My First RN-BSN Classes, Online

athena55, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2009

Hey ChristineN

GOOD LUCK TO YOU! I received my BSN via a distance program, as well. Went to Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.....I am also starting (for a second go) my FNP also via distance program.

I agree that there is more required work from a distance program and lucky you! No exams!

I was going the distance route with my BSN and at the same time....attending an on site program for my BA in Anthropology AND working Full-Time with 3 little ones....It is do-able

Try to keep on top of things, get your readings done a head of time, if possible. ONE THING I do not like is working within a group....Many times the team or group leader had to carry one or two of the other students within that group and not fair that those that slack off got the same grade as the members who did the work!

Have fun!

athena

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2009

Hey ChristineN
GOOD LUCK TO YOU! I received my BSN via a distance program, as well. Went to Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.....I am also starting (for a second go) my FNP also via distance program.
I agree that there is more required work from a distance program and lucky you! No exams!
I was going the distance route with my BSN and at the same time....attending an on site program for my BA in Anthropology AND working Full-Time with 3 little ones....It is do-able
Try to keep on top of things, get your readings done a head of time, if possible. ONE THING I do not like is working within a group....Many times the team or group leader had to carry one or two of the other students within that group and not fair that those that slack off got the same grade as the members who did the work!
Have fun!
athena

Thanks Athena, I went to a traditional classroom RN diploma program, so this on-line learning is a change for me! I was never fond of group projects in the classroom, and I can only imagine how much more difficult it is on-line to work together!

Good luck on your FNP! :nurse:

athena55, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

ChristineN:

I think a lot of people new to the idea of distance learning have an initially hard time with their computer skills....Back in the day when "asynchronous" education was new problems did occur....But I think most of the bugs have been "ironed out".

I much prefer going to school via the computer. Don't have to get up out of a warm bed when it is cold outside (smile) nor worry about being late, finding a parking spot or catching the train, bus, ferry....Now many programs allow you on-line access to their library! Goodness that is so cool!.

For the most part some programs work it where you all settle on a date and time and the students or group get together and discuss....whatever....other programs leave it up to the group whether they will or not.

I enjoyed it. I do tend to sometimes wait til ALMOST the last day or so before starting a research paper....I mean, putting my outline or thoughts into actual words and typing it all out....But for the most part I think once you find your rhythm it should work for you. I think distance education is wonderful for people who work a shift other than day-time, or who live away from the bricks and mortar of the traditional college setting or, like me, are just plain lazy

Again, nothing against traditional college settings, but I LOVE distance type learning and programs!

GOOD LUCK to you in your educational career.....I hope you enjoy your experience. I got most of my books on-line as well, at amazon.com, ebay.com, or even half.com (not sure if they still exist) OR I wrote and asked other students if they would be willing to sell their "gently" used textbooks, if I couldn't access them on-line

athena

CurlyGirlie · Jan 11, 2009

hello christine,

which online rn-bsn program are you completing? good luck!

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

I started my on-line RN-BSN classes this week. I'm taking Ethics in Healthcare and Women's Health It looks like it'll be alot of discussion board postings (both classes require me to post on the boards min of 4 days of the week) and term papers. No exams, and I haven't seen anything about group projects. I'm hoping this weekend I can get a head start on the reading. I'm trying to work full time, and get my BSN full-time, hopefully I can do it!

Sounds like a good program...what school?

Love-A-Nurse · Jan 11, 2009

congratulations on going back to school.

when i took my first online course in my rn-bsn program, i was anxious about the unknown. it did not take long to adjust. the only differences from a brick and mortal school to me, unless you post a picture, you do not see your classmates faces, you get to go to class when it is right for you, no driving to and from school, and you can dress as comfortable as you like, and you don't have to worry about a baby sitter for those who have babies.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

ChristineN:
I think a lot of people new to the idea of distance learning have an initially hard time with their computer skills....Back in the day when "asynchronous" education was new problems did occur....But I think most of the bugs have been "ironed out".
I much prefer going to school via the computer. Don't have to get up out of a warm bed when it is cold outside (smile) nor worry about being late, finding a parking spot or catching the train, bus, ferry....Now many programs allow you on-line access to their library! Goodness that is so cool!.
For the most part some programs work it where you all settle on a date and time and the students or group get together and discuss....whatever....other programs leave it up to the group whether they will or not.
I enjoyed it. I do tend to sometimes wait til ALMOST the last day or so before starting a research paper....I mean, putting my outline or thoughts into actual words and typing it all out....But for the most part I think once you find your rhythm it should work for you. I think distance education is wonderful for people who work a shift other than day-time, or who live away from the bricks and mortar of the traditional college setting or, like me, are just plain lazy
Again, nothing against traditional college settings, but I LOVE distance type learning and programs!
GOOD LUCK to you in your educational career.....I hope you enjoy your experience. I got most of my books on-line as well, at amazon.com, ebay.com, or even half.com (not sure if they still exist) OR I wrote and asked other students if they would be willing to sell their "gently" used textbooks, if I couldn't access them on-line
athena

Well, I did find out that one of the classes will have a group project. I'm hoping that's not to big of a pain. I was surprised that many of the classmates are alumni from my diploma program. :)

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

hello christine,
which online rn-bsn program are you completing? good luck!

i'm attending chatham university http://www.chatham.edu

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

congratulations on going back to school.
when i took my first online course in my rn-bsn program, i was anxious about the unknown. it did not take long to adjust. the only differences from a brick and mortal school to me, unless you post a picture, you do not see your classmates faces, you get to go to class when it is right for you, no driving to and from school, and you can dress as comfortable as you like, and you don't have to worry about a baby sitter for those who have babies.

actually, since i'm finding that at least 50% of my on-line classmates i know from my diploma program, i really do "know" them. i find this to be an added benefit, as i know who will be a good group partner, etc (although i believe all of them in the bsn program are very disciplined).