Nurses: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I start my nursing career?
A. You need a high school diploma with prerequisites in math and sciences to enter nursing school. Consult your high school guidance counselor for more information or check out area nursing schools via the Web.

Q. What type of RN nursing program should I attend?
A. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a 4-year program offered at many area colleges and universities.

Associate Degree (AD) is a 2- or 3-year program typically offered at community colleges.

Hospital Diploma is a 2- or 3-year hospital based nursing program.

Q. What school should I attend?
A. There are many nursing schools in the Erie area. The key is to find the right fit for you. We recommend that you visit the schools, talk with the nursing school advisor and check out the financial aid opportunities. Ask about job availability and talk to current students about their experience. Many schools also offer scholarships. Saint Vincent offers scholarships to current and prospective associates who are attending Mercyhurst North East, Gannon University and Edinboro University of Pa.

Q. Does Saint Vincent Health System have a nursing school?
A. No, but students from all the regional nursing programs do clinical rotations at Saint Vincent Health Center.

Q. Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
A. Continuing education is an important aspect of a Saint Vincent nursing career. Scholarships are available to current and prospective Saint Vincent associates who are attending some of our area nursing schools. We also offer tuition reimbursement for our associates.

Q. What nursing opportunities do you offer?
A. Nursing opportunities are available in a number of settings throughout Saint Vincent Health System. Our goal is to match one of our areas with your interests and expertise. If you are interested in a particular area, we also recommend that you take advantage of our shadowing experience and follow a nurse in a particular area through their day.

Q. I am an experienced nurse. What opportunities do you offer?
A. Nursing opportunities are available in general and specialty nursing areas at Saint Vincent. A good fit is our goal. Therefore, we try to match your interests and expertise with the area that’s right for you. At Saint Vincent, we are only interested in the best and brightest – those who look at nursing as a calling rather than just a career. Therefore, your years of experience are taken into account when we set compensation ranges. We also offer a full range of benefits that includes much more than just health and dental coverage. Sign-on bonuses and relocation assistance may also be available to you. Because you are an experienced, you probably have a good idea about the type of setting you like to work in. We recommend that you consider shadowing a nurse at Saint Vincent in your area of interest.

Q. I am a new graduate nurse. What career opportunities do you offer?
A. Getting a comprehensive, well-rounded start to your nursing career is very important. That’s why we offer new grads a personalized three-month orientation program and direct access to professional clinical educators who can help you get comfortable in your new career. Sign-on bonuses and some loan repayment may be available. We also offer classes to help you get ready to take your boards.

Q. What is the difference between an LPN and RN?
A. Licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs require one year of training. The LPN works under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). RN programs require two, three or four years of education (Associate’s degree, bachelor of science in nursing degree or a diploma (hospital based) program degree).

Q. What LPN programs are available in this area?
A. Mercyhurst North East and Tri-State Business Institute both have one-year LPN programs.

Q. Do you offer nurse aide training?
A. We do not offer a program at Saint Vincent. Local programs are available at Central High School or Healthcare Ventures Alliance.