RN to BSN

The Definitive Guide to Success in RN to BSN Programs

RNs interested in advancing their education have a great option available. That option is an RN to BSN degree program. RN to BSN programs are designed to take students from their current position as an RN, and focus on the specific areas needed to achieve a BSN. Before starting an RN to BSN program, RNs should look at what a program entails and how to make it a success.

BSN Degree Curriculum

Classes and areas of education that are covered in an RN to BSN program include:

  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Communication
  • English

Advanced nursing courses are also covered, such as:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Health Assessment
  • Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice
  • Community Health Nursing and Practicum
  • Leading and Managing for Innovation

These classes assist in developing and improving the skills needed for a future with a BSN degree.

Advanced Skills Taught in an RN to BSN Program

There are several skills that nurses with a BSN need to be successful. Most RN to BSN programs take the skills and knowledge previously gained in an RN program and expand upon them. The classes are chosen specifically for this type of program, to prepare students for a leadership role in healthcare.

The main skills an RN to BSN program focuses on include:

  • Critical thinking and Clinical Reasoning
  • Advanced Technologies and Their Application
  • Leadership and Concept Development
  • Communication Skills
  • Community Health Skills

Many RN to BSN programs require some clinical hours associated with the nursing classes. This will make sure students are able to practice the skills they are learning in class and apply them to a real world setting. In addition to developing these skills, there are qualities that a BSN student will use to succeed during an RN to BSN program.

Qualities That Make Great BSN Students

RN to BSN programs test and improve certain qualities that are desirable after graduation. Some of these qualities are:

Leadership

Leadership is a quality that will be needed constantly as a BSN graduate. That is because positions available for BSN graduates require them to take on a leadership role for less experienced nurses. Leadership is also needed in administrative positions that are available to BSN graduates. BSN students should expect to work on their leadership abilities during an RN to BSN program.

Organization

The responsibility BSN graduates will be given requires some amount of organizational skill. Besides coming in very handy throughout a BSN program, having duties such as managing groups of nurses or starting administrative positions requires a great deal of organization. 

Communication

Most BSN programs focus heavily on communication. Nurses in a management position need to be able to communicate effectively to other nurses, other members of staff, and patients. Hospitals run most smoothly when leaders and managers can communicate well. The best communication comes with practice and the learning gained in an RN to BSN program.

RN to BSN Program Flexibility

Some RN to BSN programs give students the ability to choose between online BSN options as well as part-time and full-time class loads. Students should consider their work and personal obligations, then choose a program that they will be able to succeed in. Taking on too much at once to get the degree done faster isn't the best option for everyone, though accelerated BSN degree programs are suitable for many working registered nurses.

RN to BSN in Under a Year?

If you are interested in an RN to BSN program, contact ECPI University today for more details on earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. ECPI University's RN to BSN program is designed to be flexible with online as well as full- and part-time options, and with our year-round, accelerated schedule, you could earn your BSN in as little as one year. Get started today - it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Nursing TODAY!

DISCLAIMER - ECPI University makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.