ultimately find the best unit/team for their future career.

This extensive one-year program features a series of learning and hands-on work experience for new nurse graduates as they transition into their first professional role as caregivers. Skills nurses learn

during the program include caring for patients with increased levels of acuity and complexity; developing leadership skills; improving patient safety and quality of care; fostering critical thinking skills; and bringing evidence-based practice to the bedside.

Sean Lindsey, RN, said the program provides outstanding learning opportunities for new graduates, helping to build confidence and ease the transition into that first job.

“New nurses can be afraid to ask questions because they think it’s going to make them look stupid, but it’s much better to ask for help than to make a mistake because you were too embarrassed to ask a question,” he said. “This program gives them the chance to ask every question possible of an experienced nurse.

“Residents also learn how to take the time to plan, which is something that really helps prevent stress. Three minutes of sitting down to plan out and think about what you need to do can save a new nurse a lot of stress and help get things off their plate.”

RESIDENCY TRACKS

Track availability varies by cohort.

LITTLE ROCK

• Perioperative Track

• Emergency Department

• Critical Care

• MedSurg

• Cardiac/Stepdown

• Behavioral Health

• Cardiac Catheterization Lab (CCL)

HOT SPRINGS

• Perioperative Track

• Emergency Department

• Critical Care

• MedSurg

• Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Post-Partum

SHERWOOD

• Perioperative Track

• Emergency Department

• Critical Care/Stepdown

• MedSurg

MORRILTON

• Emergency Department

• MedSurg

• Stepdown

The University of Central Arkansas, a four-year institution of higher learning, boasts a rich 115-year tradition of educational excellence. Through innovative and collaborative teaching, UCA ensures each student is immersed in a challenging yet supportive culture.

TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Founded in 1967, UCA’s School of Nursing is one of the state’s most recognized and distinguished educational institutions. Located within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, UCA welcomed nearly 400 nursing students in 2022, including 250 bachelor’s degree (BSN) candidates; 30 RN to BSN students; and 100 combined graduate nursing students.

Classes are a healthy mix of traditional and nontraditional students, providing quality instruction to nurses wherever they may be in their personal and professional journey. The School of Nursing also goes to great lengths to make education affordable, boasting 17 named scholarships to help students achieve their dream of earning a nursing degree and serving their communities.

With a 94% graduation rate for BSN students, a 98% NCLEX-RN licensure pass rate and 100% employment rate with 12 to 18 months of graduation,

UCA continues to set the bar for innovative and challenging nursing education in Arkansas. Average starting salary for UCA nursing alums ranges from $62,400 to $84,400, depending on medical specialty. Moreover, 90% of UCA nursing students remain in Arkansas following graduation, improving the lives of patients right here at home.

EDUCATION WITH A PURPOSE

Learning is a lifelong endeavor that fosters intellectual and personal growth through critical thinking, active inquiry and creativity. The School of Nursing is committed to educating students at the undergraduate and graduate levels as leaders in the delivery of quality health care and advancement of the nursing profession.

UCA’s program begins with the quality of the faculty and their ongoing commitment to teaching/ learning, student success, scholarship and service to the community. The process of learning involves student-teacher partnerships and cooperation in meeting student and program goals.

Nursing faculty members serve as role models who guide students in developing an understanding of the discipline and in developing leadership, accountability, cultural competence, safe and ethical practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.

COMBINING ART AND SCIENCE

Professional nursing is an art and a science, grounded in general education and derived from the synthesis of empirical knowledge, aesthetics, personal knowledge and ethics. Caring and empathy are also fundamental to nursing, with the characteristics of compassion, sensitivity and the ability to connect with patients with thoughtful attention to the patient’s needs, interests and values.

UCA prepares students to meet the challenges of nursing as a professional discipline concerned with meeting the health needs of a diverse and changing society. Nurses are legally and ethically accountable to society for the integrity and outcomes of its practice, and the School of Nursing helps students meet this standard through scholarly inquiry and study, self-reflection and a variety of clinical and professional experiences.

“Nursing is not a static profession,” said Leslie Blackwell, a faculty member. “Patient situations are constantly changing. It is important that the student knows the standards of the profession, but then they must analyze a particular situation. At UCA we help students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to make decisions regarding how to best meet the needs of the patient.”

