I am currently in the RN-BSN program

cathering, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Oct 31, 2012

Hi! I just got in the ADN program in so cal. I am assuming you had an ADN as well. Did you have trouble finding a job due to your ADN? Were you pressured to get your BSN? Also was it difficult get into a RN to BSN program? Thanks so much for your feedback! Good luck and congrats! (:

I definitely want to get my BSN As soon as I get my RN, but worried it might be tough to get into a program. I want to prepare early so I would appreciate any advice you might have for me!

Cathy

centered-rn · Oct 31, 2012

I have been a nurse for 5 years. I did not feel pressured to get a BSN, but I am being proactive as I can see a time in the not-so distant future when it will be required for RNs to hold a BSN. One of my first assignments was to read the IOM report on nursing's future. That really opened my eyes that I needed to get advanced nursing degrees to survive. The program was very uncomplicated to get in. I literally had a thought to go back to school, and two weeks later I was taking my first class. The admissions counselors make the whole process to incredibly easy. I was not a good nursing student. I was a "c" student. You need at least a 2.5 to get into the school, but you can be accepted on conditions. I was accepted on conditions that I make a 3.0 average in my first 4 classes. I am finished with two classes and have a 4.0 average. GCU really works with you where you are to get you where you want to go. I say go for it!

What else can I tell you?

tokmom, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2012

Hi centered-rn, I found this thread. Maybe we can jump start it again, lol,

Geez, I have a ton of questions! I'm going to be starting in March of next year. I have too much on my plate to do so now. Have you taken the stats class yet for health care prof? I'm really worried about that particular class. I didn't have to have stats back in the stone age, lol, so I'm really worried.

How often do you have papers to write and how much time do you spend on average studying per week? Any challenges you can tell me about?

I'm an independent learner, so online works well for me. However, I am worried about being back in the class room after 20 some years of being out of it (minus my certification classes that only lasted 16 weeks). I haven't written a paper in eons.

Any tips, tricks you can offer?

Thanks!

centered-rn · Nov 1, 2012

Ok. I don't have stats until Jan. That is a good thing since I am accepted on conditions that I make a 3.0 in my first 4 classes. Stats is my fifth class, so that is good.

You write a paper every week. There are 2 discussion questions you must answer every week. First question is due by Wednesday, second question is due by Friday. You must comment on two other student's discussion questions for 4 out of 7 days. So you make a total of 8 post to other student's comments, and post 2 answers to discussion questions every week. It really is not that bad. You just need to get into a rhythm. There is required reading every week. There is one group project per class. Usually a powerpoint presentation. Its not bad! Get PEERLA to help you write the papers in APA format. All papers are due by 11:59pm on Sunday time zone of whichever Phoenix, AZ is in. Each class is 5 weeks long, weeks starting Monday at midnight to Sunday at 11:59pm.

What else can I tell you?

tokmom, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2012

Wow,that was informative, thanks! I will get PEERLA. I checked out the website. For 35, bucks that is a great thing to have. The writing format was going to be worrisome for me.

How long do the papers have to be? Same question for the discussion question.

How much reading do you have? Any big exam at the end of each class that you can foresee?

Do you find out the assignments on Monday at midnight? Man, that would suck to have to work three days and come home at 8 pm and start writing a paper.

How may hours do you think you spend each week on your assignments?

I work 12 hour shifts Tue-Thur. If I know the assignments ahead of time, I can hopefully plan around some of them and I can get the project done on my days off.

Stats worries me greatly. I totally suck at math and any of that abstract thinking stuff.

Again, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Much appreciated. I'm sure I will have more.

centered-rn · Nov 2, 2012

You get a syllabus at the start of each course that has all discussion questions, assigned readings, and paper topics for each week. So yes, you can plan ahead. I frequently have my discussion questions already written, and then post them both on Mondays for the week ahead. Each paper is about 1000 words. It sounds like a lot, but it really is not once you get going. I find it hard to get out all I want to say in just 1000 words. They want for a "guideline" about 200 words for a discussion question answer. Its terrible, but I will be honest to the fact that I do not do a lot of the the assigned textbook readings, I mainly skim if I need information on a topic. I mainly read the lectures for the week, and then expand on that with skimming the textbook if needed. I spend about 8 hrs a week total studying. And that is if I am really stumped on a paper topic. There is not big exam at the end of each class, just the weekly papers. But as far as Stats I am not sure how that will be in regards to big exams.

lovinlife11 · Nov 2, 2012

I just finished stats last month online. I was also very intimidated by the class, especially online. While it was challenging, it was very doable. I also spend about 6-8 hours a week on school items. Love the format at gcu, very easy to follow.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2012

That's good that I can plan ahead. I know some of my brick and morter classmates can't and are having a tough time. I'm a book skimmer too, and find it sometimes useless to read every last word. Again, thanks for the info. It has really helped with my fears.

lovinlife, did you take the gcu stats for healthcare professionals? Any words of wisdom or advice?

flymedicRN24, BSN, MSN, EMT-P, APRN · Nov 9, 2012

I am scheduled to start Oct 26th. Are there lectures to watch online? Are you able to contact the instructor if needed? I have not made a decision if I will attend the school or UTA.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2012

Good questions flyingmedicRN24.

roseonye · Nov 30, 2012

to OP how many classes are you taking before you are awarded the BSN?