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by WillBeRN

Hi everyone,
I was hoping any nurses who got their 'RN-BSN' degree could share with me their experiences while working as an RN and getting their BSN....Did you work part-time or full-time and was the program manageable??? Thank you

[BBFRN]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

I am currently in a BSN program that meets once a week. We take 1 course at a time in the classroom, and have the option to take some online at the same time. I work >40 hrs/wk, and have children.

There are plenty of RN-BSN programs out there for working nurses, because most RNs who go on to the BSN do work. There are also some really good online BSN programs out there, too.

[WillBeRN]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

Thank you that helps a lot. :-)

[whiskeygirl]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

I did the RN-BSN program as well. I did not work full time while in the program, but I havent worked full-time in 8 years.

Many of my classmates worked full time as well as went to school. Overall, it wasn't a issue until a major family issue arose. If I remember correctly only a few students delayed their progression in the program by a semester or two.

CO has many WONDERFUL nursing schools! Most of them with RN-BSN programs. If I had to do it all over again....

Good luck in whatever you choose.
WG

[rkrs6673]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

I just started a RN-BSN program. I am going part time so I can work full time I am doing a online program. Part time works better for me right now so I don't get too much on my plate at one time.

[RN and Mommy]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

Originally Posted by WillBeRN

Hi everyone,
I was hoping any nurses who got their 'RN-BSN' degree could share with me their experiences while working as an RN and getting their BSN....Did you work part-time or full-time and was the program manageable??? Thank you

I just finished my BSN in May 2007 and I completed my ASN in May 2006. I worked full time while completing it. My school was big on promoting that the BSN program was only 1 day/week. Yeah, true you attended classes one day/week ALL day, but then you had to complete your preceptorship (2-one each semester each was 60 hours) we had to do 5 home health visits, and other miscellaneous crap. Oh, did I mention the quality improvement project with a 20 page paper (group assignment)! It was manageable, but it was time consuming. I'm glad that I did it and do not regret it, but it was difficult, manageagle, but difficult. I did this all while I was pregnant (I had the baby in July) and having a 5 year old daughter. Good luck. It can be done!

[Spidey's mom]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

I start a RN-BSN program in January. Taking Stats this Fall first.

My program is also one night a week for 16 months. With breaks for holidays. It is designed for working folks. I work part-time but as another poster said, I always work part-time, NEVER full time.

http://www.simpsonuniversity.edu/aspire/1252.htm

There are many programs like this.

steph

[pepsihla]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

I worked full time and went to school for the BSN. I finished last October at the University of Phoenix and was very pleased with the program. The classes are one day a week in person (if you live in AZ) for 18 months for core classes. It took me 20 months because of some co-requisites I had to fullfill and I was able to test out of one class. It was a lot of work and I had some sacrifices to make with family and personal time. It was all worth it in the end and I don't regret it at all.

There is a lot of presentations in power point, papers in APA format, reading and class projects. Clinicals were fun because we could choose where we wanted to do them.

Getting your BSN makes a difference in your personal and professional life in many aspects. It is also a nice bridge to have in place when you are thinking of going back for your Masters degree.

Regardless of the controversy, I strongly believe that getting your BSN helps nurses in many clinical aspects and can only improve care for patients.

Good luck

[WillBeRN]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

Thanks for all your replies!! It's helps to decide on things after hearing about other nurses experiences. I really appreciate it.

[PedsER-RN]

Re: Help..RN-BSN Nurses

Originally Posted by WillBeRN

Hi everyone,
I was hoping any nurses who got their 'RN-BSN' degree could share with me their experiences while working as an RN and getting their BSN....Did you work part-time or full-time and was the program manageable??? Thank you

I completed my BSN while working nights (7p-7a) full time. I attended school full time; my semesters ranged from 12 hours to 18 hours. While I managed the 18 hour semester OK and made good grades, it was stressful ( between working at night and going to school during the day, I didn't get much sleep) and I would recommend taking a max of 15 hours if it's possible for you.

The program I was in took 12 months to complete. At the time it seemed like it took forever but looking back, it reallly did go by quickly.

Good luck.