Online RN to BSN College Degree Program
Filed Under Online Nursing Degree
Susan’s been an RN — a Registered Nurse — for three years now, and recently began an online nursing degree program. We talked with her about her decision to enter the RN to BSN program.
Why did you want to earn your BSN degree?
I always wanted to work in healthcare, and chose nursing when I was in high school. My hope was to earn my nursing degree straight out of high school but money was tight so I became an RN in order to begin working as soon as possible. I always planned to go back to school for my Bachelor of Nursing degree.
You chose an online nursing degree program. Why did you want to study online?
For two reasons: Time, and money!
I’m a single mom, and I can’t afford to stop working in order to attend school … I need that paycheck! Continuing my education online allows me to work and go to school at the same time.
And earning an online college degree is much more flexible. Between juggling day care and shift work, it’s very hard for me to schedule time for classes at the local university. But the online degree program lets me listen to lectures at any time of the day or night. I still have deadlines for papers and other assignments, but the program is well organized and I know the deadlines well in advance.
How about laboratory requirements? A nursing degree involves a lot of basic science doesn’t it?
I know that some online degree programs require students to attend a testing center for practical labs, but the course that I’m taking enables me to do all my laboratory work at home. I pay a materials fee as part of my tuition, and everything’s shipped to my house … even a microscope and slides.
Is there a downside to your online nursing program?
You have to be self-disciplined. Online learning requires you to plan your own schedule, since you’re not attending class at specific times. I was concerned that I’d miss the discussions and interaction that I had in my RN course, but the message boards and online chat sessions are a good substitute. On the whole, the positives of online education outweigh the negatives for me.
Would you encourage other nurses to try an online RN to BSN program?
Yes, definitely! Whether you study online or in a traditional program, earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing puts you in high demand. The advanced skills you’ll learn will make you much more valuable, and you’ll have the opportunity to work in more complex specialties.
Patients are living longer because of health care advances and they require different and more intensive nursing. A BSN degree equips you for these advanced needs and earning your nursing degree online is a convenient and effective way to complete an RN to BSN program.
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