RN to BSN? Stop in here....

BrayaRN · Dec 1, 2008

I will finish my first semester of RN-BSN in the next two weeks. I graduated from my ADN in December '07. I didn't want to take too much time off school because I thought that I wouldn't go back. My program is through University of Michigan-Flint and is entirely online (except the clinical portion). I could have done an RN-BSN with the university in my town but it would have taken longer because they were not as willing to accept some of my transfer credit. It has been quite manageable so far. I work 54 hours every 2 weeks and will finish 9 credits this semester. I, too, find it different from my ADN program. It is definitely more relaxed. I am planning on taking 7 credits next semester even though I am pregnant and due in February. I hope I can make it work.

Aneroo, LPN · Dec 1, 2008

I start the East Carolina online RN to BSN program in January. I am just terrified I am taking on too much (but I want it done, so I am trying to do a three semester option).

So I'll be joining you soon!

I've requested a seperate area for RN to BSN students. It's still undergrad, but it presents its own situations.

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

I asked for a forum just for us too! It just seems as though this particular coursework has its own set of issues and concerns.

IaineDec2007...welcome! I felt the same way, I was afraid if I waited I just wouldn't do it. I don't know if I want to do more after I finish this or not, but no reason to decide just yet. How is your clinical portion handled?

Aneroo, I think you will be suprised how much different it is and how easy it is to work and school. I am taking 12 credit hours this spring, so I am a bit worried too. Probably because one of my classes is stats. Ugh! I am so not a higher math kind of person. :)

Aneroo, LPN · Dec 1, 2008

I asked for a forum just for us too! It just seems as though this particular coursework has its own set of issues and concerns.
IaineDec2007...welcome! I felt the same way, I was afraid if I waited I just wouldn't do it. I don't know if I want to do more after I finish this or not, but no reason to decide just yet. How is your clinical portion handled?
Aneroo, I think you will be suprised how much different it is and how easy it is to work and school. I am taking 12 credit hours this spring, so I am a bit worried too. Probably because one of my classes is stats. Ugh! I am so not a higher math kind of person. :)

Oh no! Good luck with stats- I took that this summer. Luckily, the teacher was great. He gave us partial credit, so if we just tried, we could make at least a B on the test! I managed to get an A in the class. I never thought I'd do that!

I'm taking 12hrs in the spring also. My hope is that the three semesters includes summer- if it does, I will graduate in just over a year!!! I'm just worried about juggling family, school, and work. My husband is a nurse, and he works bedside, so I'll have him around a few days a week to help with dinner and stuff. It's not like college where I could go to the library or sit in my quiet apartment to study! Now there is a child (she'll be three in Jan.) who is constantly begging "I want more milk." "I wanna watch Yo Gabba Gabba" "I want..." :bugeyes:

Aneroo, LPN · Dec 1, 2008

What all are you taking?

I will have Nursing Research, Foundation of Nursing Information, Health Assessment and Diagnosis, and Concepts in Patho.

BlessedRoseRN · Dec 1, 2008

Hello all,

I am to start an RN-BSN at TWU in Houston starting in Jan 09, if the Lord says the same (I take my Boards in Dec., pray for me)! I just finished my ADN in Aug. and wanted to go ahead and get my BSN over with so I can move to the next degree. I heard someof you say that you liked the online classes. Are they easier than the regular nursing school classes we had to take or do you just prefer the not having to go to class? Thanks

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

What all are you taking?
I will have Nursing Research, Foundation of Nursing Information, Health Assessment and Diagnosis, and Concepts in Patho.

I am taking Nutrition essentials, Data Analysis (stats), and Professional Nursing Seminar 1 &2 (each one is only 8 weeks). I could take the Nursing research concurrently with stats, but I thought that might cause my brain to melt down! I need Comprehensive Health Assessment& the praticum too, but its not available until Fall, grrr. There are 2 summer sessions and I am not sure what all I can get then. When I get through this spring, I will only have 22 credit hours to finish.

Aneroo, LPN · Dec 1, 2008

I am taking Nutrition essentials, Data Analysis (stats), and Professional Nursing Seminar 1 &2 (each one is only 8 weeks). I could take the Nursing research concurrently with stats, but I thought that might cause my brain to melt down! I need Comprehensive Health Assessment& the praticum too, but its not available until Fall, grrr. There are 2 summer sessions and I am not sure what all I can get then. When I get through this spring, I will only have 22 credit hours to finish.

I would take research immediatly after stats. I don't know exactly what we go over in research, but I am sure stats will help a LOT!

Soon2Be- I'm not sure yet. I hope it is ok. LOL I know I learn better in a classroom setting, but I wanted to go to this school, which meant I had to go online. The other school that does local stuff would require two more courses (2 world civ's), and I really just want to be able to finally say I am an alumni of ECU. LOL (Discount football tickets!)

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

Soon2Be, I wouldn't say they are easier, but in my experience there is less stress if that makes sense? I don't have the stress of worrying about boards, the up all night care planning and concept maps, prepping for clinicals (yet, I will have some, but nothing like my ASN or LPN programs had). No 2 hour commutes in the o'dark thirty on snowy unplowed roads either! I don't have the looming threat of jumping through all the right hoops or be removed from the program. My program director says that we are professional nurses and deserve to be treated as such. She also understands that we all work as well. There is a lot of work to be done, papers, message boards, projects, tests and quizzes but it is manageable.

One thing that let me know this was a different world was when my family and I decided to go on a much needed vacation this year. It happened that our childs fall break did not coincide with mine. I emailed all my instructors and was told to just complete my weeks assignments early before we left and have a good time! That would never have happened in my previous programs!

Aneroo, LPN · Dec 1, 2008

Soon2Be, I wouldn't say they are easier, but in my experience there is less stress if that makes sense? I don't have the stress of worrying about boards, the up all night care planning and concept maps, prepping for clinicals (yet, I will have some, but nothing like my ASN or LPN programs had). No 2 hour commutes in the o'dark thirty on snowy unplowed roads either! I don't have the looming threat of jumping through all the right hoops or be removed from the program. My program director says that we are professional nurses and deserve to be treated as such. She also understands that we all work as well. There is a lot of work to be done, papers, message boards, projects, tests and quizzes but it is manageable.
One thing that let me know this was a different world was when my family and I decided to go on a much needed vacation this year. It happened that our childs fall break did not coincide with mine. I emailed all my instructors and was told to just complete my weeks assignments early before we left and have a good time! That would never have happened in my previous programs!

This helps a lot! That is one thing I've really been freaking out over is how hard is it going to be compared to the ADN, and am I doing too much. I'm glad to hear they're usually understanding about things.