Carefully Selecting RN-BSN Program

[RestoringHope]

As a new nurse, five months into my first RN position, I am beginning to think through continuing education, but there are so many factors I feel weigh into the search. What I am looking for is a program that will fill in the blanks. I want it to be something truly enriching, not just another motion to go through to further my career. I'd really like to learn more about the healthcare system and how it affects patients/ hospitals, legal implications in nursing, community outreach, caring for the marginalized, etc. Here are several questions I have currently:

• Is it too soon to consider enrolling in an RN- BSN program? Would I benefit from having a year or two under my belt? (At our hospital we must obtain our BSN within five years of hire)
  
• Would online or a mix of online/ classroom education be more beneficial?
  
• What are factors you all considered when searching for an RN- BSN program?
  
• What did you look for in a curriculum?
  
• Some programs offer a clinical course-- if you were a part of a program with a clinical component, did you find it helpful to your current practice as a nurse? If you chose a program without a clinical component, why (I know, it's probably because we have such busy and demanding lives juggling work, school, and family), and do you feel a clinical component is needed when you are already a practicing nurse?
  
• Did anyone go through a program that really emphasized community involvement? A program that opened opportunities for it, not just theory?
  
• Would you recommend part time or full time for someone that is a new nurse working full time currently? (My thinking is that I'd need to go part- time to make sure I don't overwhelm myself, but how demanding is a full- time online program?)
  

I look forward to your responses! Thanks and have a great weekend:]

[Ecl09]

Hi RestoringHope! You have some really great questions here. Honestly, I won't be able to give you answers for every question, simply because it really depends on your personal preferences, your work ethic/determination, and schedule. Since you have just begun your nursing career, I would recommend putting in a little more time before jumping back into school. I suggest this mostly for practical reasons - it gives you time to save some money or pay off some school debt, it allows you to focus 100% on your new job so you can take full advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities there, and it gives you some time to consider all your options as you look ahead at furthering your education.

Once you feel like you are ready to get back into a nursing program, I would definitely recommend that you consider an online program. A person really needs to be disciplined and motivated to do an online BSN program, but it does allow you to work around your current nursing schedule a bit better. And often times, you can decide how fast you want to progress through the course work.

Also, you can definitely find schools that emphasize community health and the future of the healthcare system. You just have to take a close look at each school's curriculum. I found an article that may help give you some idea of what to think about when considering an online BSN program. Take a look at the article here. I hope this helps!