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NURSING CAREERS

Nursing Staff ImageRegistered nurses provide skilled nursing care to individuals in a variety of health care settings including acute care facilities and clinics. Nurses must have a diversity of skills since they are not only a provider of care but also a manager, counselor, liaison, and advocate for the client. The Associate Degree Nursing Program at El Camino College prepares the graduate to provide specific nursing skills to people with multiple and varied health problems. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in many specialty areas that include but are not limited to Intensive Care, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Geriatrics, Rehabilitation, Oncology, Cardiology, Infection Control, and Occupational Health.

El Camino College does not offer the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Program; however, the Nursing Program does accept LVN transfer students and will credit LVN classes and experience toward advanced standing. Students completing the first semester of nursing are eligible for certification as a nursing assistant.

To learn more about Nursing, take:

Nursing 145: Introduction to Nursing (Prerequisite: eligibility for English 1A)
Nursing 101: Exploring Health Occupations (Recommended Preparation: English 2R)

Career success begins with:

  • A degree in Nursing
  • A caring nature
  • Outstanding physical endurance
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Good problem solving skills

What is Advanced Practice Nursing?

After completing the AS Degree in Nursing, the student is encouraged to further their education to the BSN and MSN level. The following are examples of advanced practice nursing opportunities.

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nurse Anesthetist
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator

Will I be able to find a job?

The current economic condition has affected employment prospects for many professions including nursing. Some recent ECC nursing graduates have had difficulty finding employment. Recent trends reveal that hospitals are treating fewer patients. Slightly more than half (53%) of Americans say their household cut back on health care due to cost concerns in the past twelve months. Families are delaying procedures and not seeking care. The decreased reimbursement/demand for service has lead many hospitals to delay hiring, reduce use of temporary labor and conduct employee layoffs. However, long term trends indicate that despite the current economic recession, the nursing shortage is expected to intensify as the baby boomer population ages and the need for health care grows.

Source: Buerhaus, P. “State of the State: Latest Projections of Nursing's Future”. Live Web Conference: 1/28/2009

Do you offer classes for the working RN?

Yes. We offer a variety of short-term and long-term courses. For more information see the Post Licensure pages on this website or call the Nursing Department and ask for Dr. Tory Orton at 310 660-3286.

 Last Published 2/2/12