online ASN course

[oblina]

Evening. I am twenty years old, and have been working as a nursing assistant since I was sixteen. I am about to complete the prerequisites for the nursing program at the community college I attend next semester (thank goodness!) And I plan on applying for the nursing program to begin either the fall of 2011 or the spring of 2012. My question is this: has anyone taken the associates degree coursework online? One of the options for enrollment is to choose an online/hybrid model, which could potentially benefit my full time working schedule. I am apprehensive, however, because I do not know what to expect as far as content, and do not want to be in over my head and wishing for classroom time. What are the benefits of taking online courses for nursing? The drawbacks? Would you recommend them?

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Unquestionably, this is an individual decision. Having said that, colleagues of mine that decided to obtain their ASN on-line confessed to me that they celebrated their decision; since it gave them the freedom to continue their full-time job. Moreover, among them several single parents advised me that it gave them the option to excel in their career, without placing their jobs or families on hold. However, they also expressed the cons which were having to be self motivated and acquire self discipline, since they didn't have the teacher on hand at all times to answer their questions. Furthermore, with determination, dedication, 12 of the ASN nurses that are friends of mine completed their goal.....Therefore, it is possible, however, one must realized that is not as easy as it sounds. Following this further, the pros were as follows, not having to spend more money on gasoline, driving back & forth to school, not dealing with the know it all student or teacher pet, not having to purchase books. In conclusion, it doesn't matter how you achieve your goal as long as you don't let anything stand on your way, knowing that the rewards will last you a lifetime....Wishing you the best in all of your future endeavors~:redbeathe