Most nurses working in the workforce start with a two-year nursing diploma or degree and consider pursuing higher education, such as a BSN degree, to improve their chances of career advancement. However, pursuing higher education while working full-time as a nurse is as tiring as it sounds. It takes a lot of courage, time management, and dedication to fulfill this task. Although pursuing higher education alongside work is tough, it helps you develop crucial clinical and soft skills useful in every walk of life.
So if you are passionate about becoming a better version of yourself and pursuing higher education for the sake of progress, you may have some questions regarding RN to BSN programs. Let us discuss some of the frequently asked questions to clear those confusions.
1. What is an RN to BSN program?
The Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares already working nurses to continue their education while performing their professional commitments. A nurse who has acquired an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or an associate of science in nursing (ASN) diploma can apply to study RN to BSN degree.
However, you will need an active nursing license to qualify for admission.
2. How is an RN different than BSN?
An RN can refer to a title, job, license, or refer to the person who is doing the job. They can have different levels of education, which also include a bachelor’s degree in nursing. On the other hand, BSN is a bachelor’s of science in nursing and is considered a college degree.
As an RN, you will need to acquire a two-year nursing degree and then pass the NCLEX exam, or you will need a diploma and then pass the NCLEX exam. But when it comes to BSN, you will need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which entails four years of education.
3. Why should I get a BSN degree?
The prospect of working twice as hard to complete your shift and then come home to study makes the whole process sound daunting. As a result, you may wonder if it is worth it to go back to nursing school to acquire this degree.
It may sound like a good idea if you think about your long-term goals and the potential for progress after this degree. After all, you will be eligible for diverse roles and high-paying jobs with a BSN degree. The knowledge and skills you acquire during this degree will also improve your clinical and soft skills, which will help improve patient outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. Not only that, but you will also experience better job satisfaction because you will have the liberty to put your skills to full use.
Moreover, if you are aiming to pursue higher education like a specialization degree, then you will need a BSN degree to lay down all the groundwork and make you eligible for master’s or doctorate programs.
4. What will I learn in an RN to BSN program?
During an RN to BSN program, you will acquire information, knowledge, clinical skills, and critical thinking skills, which are all crucial factors for quality healthcare services. Your typical curriculum will include leadership, community health, and evidence-based nursing practice coursework.
The coursework, research, clinical practice, and interview-based programs enhance the student’s understanding of the program and how they should deal with patients in a clinical situation. Apart from that, the coursework will equip you to succeed in any healthcare setting, whether related to planning and implementing patient treatment plans, patient bedside care, or collaboration with physicians. You will also learn to collaborate with researchers and how you can provide wellness education to your patients and the community. Moreover, some courses will also equip you on how you can excel in administrative work.
5. What are the admission requirements?
The admission requirement for an RN to BSN program is rather simple. To gain admission in this program, you must have a nursing diploma or a two-year degree and an active RN license. Moreover, you must also meet the set GPA requirement for the BSN program in case you have completed some courses for the degree prior to your admission. In some cases, you can get admission to the BSN program if you are already in the process of completing the eligibility requirements for the degree.
You will also need to meet some professional standards and pass a background check and drug screening test. You may be asked to provide evidence of the American Heart Association CPR test certification and show proof of nursing liability insurance. These are the complete requirements to acquire admission in an RN to BSN program, but make sure to check for additional information and requirements wherever you apply.
Conclusion
As a nurse, your job is already very demanding. The prospect of adding an additional task of studying may seem very demanding and strenuous. However, the pay-off is worth the nights you spend working hard for higher education. The reason is that most top healthcare facilities and research centers have a minimum requirement of a BSN degree for nurses. Hence, acquiring an RN to BSN degree will make you eligible for such positions. Moreover, you will also encounter many career development opportunities while working in a large-scale healthcare facility. Therefore, the struggle of acquiring this degree is worth the hassle.
