Having a career in nursing allows an individual to care for the medical needs of others and to nurture and enrich their lives. For those individuals who have a gentle, caring nature and possess a strong desire to help others, a career in nursing will be perfect. And such a career is possible with the proper skills.
Mercy School of Nursing, located in North Carolina, was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1906, along with Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy, once known as Mercy Hospital. The nursing school graduated its first four students in 1908 and has taught over 2000 students since that time. Male students began attending the school in 1966. When the school first began, it offered a three-year nursing program with diploma. It was changed to a two-year program in 1993. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission granted full accreditation to the school in 1966.
Mercy School of Nursing welcomes new students and offers a nursing program that will allow graduates to obtain a license as a registered nurse. A lower number of students are enrolled at a time, approximately 140, ensuring that individual attention will be given to each student. The staff and faculty are comprised of highly skilled professionals with the goal of making each student’s experience at the school unique and rewarding. The school also has an environment that is hospital-based, with the main focus being on clinical preparation. A special program will pay 80% of the tuition for those students who, upon graduation, agree to work in health facilities located in the Charlotte area.
With a strong commitment to provide the best in a nursing education, Mercy School of Nursing offers a variety of options for students who are interested in having a career in nursing. Students will learn academically and will also have opportunities to take part in social activities on campus. To help students with educational tools, the Learning Resource Center is available. The Center has an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. It will provide support through textbooks, videos, practice tests to prepare for the licensing examination, and computers for research purposes. The skills laboratory enables students to practice various nursing procedures, aided by qualified and experienced personnel. The print library is also available to students through the Charlotte Area Health Education Center.
When enrolled at the school, nursing students are eligible for Nurse Aide I after the first semester. This certification allows students to obtain valuable work experience by acting as nursing assistants. Upon completion of the third semester, certification for Nurse Aide II is available. Mercy School of Nursing also offers courses on cardiopulmonary resuscitation for infants, children and adults. All nursing students must have this certification.
The nursing curriculum includes the required courses of microbiology, human growth and development, English composition and Introduction to Sociology. Before a student can be admitted to the school, he or she must have completed eight semester hours of both Anatomy and Physiology I and II, including lab work. Credits from accredited colleges that were attended previously may be transferred through submission of a transcript that shows a grade of C or higher on those courses that are required. Curriculum courses at the school include Adult Health I and II, Nursing Fundamentals, Maternal-Child Nursing and Advanced Nursing, as well as the required courses listed above.
Graduates of Mercy School of Nursing will receive a quality education that will prepare them for the challenges of a nursing career. Students will have obtained the instruction that is necessary to skillfully perform all required responsibilities and have a rewarding and satisfying career as a nurse.