Starting online RN-BSN program while in new grad ER residency

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 28, 2012

I think it also depends on what else you have going on at home, i.e., kids, spouse/significant other, etc. I sat for the NCLEX-RN in August 2008 and was in my RN-BSN program by October 2008. I was also being precepted in my ED from the end of July through part of November, plus doing an ED Nursing Fellowship at our hospital system's Level 1 facility from October through December (two days a week). Busy busy, but that's how I roll. I was also still volunteering weekly as a paramedic and doing some monthly part-time (20-ish hours) graphic design/desktop publishing for one client. My program's classes were 8 weeks in length, though ... I'm not sure how I would do with the 5-week schedule, that seems a bit compressed.

Good luck, whichever way you decide to go! :)

Perpetual Student · Jan 29, 2012

It would be feasible with a very minimal course load.

I was working on a BSN when I started my current job. I really busted my butt to make it through all of my critical care orientation, learn my day to day job, and do all my homework. I nearly went insane. I had to take a break from school after that to de-stress and show that I am not a worn out robot.

ProgressiveThinking, MSN, CRNA · Jan 30, 2012

Thanks for the responses. @ LunahRN: You're insane, haha. That's a heavy workload. Hats off to you. No kids here, so I think I can manage it. I think I'm going to give it a shot and see how it turns out.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 30, 2012

Yeah, I know I'm crazy. You should see my plate now, it's ridiculous!! I say go for it. :)

Robublind · Jan 30, 2012

I wouldn't, I'm guessing this is a hospital you want to be permanently hired at right? and it doesn't require a BSN?

I would be treating this as a 18 month interview. Everyday you go to work you need to impress someone that they need to keep you. Does the hospital hire all the "students in the program"? My guess no. So you will be in competition with the other "students" to keep your job.

I just finished my orientation as a new grad, so I know where you are at. ER is different from Med/Surg. The workflow is different and there are many things you do there you wouldn't think of doing on the med/surg floor. A lot of things you will be doing they don't teach in RN school. You are going to be busy learning how to function in the ER and it is going to be stressful. Do you really want to add more stress on top of that? Do you work at the top of your game when you are tired and stressed that something is due in the BSN?

A couple years back when the hospital's were dying for RNs I would say sure go get your BSN. But now when you look at these boards where the general buzz from the new grads is "I cant find a job, how to I get a job, no one hires new grads". You just won the lottery getting into the ER. There is little in the BSN program that will help you be a better ER nurse but the time, energy and stress can limit your capacity to do the best job in the ER. Bust your ass in the ER (I mean this, when your not busy help the other nurses, clean rooms, stock, take VS, start that IV on that pt that just rolled in,if you are sitting there with nothing to do you are losing your job, Be the nurse everyone is glad they are on their shift) and win the permanent job. BSN can wait.