In the 21st century West Virginia faces more and more of the same problems as do other states, chiefly how to balance healthcare for the Haves and the Have-Nots. No longer does it stand alone as a state moving backwards. In fact the state nursing schools listed below are indicative of the sophistication in education.
Rural and community health nursing continue to be a major obstacle, given the fact that so many nurses prefer to go to work in sizeable hospitals as staff RNs. That leaves remote communities tethered culturally and socially, isolated from adequate healthcare.
For Advanced Practice RNs this means untold opportunity. Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Clinical Nurse Specialists are all in increasing demand especially in areas where the cost of placing a physician is simply an impossibility.
For example, NPs and CNMs are eligible for the Recruitment and Retention Community Project that aims to provide student loan repayment to those willing to work in medically underserved communities—rural. Eligible nurses may earn up to $20,000 in loan repayment annually for up to 3 years.
There are a number of nursing schools in West Virginia without the dreaded waiting list. And alternatives to the nursing school status quo also exist. While you’re exploring your options consider these recent trends that could help you get a good education with little resistance along the pathway:
The West Virginia RN Board regulates the nursing practice. Bookmark this site – you’ll refer to it often for the following:
The West Virginia Nurses Association is the leading membership organization for state nursing professionals. The organization advocates aggressively for the health and welfare of nurses working within the state. Members are privy to current industry news, legislation, educational events, etc.