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August 6, 2003
Eastern University's Accelerated RN-BSN Program
“Are you ready?”
As the program advisor for the Accelerated RN-BSN Program at Eastern University's School of Professional Studies, I have the pleasure of discussing the program with many enthusiastic nurses. Not long ago I was in their position, wondering if pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree was right for me, if I had the ability, and if I even needed to do such a thing!
I remember my first call to Eastern University. I felt excited, nervous, and anxious to find out all that I could about the program. I had been out of school for 26 years. During that time I worked in many areas of nursing including medical-surgical, operating room, case management, and home care. Did I need a degree? As my program advisor worked with me, I found answers to all of my questions. When I determined my goals and set out to achieve them, I found that earning my BSN would give me more opportunities and help me advance in the nursing profession.
My educational experience at Eastern proved invaluable. I met many wonderful people and had a great support system provided by the other nurses in my cohort and the nursing faculty. I strengthened my leadership, management, and presentation skills, and learned more about why we practice this wonderful profession. I expanded my worldview and realized how close our global community is and how it impacts on the delivery of nursing and health care. Through the program, I grew both professionally and spiritually. I became program advisor six months after my graduation. It is my first non-clinical position in 29 years of nursing. While I miss working with patients and the care and nurturing that comes with practicing nursing, I feel that I can serve as a change agent for nurses as they decide on their educational future. Students and prospective students need TLC as well!
Our program provides nurses with a comprehensive and complete baccalaureate education. Students are given generous transfer credit options. There is no time limit on credits earned or courses taken through accredited institutions. The 20- month track covers the upper division baccalaureate nursing courses as well as courses in ethics, healthcare economics, and statistics. The cohort model provides a stimulating learning environment and the seminar setting works to enhance critical thinking skills and develop presentation skills.
Some of the highlights of the program include NURS301 Healthcare Informatics, which introduces the student to the melding of nursing science, computer science, and information science and how technology impacts on nursing and healthcare. Laptop computers are included in the tuition costs. The two clinical practicums are student directed. They afford opportunity to explore Holistic Family/Community Nursing and meet the patients in their “real life” environment. Students serve in clinics, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, child-care venues, as well as in schools and parishes. Senior Seminar allows the students to expand their horizons and work in an area of nursing that they always wanted to try. Some examples of practice areas are flight nursing, forensic nursing, acupuncture, and pet-assisted therapy.
The nursing literature is demonstrating that having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is desirable. The Veterans Administration has declared “that the BSN will become the minimum education requirement for new hires and that all non-entry-level nurses would have at least a BSN by 2005.”1 Registered nurses with an associate's degree or diploma education make up the fastest growing number of BSN students. 2 North Dakota has required new nurses to have a BSN since 1987.3
The decision to go back to school is a rewarding experience. It does not mean that we are not good nurses. Returning to school enables us to grow professionally, spiritually, and personally no matter what our age or what professional position we have attained. Nurses are always learning and teaching. We are called to communicate health and well-being to all we come in contact with. Furthering our education will only serve to enhance and augment the skills we already possess. It will lead us down new pathways and provide new opportunities to act as change agents in our communities and in the world.
References:
1.Dorsman J. BSN: The new staffing standard? Nursing Management. 2002; 33 (3): 50.
2.Leonard T. RN-BSN-advice on returning to school. AORN Journal .2003; 77 (3): 598-600.
3. Should you need a BSN to become an RN? Nursing. 2000; 30 (8): 62
Corinne Latini, BSN, RN, BC, program advisor, Eastern University School of Professional Studies, 610-225-5525.
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