Nursing

There is a growing need for healthcare services and you can make a difference by preparing for a career that changes lives and helps others in need.

Registered nurses (RNs) record patients' medical histories and symptoms as well as help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results. They also operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. Some nurses may work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease. RNs may also run general health screenings or immunization clinics, blood drives and public seminars on various conditions.

Gateway Technical College’s Nursing associate degree program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing and includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical experiences in local hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The degree program is offered at the Kenosha and Burlington Campuses but students can also take classes online. Courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other behavioral sciences.

Gateway graduates can find nursing careers in a wide variety of places. These include hospitals, schools, home health settings, clinics, cancer centers, hospice, nursing homes and correctional facilities. Job responsibilities can include patient care, patient education, explaining post-treatment home care needs, diet, nutrition, and exercise programs, self-administration of medication and physical therapy.

Nursing students begin their clinical practicum in the first semester in the program and continue until the last semester. Supervised clinical experiences are provided in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity and surgery, but can also occur in nursing care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies and ambulatory clinics.

Students also receive hands-on training using the Human Patient Simulator which helps students practice technical skills by simulating real life emergencies in a controlled lab setting. The simulators look and act like an actual real-life patient providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, technical ability and critical thinking skills. Community health fairs and other service learning efforts help student gain further real world experience and put the skills students have learned in the classroom into practice.

Nursing students also have the opportunity to learn as part of Gateway’s study abroad program. In the past they have traveled to other countries to provide health care services to communities in need. Gateway’s Student Nurse Association and Nurse’s Christian Fellowship are two student organizations students can join. These groups provide students with opportunities for networking and professional development. Students are also encouraged to join one of the several organizations available for career advancement and professional development. These organizations and career resource include:

American Nursing Association, A.N.A.
Nursing Career Resources
Department of Safety and Professional Services (access to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and Licensure Applications)
National Association of Black Nurses
National Association of Hispanic Nurses
Nurse Practice Act
National Student Nurse Association
Wisconsin Nurses Association

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses constitute the largest national healthcare occupation, with 2.6 million jobs. The nursing industry is expected to grow 26 percent through 2020. Advances in technology are treating a greater number of health problems causing a greater need for nurses.

The median annual salary of registered nurses was $67,490 in 2015. Salary is dependent on the area of employment, qualifications of the nurse and area of specialty.

Gateway Technical College’s Nursing program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This exam is used by the National Board of Nursing to test entry-level candidates on their competency of nursing skills and practices for licensure as registered nurses. Gateway students hold some of the highest pass rates in the state of Wisconsin.

Program Codes for NCLEX application:

Gateway's Associate Degree Nursing US50407800

Gateway's Practical Nursing Certificate US50105900