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK

Founded in 1927, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. Home to more than 8,000 students, nearly half of whom are part time or nontraditional, UA Little Rock serves individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

Located in the capital city, UA Little Rock offers a vibrant urban environment with access to numerous professional, cultural and networking opportunities, thus enriching students’ college experience and preparing them for success in their chosen fields.

A driving force in Little Rock, the university is a major component of the city and state’s growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology, economic development and job creation.

WORLD-CLASS NURSING

The nationally ranked UA Little Rock nursing program prepares students to be skilled and compassionate nurses. The school is the largest department on campus with more than 600 current students, over 20 full-time faculty and six dedicated staff members.

Nursing program options include student to registered nurse (RN), LPN/Paramedic to registered nurse, bachelor of science in nursing and RN to bachelor’s degree programs. The school’s curriculum produces graduates who are highly regarded by employers as being well prepared and as having outstanding critical thinking and communication skills. In 2023, UA Little Rock’s nurses achieved an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 89%.

All UA Little Rock nursing program options offer the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential to the competent nurse and are taught in settings ranging from the classroom, campus skills laboratories, area hospitals, outpatient, online and other health care facilities.

STUDENT SUCCESS

The School of Nursing at UA Little Rock meets the state education requirements for the Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Registered Nurse license in the state of Arkansas.

All courses have a faculty/student mentor pro-

gram. Students are required to meet with the faculty member following the failure of an examination; if the student is struggling with content; or if life issues are getting in the way of the student being successful.

The nursing school offers various study tools students can check out through a lending library. These resources assist with study and test-taking skills. Additional study sessions and workshops are offered outside of scheduled class times, based on student needs. Examples include documentation, pharmacology and math calculations.

The College of Business, Health and Human Services offers student success opportunities in many ways, including a licensed social worker who is available for nursing students for a variety of personal and educational needs.

CENTER FOR SIMULATION INNOVATION

The UA Little Rock Center for Simulation Innovation offers nursing students and health care professionals access to one of the most innovative simulation health care facilities in the South. Located in the UA Little Rock Pat Walker Center for Nursing Education, CSI is a 20-bed, state-of-the-art simulation hospital offering clinical learning experiences within a 9,500-squarefoot facility.

Every student will have the opportunity to experience numerous scenarios in CSI every semester of their nursing program to gain invaluable hands-on experience in patient care. CSI’s innovative approach simulates real-life experiences and allows students to grow and learn from both real and simulated patients and family members.

The UA Little Rock SON continues to invest in cutting-edge technology. Across 2020 and 2021 alone, CSI obtained nearly $400,000 in funding for a complete audiovisual system overhaul, addition of Laerdal’s newest SimBaby and addition of CAE’s Lucina AR birthing manikin. Lucina AR is the most advanced birthing manikin in the world, using augmented and virtual reality to train future nurses.

The new top-of-the-line CAE Enterprise audiovisual platform brings patient care from the bedside to the classroom. Cameras and microphones throughout CSI record student and patient interactions for both

live review and recording playback. The ability to broadcast live from the patient’s bedside to anywhere on campus completely changes the landscape of UA Little Rock’s nursing classroom and lecture experience.

AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION

University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Nursing has been repeatedly recognized by organizations within higher education, health care and the media for the quality of its programs.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best College Rankings recognized the UA Little Rock School of Nursing on its list of Best Undergraduate Nursing programs. UA Little Rock was also recognized overall as a leader in social mobility. That ranking measures a university’s success in graduating economically disadvantaged students who are less likely to finish college.

The university has also been recognized for its online programs, ranked in the top 10 nationally by Fast Degrees Online for its online curriculum that helps students earn a degree quickly and affordably. Nursing is among the curriculums where UA Little Rock students can accelerate their degree attainment online, which is especially useful for working professionals and parents with limited study time.

The Center for Simulation Innovation (CSI) has received the 2023 Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), an association dedicated to advancing the science of health care simulation.

