RN-BSN...experiences please!

LeLeeFNP · Feb 13, 2010

you will have to do a lot of research papers and projects with those classes (perhaps some powerpoints and such). mostly theory. the concepts are not difficult however it is a lot of tedious, time consuming work because you can't just write the paper. It takes time to do research, find many sources ( books, articles, websites, etc). the plus side is that you can get many of these online, but you really need to become skilled in searching for academic material (peer reviewed journals and such). You need to familiarize yourself with academic search engines and apa formatting guidelines. have someone review your papers before you turn them in or if the instructor will let you submit a draft, that is the best. Once you write one or two research papers they will become easier because you will understand the process. (I am currently in an RN-BSN-MSN program with 6 months to go before i get the BSN).

nursej22, MSN, RN · Feb 13, 2010

My BSN program was graded solely on written assignments--a term paper 10-20 pages every class, every quarter, plus at least a page of writing, every class, every week. Plus class participation points--almost every class had discussions based on assigned readings and your own thoughts. This was hard for me as I always excelled at written tests as opposed to essays and research papers. However, I definitely improved my writing skills! Totally agree with having someone proofread your work and if a writing center is available, use them.

I am surprised that you do not have an ethics class; that along with family nursing were my favorites. The toughest part was doing a joint project with another student--she basically ignored me and my grade suffered because of it.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Feb 13, 2010

My BSN so far has been ridiculously easy. Which is good in the sense that I work full-time.

So far, the nursing classes, they have given us papers to write, which are fairly easy if you have good writing skills. Minimal projects with a group, which involves a paper, etc.

Depending on the program depends on the level of difficulty

rodeynurse · Feb 13, 2010

It isn't hard....it is a lot of paperwork and reading and research. I found that I learned a lot. Some of the projects helped my community. Don't be afraid, focus on your task at hand. Take a little breather, then just do it.

You will be glad.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 13, 2010

i agree with the others, my bsn study experience has simple in comparison to my adn experience. if i knew then as an adn student what i know now as a rn-bsn student, the adn program would have been easy too!

my rn-bsn program consists of a lot of theory and papers. thus, the only stressful aspects i have experienced are the really really big projects and papers due at the same time each semester. for example, one class this semester requires a paper that is a minimum of 50 pages, however mine will be more like 100 pages when i am done. never mind the fact that it is not my only class and i work ft. again, i cannot complain since my stress level is no where near that of what i experienced as an adn student. plus, i enjoy the assignments. gl! :nurse:

elkpark · Feb 13, 2010

I attended a BSN completion program at the state U nearest to me. The schedule ("full-time") was one day and one evening a week (as is typical with these programs, most or all of us were working full-time as RNs). We had two clinical rotations; a traditional clinical in community/public health, where we went to clinical in a group and had a clinical instructor supervising us, and a management/leadership practicum for which we could arrange a preceptor of our choice (most people arranged to do the practicum at their workplace) and could arrange our own hours (at the preceptor's convenience, of course) and just had to complete the required # of hours however we chose. We wrote lots of papers, in addition to taking mid-term and final exams, and had lots of individual and group classroom activities/presentations.

I was able to finish the program in two semesters, but I had two years of general college from earlier in life; I know that a lot of the ADN grads took longer and had to complete more general education requirements (I know because they griped about it all the time ...)

Deannam · Feb 13, 2010

Thanks everyone...it looks like for me the RN-BSN program will be harder then getting my ADN. I do really well in classes like chemistry and anatomy & physiology but it takes a lot of work for me to do well in classes like english where you have to write papers...I am not a strong paper writer. Whatever though I want my BSN and hopefully a masters so i guess i'll have to do it.

"Where there's a will there's a way" and I have "will"...haha

elkpark · Feb 13, 2010

Thanks everyone...it looks like for me the RN-BSN program will be harder then getting my ADN. I do really well in classes like chemistry and anatomy & physiology but it takes a lot of work for me to do well in classes like english where you have to write papers...I am not a strong paper writer. Whatever though I want my BSN and hopefully a masters so i guess i'll have to do it.
"Where there's a will there's a way" and I have "will"...haha

The general rule in academia is that, the higher you go, the more you write. You'll write more in a BSN program than you did in an ADN program, and you'll write a whole lot more than that in an MSN program. :) Best wishes! (We all did it; I'm sure you can, too!)

Ms.RN · Feb 14, 2010

gees, what kind of paper do you have to write that requires minimum of 50 pages? what are the difference between research paper and peer reviewed paper?

Poet74 · Feb 16, 2010

Never had a 50 page paper but I did have a couple that neared the 30 mark.

malenurz · Feb 28, 2010

I see a lot of RN-BSN experiences here. The input is definitely appreciated Can anyone tell me if you've had a good experience with a reasonably-priced, online RN-BSN program?

Thank you.

Malenurz