Question for ADN or Diploma Nurses who went back to get BSN

recoveringcory · Feb 3, 2009

1. explain the reasons why you decided to return to school for a bachelor of science degree in nursing and be sure to list your reasons.

you have a better opportunity for advancement into management and other areas where an adn nurse may not be as qualified.

you become more well rounded as a nurse. while a lot of nursing theories can seem pretty silly, they do help broaden your perpective on lots of different situations.

2.provide insight into how a bs degree in nursing will/has enhance(d) your professional goals.

i want to teach nurses/students. with a bsn i can teach clinicals.

i want to get my msn. need the bsn to get the msn. my goal is to eventually be in a high up management position as well as a teaching position.

3.discuss what you perceive are the top three challenges that you have/might experience by returning to school. explain why they were/might be challenging for you, and select possible solutions for each that may help you achieve success in school.

cost. i went through the university of phoenix, and it cost me around $25,000....yeah, i know...wow....however, i had to take some extra courses/prerequisites, so it costed more. this program, however, was extremely convenient with my work schedule...was able to work full time and go to school full time without problem.

papers. i'm not the best test taker, but i'm a pretty good paper writer. you write lots of papers in your bsn schooling - i did, anyway, and u of p is all paper writing and really, no tests.

research. you will really have to develop your research skills, finding good solid research resources (not wikipedia...), to develop high quality research papers, with statistical evidence. these can be some big papers. i had a few papers over 20 pages easy. wasn't difficult for me...just time consuming...

tips for success

get a schedule book, and schedule yourself to work on your homework on given days, rather than procrastination (which i am horrible at).

develop your writing skills, and if your skill has like a "center of writing excellence" use it! find good wholesome resources.

if there is group projects, make sure to keep on top of everyone in the group that they are getting their work done on time with good quality!

hope this helps a little!

cory

stressgal, RN · Feb 3, 2009

Explain the reasons why you decided to return to school for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and be sure to list your reasons.

I chose to complete my Bachelors degree to open doors to more opportunities. I wish to travel nurse in the future and also become a clinical nursing instructor. I am also considering becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist which will require me to obtain my Masters degree.

2.Provide insight into how a BS degree in nursing will/has enhance(d) your professional goals.

I have obtained a position as clinical nursing instructor. I believe studying for my Bachelors enabled me to develop leadership skills along with becoming a better bedside nurse. I now have a better understanding, and appriciation of the importance of evidence based practice. This alone has changed my practice.

3.Discuss what you perceive are the top three challenges that you have/might experience by returning to school. Explain why they were/might be challenging for you, and select possible solutions for each that may help you achieve success in school.

Money and time were the biggest challenges. I attended an online ADN to BSN completion program and such programs are not cheap. I utilized the tuition reembursement through my employer, paid what cash I could and even took out a few loans. Time plays into the equation while juggling school, work and homelife. You need to be very organized. It's important to understand your limitations and take only the classes you can handle, don't spread yourself too thin and take breaks when needed.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2009

1. explain the reasons why you decided to return to school for a bachelor of science degree in nursing and be sure to list your reasons.

i wanted more career opportunities.

2.provide insight into how a bs degree in nursing will/has enhance(d) your professional goals.

i haven't decided if i want to go to grad school or not. if i do, the bsn will be necessary. also, as i apply for new jobs and move around in the field, more doors will be opened with a bsn.

3.discuss what you perceive are the top three challenges that you have/might experience by returning to school. explain why they were/might be challenging for you, and select possible solutions for each that may help you achieve success in school.

financial, i get very little assistance from work to pay for school, so i am paying for my bsn out of pocket.

time management. i work full-time at the hospital, and part-time doing homecare. it can be difficult to juggle. plus i still want to have free time.

motivation. now that i've been out of school for 6 months, and getting used to having more spare time, it is harder to stay motivated.

BlessedRoseRN · Feb 3, 2009

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. Your stories help me get insight of what a BSN offers. I knew it would help get some management positions but I didn't know you could be a clinical instructor. I might have to look into that. I graduated in Aug 2008 and started my RN-BSN in January. I plan on getting my NP one day.