This award is given in recognition of the excellent instruction provided through CSI, as detailed in the nominations received on UA Little Rock’s behalf from peers, colleagues and others. This prestigious international award makes CSI the only simulation program or team in Arkansas to ever be recognized for excellence by the INACSL. Previous winners include the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery in Pakistan, Duke University School of Nursing, Villanova University School of Nursing and the University of Central Florida College of Nursing.

Arkadelphia |870-245-5000|obu.edu

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY THE MISSION

The mission of the Ouachita Nursing Department is to prepare the graduate for the role of a generalist nurse. Educational programs are built upon the liberal arts, the philosophy of Christian ideals, nursing standards and nursing ethics, while core values of faith, scholarship, growth, community, service and character are emphasized.

Students are prepared to use evidence-based research findings to provide holistic care to diverse individual clients and communities, both locally and across the globe, throughout their careers in structured and unstructured health care settings.

THE CURRICULUM

expand their career options in hospitals, health care centers and community settings.

Featured courses include advanced health assessment, health care pathophysiology, community health, transcultural nursing and leadership and management.

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Nursing students are guided by professors with 118 years of combined nursing experience and study in OBU’s $2.2 million, 6,600-square-foot Nursing Education Center.

Ouachita’s Department of Nursing prepares students for the nation’s most trusted profession with curriculum and clinical experiences grounded in a love of God and love of learning. Students learn from and are mentored by distinguished faculty who are devoted to their intellectual and spiritual growth. OBU’s curriculum and class discussions develop students’ critical thinking, a service-oriented attitude and an appreciation for cultural diversity — all valued by both the nursing profession and Ouachita.

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of in-demand work assignments or to advance their education further. OBU nursing alums enjoy a 92% acceptance rate in science health care graduate programs.

Ouachita offers two pathways to a bachelor of science-nursing (BSN) degree, an on-campus program and a fully online RN-to-BSN program.

The university has received initial approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for a four-year, on-campus BSN program on its Arkadelphia campus. This comprehensive degree program includes coursework in a range of related academic areas including biology, chemistry, nutrition, speech pathology, Spanish, Christian studies and psychology.

Ouachita’s online RN-to-BSN nursing program allows a convenient and cost-effective way for working nurses to take their training to the next level. With entry points to the program five times a year and completion possible in nine to 12 months, RNs can quickly

A home base for nursing studies, the NEC is a simulation and teaching center featuring a clinical skills lab, five simulated hospital patient rooms, a pharmacy and several high-fidelity manikins allowing students to perfect assessment, clinical and communication skills. The center supplements the adjacent 70,000-square-foot Jones Science Center that also serves nursing students.

THE OPPORTUNITY

In addition to a rewarding career, OBU prepares students for a life of extraordinary service, providing Christ-like compassionate and holistic care to those in need. With just one additional year of study, BSN students can earn a second bachelor of arts degree, curated to equip students to follow their passion on medical missions, multicultural clinical health care and more.

Over the course of more than 100 years, Jefferson Regional Medical Center has responded dynamically to the challenges of providing excellent health care to people throughout south-central Arkansas, developing programs and services to meet increasingly complex needs. Over the years, the organization has brought cutting-edge technology to the Delta to fulfill its mission, starting with traditional X-ray technology and evolving all the way through state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) today.

Jefferson Regional School of Nursing was established in 1981 and has a strong history of graduating compassionate nurses who go on to be leaders in their communities. The purpose of the school was, and continues to be, to graduate professional, competent nurses to improve the health of individuals, families and the community. The School of Nursing seeks to offer the highest quality nursing education opportunity for qualified students to meet the demand for professional nurses throughout Arkansas.

MARKET-PROVEN, OUTCOME-BASED

Jefferson Regional Medical Center School of Nursing offers an educational program designed to prepare qualified men and women of all ages to serve the nursing needs of the community and to contribute to the maintenance of high standards of health care delivery.

The Jefferson Regional Medical Center School of Nursing offers a 17-month education program that leads to an associate of applied science in nursing degree. The program is approved by the Arkansas

State Board of Nursing, certified by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

A high-quality education from Jefferson Regional School of Nursing is the perfect starting point for a rewarding career in health care. Leveraging the expertise of veteran teachers and combining it with cutting-edge instructional technology, students gain the knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing profession.

