From the Online Educated Nurse

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I've done a BSN, MSN and two post-MSN degrees either fully online or a hybrid online/classroom format and this is what I've learned:

1. Find out from the school the tech requirements. Nothing worse then getting to the first day of class and your old computer doesn't cut it or your internet service is spotty. Also, obtain, download and use all the programs the school specifies. Get your passwords and make sure they work.

2. Look at the syllabus and objectives in the beginning - know what you are to learn.

3. Go thru all the material the school sends out before class starts. You will know what books to download and when assignments are due.

4. Stay organized - I usually write my assignment due dates on a calendar that is then shared with all my devices.

3 Don't get behind - online courses move at a fast pace so be prepared.

Best wishes on your online education journey!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

(BSN, MSN and (soon!) DNP all earned online and I teach in an online university:)

I would add one more thing, RESOURCES!!! Find out WHO your school and tech resources are and the best way to contact them. Start a facebook page (or join one) for people in your degree program at your school. Query your friends and acquaintances to see who has done online education before, and see what tips they might have to offer.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I completed a BSN degree online earlier this year and am now enrolled in an online MSN degree program. Your tips are wonderful! I'll add some more.

1. Don't be afraid to search online for resources. For instance, one of the courses I'm presently taking is a nursing research methods class. Many professors who teach at good universities post their lecture notes online. A nursing research course is going to have very similar material, whether it is taught at the University of California at San Francisco or the Yale School of Nursing. Looking at lecture notes from other professors can help elucidate the material in an way that facilitates further understanding for you.

2. If you are forgetful or busy (and I know I certainly am), invest in a planner or personal calendar. It could be online, a smart phone app, or an old-fashioned hardcover school planner from a place like Walmart or Office Max. Most of us who take online coursework have full time jobs and other obligations that may distract us, so we need to stay on top of the multitude of due dates.

3. Figure out which time of day is the best time for you to study. Personally, I am a night owl who studies most effectively between the hours of 9:00pm and 6:00am. For some reason, the material sinks in best during that time period and I retain it for the long haul. This doesn't mean I don't study during the day, but I definitely take advantage of the opportune time to study if I am awake late at night.

Good luck to everyone who is enrolled in online coursework!

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

And don't forget OWL from Perdue for all your APA needs.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

And don't forget OWL from Perdue for all your APA needs.

It's PUrdue >>>> Proud Boilermaker here! :)

PErdue is the chicken company!

[Nurse Leigh]

It's PUrdue >>>> Proud Boilermaker here! :)

PErdue is the chicken company!

You realize this means we are mortal enemies, right?

Actually though, my nursing degree does say Purdue on it - I just had a lot more fun when I was in Bloomington.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Sorry, i was by the grill when i posted.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

.....now I want fried chicken.......

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You realize this means we are mortal enemies, right?

Actually though, my nursing degree does say Purdue on it - I just had a lot more fun when I was in Bloomington.

Honest to goodness, I went to Purdue Calumet. Been to Lafayette campus maybe twice in my life (dropping off the kids for 4H stuff) and have never done anything except drive through B-ton in the middle of the night.

BOILER UP!