online nursing degrees- what do you think?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2004

I think online degrees are a great way to go! You might ask your question on this bulletin board as well: https://allnurses.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=125

Florida Hospital College has an online RN to BSN program that accepts Diploma Grads. Here's a link to their ciriculum which might link you to the dipolma to BSN requirements.

http://www.onlinenursing.fhchs.edu/program/info.asp

Good luck!

sherichance · Oct 17, 2004

I also wondered about those online classes for nursing. I know this probably is asked frequently but can anyone direct me to where I can learn more about diploma RN's. Also where I might be able to become a diploma RN. I appreciate it.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 17, 2004

I think this thread is talking about two types of online nursing degrees:

1. the original poster is saying that she is already an RN (diploma) that wants to get her BSN

2. The above poster appears not to be an RN and looking for online nursing classes.

Many options available for RNs who want to do a BSN completion...you might want to do a search on the bulletin board. As to getting your RN online when you aren't currently an RN - though many nursing courses are online, you need clinicals and usually have to do these in an official classroom.

Good luck...judi

soleilRN · Oct 17, 2004

I am currently working with a nurse who is doing the online degree classes through the University of Phoenix. She explained to me the the classes are expensive; with there being no actual face to face contact with the class and teacher. She also works full time and has a family of tripletts at home. I always hear her talking about the semesters being only 5 weeks long, and there are papers due every week; she is able to handle it but she said it is a lot of work.

I definitely feel it would be well worth it to do your degree over the internet; that way you don't miss out of work and your family. But I guess the thing is you need to make sure you can juggle all 3.

Anyone looking to further their education should definitely go for it! Good Luck!:roll

heatherbless · Oct 17, 2004

[quote name='traumaRUs']I think this thread is talking about two types of online nursing degrees:1.  the original poster is saying that she is already an RN (diploma) that wants to get her BSN2.  The above poster appears not to be an RN and looking for online nursing classes.  Many options available for RNs who want to do a BSN completion...you might want to do a search on the bulletin board.  As to getting your RN online when you aren't currently an RN - though many nursing courses are online, you need clinicals and usually have to do these in an official classroom.

Good luck...judi

these are true statements and it depends on what works for you. I have been accepted to Deaconess also--and everyone has to choose programs because of time constraints, money, clinicals, etc...just do what works best for you. Best, heather

Jo Dirt · Oct 17, 2004

I keep getting my a$$ kicked around on the distance learning board because I question the benefit of an LPN to RN online program (I STILL believe that in general-and *maybe* in all cases-a physical clinical/classroom setting offers the best education).

Though an online student who is already an RN seems like it might be a different situation. While I was doing my "soul searching" I checked into the program at Deaconess. The fees were outrageous (for the ASN program it was over $1200 a class). If I was going to look for an RN to BSN program (and I hope to someday) I would hope that surely there would be another opportunity at a college not too awful far from my home to go part-time or even take evening classes. I just can't see the value in paying more than double the cost of a traditional education just for the privledge of studying at home.

Excelsior College is expensive, but not obscenely so. And they have an online RN to BSN. Though, I have heard some people on this board who say they have had trouble finding a job as an Excelsior graduate, not everyone does, I'm sure. If I were looking for an online school I would consider EC.

fergus51 · Oct 17, 2004

I know several nurses who have done this in Canada. The University of Victoria and BCIT both offer degree programs part time at reasonable fees and are recognized in the US. BCIT in particular offers a lot of credit for experience.

catlady, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2004

I am a diploma RN and am interested in obtaining a BSN. I started looking online and found some interesting programs. I was wondering if anyone else has used this method. Working full time and with a family, online would be great. The one particular program Deaconess College of Nursing mentions awarding the diploma nurse credits toward the BSN. Another program through Rochville University awards degrees based on life experiences including job history, educational acheivements, earned CEU's, etc. Please let me know of any program I might be interested in and how long could I expect it to take.

Please be very cautious about which program you enter. There are many, many good online colleges, but almost as many scam programs. You must find a program that is regionally accredited, and NLN-accredited. The second program you mention above is neither. "Life experiences" credit is often (although not always) a red flag that the academic standards are rather light...

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2004

Please be very cautious about which program you enter. There are many, many good online colleges, but almost as many scam programs. You must find a program that is regionally accredited, and NLN-accredited. The second program you mention above is neither. "Life experiences" credit is often (although not always) a red flag that the academic standards are rather light...

Excellent advice. I wouldn't get any online or inclass degree that wasn't NLN approved.

(The diploma to BSN program I mentioned above is NLN approved.)

ladyoftherose · Oct 20, 2004

I think that they should offer online nursing degrees for all nurses even those that are just starting out an not just for R.N.'s but for them all because its basically the same anyway an so they should just target just the R.N.'s you see it would help out alot for the those that have children an can't get anyone to watch your children while your in school . I work a 12 hour shift an its hard for me to go to school an work too so that is what I think that it would be a good idea for them to start online classes for all the nursing programs an too I have children (3) ranging from 5,8, 15 an its hard with them to leave them with someone to watch them an worring about them at night , without trying to work an keep my head while I'm working.

So yes I think that starting a online program for all nursing would be a great idea for those that can go to school.

Thanks

TMPaul · Oct 20, 2004

I am currently working with a nurse who is doing the online degree classes through the University of Phoenix. She explained to me the the classes are expensive; with there being no actual face to face contact with the class and teacher. She also works full time and has a family of tripletts at home. I always hear her talking about the semesters being only 5 weeks long, and there are papers due every week; she is able to handle it but she said it is a lot of work.
I definitely feel it would be well worth it to do your degree over the internet; that way you don't miss out of work and your family. But I guess the thing is you need to make sure you can juggle all 3.
Anyone looking to further their education should definitely go for it! Good Luck!:roll

I teach the Community Health Nursing courses for the University of Phoenix and yes, the semester is only 5 weeks long. It consists of weekly lessons learned notes in addition to several papers, a patient education brochure (A group project), and a power point presentation (another group presentation) and grading on the participation in class discussions. The student must post a substantive note 5 out of 7 days (the days are your choice). It's an intense class and one really has to be motivated to complete it. :)