The numbers tell the story: Jefferson Regional School of Nursing enjoys an 87% retention rate among its students as well as a perfect 100% credentialing participation rate. Its graduates boast an 83% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX credentialing exam and enjoy 95% placement in the health care field.

SEAMLESS CAREER TRANSITION

With 300 available beds, Jefferson Regional serves as the major referral center for an 11-county area of South Arkansas with a patient base of approximately 220,000. A Nursing Residency Program is offered for new graduates with less than one year of experience. The medical center has a medical staff of 150 physicians representing all major specialties and has active teaching programs for medical students and residents as well as students in allied health fields. Outstanding opportunities with clinics and private practices include excellent call coverage and a strong referral base.

COMPETITIVE PAY AND BENEFITS

Jefferson Regional is the perfect setting for nurses

seeking a rewarding career. The organization offers pay and benefits on par or better than other hospitals while offering employees a small-town quality of life.

Specific benefits include:

• Sign-on bonus of $8,000 and $12,000 in qualified departments

• Flexible staffing and competitive pay plans

• Additional compensation for BSN, MSN and National Certifications

• Tuition reimbursement

• Employer-Paid CPR, PALS, NALS, ACLS

• Free membership for on-site Wellness Center

• Comprehensive benefits package

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Russellville |479-968-0389|atu.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES (UAMS)

Little Rock|501-686-7000|uams.edu

Arkansas Tech University is a small school that thinks big. Students enjoy award-winning instruction and a full suite of activities on a cozy campus that feels like home.

The Department of Nursing’s curriculum, held at both its main campus in Russellville and its technical campus in Ozark, is designed to prepare students for beginning professional responsibilities in a variety of health care settings and to provide the necessary foundations for graduate study.

ATU’s program offers undergraduate study in nursing to qualified high school graduates; graduates of diploma and associate degree programs in nursing; licensed psychiatric technician nurses; and licensed practical nurses. In addition to the on-campus program, ATU offers an RN-to-BSN completion program on the internet.

The university’s nursing faculty are leaders in their respective fields, imparting the latest skills and using the most up-to-date medical technology. Alums from the program are in high demand and are well-prepared to face the challenges of the health care marketplace, both today and into the future.

EDUCATING THE WHOLE PERSON

In addition to a world-class nursing education, Arkansas Tech University offers a variety of enrichment programs that can accentuate a nursing degree with multiple soft skills, which are invaluable in the modern workplace.

On Track is a co-curricular experience designed to enhance student development beyond the classroom setting, encourage students to network socially among peers and to include students in traditional and signature university events. The program includes various tracks, including:

ACTIVE MIND AND BODY — Assists students in understanding wellness concepts and experience activities that will help them develop habits to maintain a healthy mind and body.

ADVANCE TO CAREER — Hones students’ skills in preparation for the real world through career-focused programming.

ASPIRING LEADER — Develops foundational leadership and social skills for the ensuing years of collegiate life.

ELEVATED CITIZEN — Facilitates active citizenship for students to understand their role in the local and global community.

GLOBAL FOCUS — Exposes students to a variety of situations and topics they may encounter or be affected by as a member of a global population allowing students to become more culturally aware.

LEADER IDENTIFIED — Cultivates leadership skills and reflects on experiences to prepare for future opportunities.

UNITE — Connects students with student involvement opportunities throughout campus and helps students become more diverse leaders.

FOCUS ON FINANCES — Provides experiences to educate and assist students as they navigate financially through their college years and provide resources to prepare financially for life after college.

One of the most advanced and well-recognized names in medical care and education in Arkansas, UAMS is a cornerstone of the state’s health and wellness. The mission of UAMS is to improve the health, health care and well-being of Arkansans and of others in the region, nation and the world by:

• Educating current and future health professionals and the public;

• Providing high-quality, innovative, patient- and family-centered health care and also providing specialty expertise not routinely available in community settings; and

• Advancing knowledge in areas of human health and disease and translating and accelerating discoveries into health improvements.

UAMS MEDICAL CENTER

As Arkansas’s only academic health system, UAMS resolves to deliver dramatic and lasting health and health care improvements. Aiding in this are its statewide health system, UAMS Health; a statewide network of campuses for public education and clinical outreach; and expertise in medical specialties, population health, digital health, health informatics and translational research.

