Advice for RN to BSN Online Students
Nurses with chaotic schedules may wonder, СAPPHow can I possibly find the time to go back to school?СAPP After all, nursing is not known for downtime. But with online programs, many registered nurses (RNs) are finding the flexibility they need to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online.
Melyssa Johnson found a perfect fit with the online RN to BSN program at the СAPP.
СAPPI began my RN to BSN at 31 weeks pregnant with a deployed husband while working full time,СAPP said Johnson. СAPPThe flexibility is amazing.СAPP
Just because the program is online does not mean it is easy. But grads and faculty members in UL LafayetteСAPPs RN to BSN program have some advice to help students succeed. As Johnson found, СAPPUL Lafayette allows students to obtain their degree while still managing everything else that goes on in life.СAPP
Time Management Is Key
Without a doubt, a day in the life of a nurse can be hectic. That is why time management is so important. Working nurses can apply similar strategies in their online RN to BSN coursework.
Jeanie Songe, a UL Lafayette , emphasized the value of developing this skill.
СAPPWhen you take an online, accelerated course, you have to dedicate yourself to it,СAPP she said. СAPPYou need to have time management and set so many hours aside. ThatСAPPs probably the most important thing.СAPP
Sometimes time management means making adjustments. Johnson, for example, made the decision to go from taking two classes each term to one.
СAPPItСAPPs important to know that the program is flexible,СAPP she explained. СAPPLife happens.СAPP
Academic Coaches, Counselors and Instructors Can Help
Tracy King was a morning deejay. Then Hurricane Katrina struck, and she was inspired by disaster response nurses. After earning an associate degree in nursing, King chose UL Lafayette for her bachelorСAPPs degree. She was impressed by the level of support, including from academic coaches.
СAPPThey walk you through every step,СAPP said King, who sought help with new ways to use technology. СAPPItСAPPs not a cakewalk, but itСAPPs totally doable.СAPP
Johnson was similarly impressed: СAPPYour counselors are there for you, even if you are not physically talking to them.СAPP Johnson recalled emailing her counselor about a change in plans: СAPPIСAPPm not taking anything until mid-March, because my husband is deploying, I have a baby and we just bought a house.СAPP
Instructor Tara Horsley, RN, MSN, uses her own online experience to connect with students.
СAPPMy MSN degree was all online, so I understand the fear and anxiety that comes along with it.СAPP
Horsley stresses the importance of communicating with instructors. Feeling overwhelmed?
СAPPContact your instructor,СAPP she advised, СAPPand set up a phone meeting or a virtual meeting with him/her.СAPP
What About Multitasking?
It might be tempting to do the laundry while listening to a lecture, and that may not detract too much from the task at hand. But as Dr. Helen Hurst, Department Head and Associate to the Dean for the Department of Nursing, advised, СAPPBe organized and focus on your goals.СAPP
When it comes to productivity, multitasking can result in СAPP,СAPP according to the American Psychological Association. This mental overload can cause a 40% reduction in productivity. Science Daily reports that multitasking while completing online coursework can .
If anyone had an excuse to postpone earning her BSN, it might have been Melyssa Johnson. But with the flexibility of the online format, she found success.
There are distinct advantages to earning a BSN. Dr. Debra White-Jefferson, RN, MSN, an assistant professor in UL LafayetteСAPPs RN to BSN program, advises: СAPPEstablish a timeline and go for it!СAPP
Learn more about the СAPPСAPPs online RN to BSN program.
