Nursing diplomas

Nursing diplomas is the mark of recognition given for short-term nursing training programs.  These diplomas are often presented at the completion of hospital training programs. 

Course work consists of some classroom work but mostly spend their course months in direct patient care.  A curriculum to receive a nursing diploma usually lasts several months. 

The advantages to the student who takes part in a nursing diploma course are several.  Because of the limited time length for the nursing diplomas program, the student can be finished with their education and out earning an income in a relatively short period of time.  The overall cost for the nursing diplomas program is significantly less than that of one of the more comprehensive programs.  A third advantage of the nursing diplomas program is the fact that it—more than the more sophisticated programs—is the one which results in more one-on-one physical care for the patient. 

Many students who begin with the nursing diplomas program do so with the intent of using it as a base for financing higher steps on the nursing career ladder. 

The disadvantages of the nursing diplomas program include the ‘snob’ factor.  Those whose job is to do the more unpleasant aspects of patient care may be looked down upon by society in general and by hospital administrative staff, including nurses higher up the career ladder.

Those with a nursing diploma only, will not earn at the same level as LPN’s and RN’s.  In fact, people with a nursing diploma may receive only minimum wage—or less.  The hard physical labor involved is another disadvantage, and many nursing diploma staff find themselves burned out after a relatively short time on the job.