Based in Little Rock, UAMS enjoys a statewide reach thanks to eight regional campuses and a comprehensive rural hospital program, 11 KIDS FIRST program sites and other facilities.

UAMS is also dedicated to medical research, having brought in $203.1 million in total research funding across UAMS and UAMS researchers working in the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. UAMS ranks in the top 14% of all U.S. colleges and universities in research funding from the federal government.

In addition to seeing to the physical health of Arkansans statewide, UAMS is an important economic development driver. UAMS and affiliates Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System combine for a $4.5 billion economic impact annually. Meanwhile, UAMS’ eight regional centers generate 657 jobs and $87 million annually in economic impact across the state.

UAMS COLLEGE OF NURSING

The UAMS College of Nursing is part of a wider educational program that educates various medical professionals across a variety of disciplines. In 2022, the 43-professor college welcomed 481 nursing students.

The UAMS College of Nursing, provides baccalaureate, master’s, post-graduate certificate, DNP, Nurse Anesthesia and Ph.D. programs to over 600 students. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing science, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN completion program at UAMS are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Nursing education prepares graduates to practice within the established professional guidelines and standards and to engage in continuous role development and revision of knowledge. The teaching/ learning process fosters intellectual and personal growth; stimulates inquiry, critical thinking, and synthesis of knowledge; and helps the individual value and pursue lifelong learning.

In addition, the College of Nursing’s Core Values promote excellence in nursing education, research and service through caring, integrity, diversity and respect, excellence, safety, teamwork and creativity. The College of Nursing embraces and practices the philosophies of cultural humility and cultural proficiency. Cultural humility and proficiency are expected standards in health care, and the combination of these philosophies advocates the practice of acceptance and affirmation.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE Hot Springs |501-760-4222|np.edu

NURSE RECRUITER PROFILES

Visit a recruiter and start planning your future

One of the most innovative and fastest-growing colleges in Arkansas, National Park College provides the unexpected around every corner. Featuring programs, extracurriculars and amenities not generally found at two-year schools, NPC is on the forefront of what a campus community can be with the right vision.

NPC’s nursing programs have long been a cornerstone of its offered programs. Through its Nursing Pathway, the college is committed to evidence-based learning, which promotes excellence in nursing and maximum development of student potential within an environment of caring.

NURSING PROGRAMS

National Park College offers two nursing programs, Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing.

Through the Registered Nursing course of study, students earn an Associate of Science in Nursing, which enables the student to take the National Licensure Exam for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Coursework for this 66-credit-hour, two-year program is comprehensive and includes the arts, social sciences, biological sciences, humanities and nursing.

Completion of the Practical Nursing Program enables the student to take the National Licensure Exam for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) to earn a license for entry-level employment in the health care field as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Students in this 11-month program complete standard class work, laboratory simulation and clinical education.

Both curriculums are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

CUTTING EDGE INSTRUCTION

National Park College invests in the latest technology and equipment to ensure the quality of education for each student. The college features an advanced simulation center and skills lab equipped with state-of-the-art simulation equipment. Simulation is utilized for pharmacology in that students use a simulated medical record on the computer to research patient information and administer medications as they would in a health care setting.

For the OB course, students are taught a newborn assessment using a high-fidelity newborn manikin that has breathing sounds and heart sounds for students to listen to with stethoscopes.

NPC faculty remain current in teaching and practice standards so that students receive the education and experiences necessary for success. Several nursing faculty are Nationally Certified as Nurse Educators.

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER — FAST!

Combining the best in instruction and the latest in technology pays off for NPC nursing graduates. A full 98% of associate degree holders and 87% of practical nursing candidates passed their licensure boards and 100% of nurse degree holders received job offers, many before graduation.

ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S

Arkansas’s only hospital system dedicated solely to caring for children, Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock is in the elite 6% of hospitals in the world that have achieved Magnet Status, and is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report in multiple medical specialties. Arkansas Children’s offers a wide range of opportunities for nurses, from direct patient care to staff education, research, administration, nursing informatics and more. To learn more about a rewarding career serving as a Champion for Children, visit archildrens.org or call (501) 3641398.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

ATU’s Department of Nursing offers many options to acquire licensure, from Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN) at our sister campus in Ozark, to a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Russellville. We also offer bridge programs for working nurses to achieve a higher level of education: LPN to BSN (traditional) or ADN to BSN online. ATU’s nursing faculty are experts in their fields and our simulation labs offer SimMom, SimNewB, SimBaby, SimMan and much more. Come experience ATU, where Every Student Counts.

