A successful nursing career in Florence, South Carolina, starts with a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited school. Fortunately, Florence is home to several schools that collectively offer a broad range of nursing programs. A good example is Francis Marion University. The school offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a master of science in nursing (MSN) with nurse educator and family nurse practitioner specializations. The school also has nursing programs for veterans and those seeking a second baccalaureate degree.
The most common nursing roles in Florence are nurse practitioner (NP), registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). These nursing professionals perform a variety of duties in both inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings.
Nurse practitioners frequently work in primary and acute care settings. They diagnose, treat, and help patients to manage acute and chronic illnesses. NPs also perform minor surgeries and procedures, prescribe pharmacologic treatments, conduct physical examinations, and interpret medical histories.
Registered nurses work in all arenas of healthcare. They assist with exams and surgeries, record patient symptoms, evaluate diagnostic tests, review patient treatment plans, and supervise junior nursing staff. RNs also play a key role in educating patients and the public about various medical conditions.
Practical nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, group homes, and other similar locations. They provide patient care under the supervision of RNs, physicians, and surgeons. Typical duties include taking vital signs, collecting specimens, changing wound dressings, administering oral and intravenous medications, and charting medical records.
Nursing assistants perform routine tasks and provide hands-on care in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and home healthcare settings. They bathe and dress patients, take vital signs, clean and sanitize patient areas, and examine patients for bruises and other injuries. CNAs also transport patients into wheelchairs, onto exam tables, and into beds.
Graduates of accredited nursing schools in Florence are prepared to work at major area healthcare centers, such as Carolinas Hospital System, McLeod Regional Health Center, and Regency Hospital. Local nursing salaries are very attractive. NPs, who require graduate-level education, earn almost $95,000 per year on average. RNs earn approximately $61,500 annually; those with a BSN or MSN degree can earn top-quartile pay of $73,000-$79,000. The average LPN in Florence earns $39,000 annually, while local CNAs take home about $21,000 per year.
If you would like to become a nurse in Florence, South Carolina, we’ve compiled below a list of accredited local nursing schools to help you get started.