BAPTIST HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER

At Baptist Health we’re changing the way care is delivered and working together to improve the health of Arkansas. Building rewarding careers with a solid team, that’s what we call amazing. Baptist Health careers offer a unique opportunity. Join us and you’ll see!

CHI ST. VINCENT

CHI St. Vincent offers a wide variety of nursing opportunities at four hospitals and conveniently located clinics. We have served since 1888 with a history of many firsts and numerous awards for patient care. When you join CHI St. Vincent, you will enjoy the career you deserve, good worklife balance, the joy of serving in our ministry, a comprehensive benefits package, continued education opportunities, tuition reimbursement and much more! NEW higher starting pay plus sign-on bonuses for RNs. See chistvincent.com/ nurses.

Dustin Evans, recruiter

Teri McKown, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC Professor of Nursing, Assistant Head

GOOD ADVICE FROM NURSES WHO KNOW

THAT’S WHEN I KNEW

I volunteered in the hospital through middle school and high school, and this is when I knew I wanted to work in health care. I became a patient care technician in the Intensive Care Unit during nursing school. I was drawn to the complex patients, devices, critical thinking and the ability to comfort patients and families. A nurse needs to be able to be strong and compassionate for others during difficult times, and that is what I love most about being a nurse.

— Amber Westpheling, BSN, RN, CCRN ECMO Coordinator — Cardiovascular Services, UAMS Medical Center

THAT’S WHEN I KNEW

THAT’S WAs a student nurse touring the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., I watched the most amazing clinical intervention. A tiny baby on a ventilator with a very low oxygen saturation received a pencil-like chest tube, quickly inserted by the gentlest neonatologist who was assisted by a calm, older nurse. I watched as the saturation went to a normal range and all the staff took a sigh of relief. At that moment, that’s when I knew why I was led to be a nurse and, more importantly, a NICU nurse.

Rebecca P Sartini, DNP, MSNL, BSN, RNC- NIC Women and Infant’s Services, UAMS Medical Center

WHAT I'VE LEARNED

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WHAT I'VE LEARNED

I'VE LEARNED

Nursing can be stressful both physically and mentally, but it is also a very rewarding career. When you see the positive outcome of patients, it feels very rewarding. It is important to identify your stressors and use effective coping skills to manage them so that stress doesn’t impact patient care.

— Josh Ok, RN CHI St. Vincent

THAT’S WHEN I KNEW

I love being able to study nursing at a Christian school because I’m not only able to have a foundation of excellent science taught to me, but I also have a foundation of Scripture so I can build my nursing career upon what I believe is true. Nursing is a calling; it’s not just a profession or an occupation. We’re not just professionals, but we’re followers of Jesus and we’re going to act that out in a professional way. As Christians we believe that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and as nurses that’s exactly what we’re doing.

— Brooklyn Hester, BSN student, Ouachita Baptist University

WHAT

We came into nursing to care for others, but you also need to take time for yourself and provide self-care. You cannot give from an empty cup.

Janice Ivers, Dean of Nursing & Health Sciences National Park College

For new nurse graduates getting through the first year, you must have an excellent mentor. Not specifically your preceptor, but someone who will take you under his or her wing and help you navigate a complicated system.

— Laura Hall, associate professor University of Central Arkansas

The School of Nursing at the University of Central Arkansas is committed to educating undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in delivering quality health care and advancing the profession of nursing.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Pre-licensure BSN

RN to BSN*

• Flat rate tuition of $295/credit hour with no additional fees

• Complete in 12 months

Master of Science in Nursing*

• Nurse Educator

• Complete in 5 semesters

• Tuition $336/credit hour

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)

• Post-master’s DNP

Our BSN to DNP (FNP) and Post-master’s DNP graduate programs have been ranked in the top 5 most affordable in the country (NPSchools.com and OnlineU).

*100% online programs.