The RN-BSN program structure is designed to build upon the student’s prior education and experience in preparation for professional RN licensure. With this foundational knowledge, the RN-BSN program provides additional practicum knowledge, opportunities to apply new knowledge, and the flexibility to explore practice and individualized topics.
The program builds on the education and training of registered nurses who hold an associate degree or hospital diploma credential in nursing. Designed for working nurses, this online program provides unique academic learning and experiences as part of a science and technology university.
RN students will have unique opportunities to combine academic coursework with their professional practice in completing requirements for the BSN. Additionally, RN students will engage in health care advocacy efforts supporting stakeholders in their individual communities. Working collaboratively with RN nurse educators, students have a unique opportunity to pursue scholarship and practical experiences in self-identified arenas of interest.
The program is multi-disciplinary, and integrates experts in epidemiology, science, ethics, and informatics. Completing the required health informatics course will provide the RN student with earned graduate level credits. Other course work in evidence-based practice, science, and statistics prepares the RN student for success in any graduate program.
The program allows students to begin their BSN with a cohort of colleagues and allows for flexibility when needed. In addition to exceptional preparation for graduate school the RN-BSN graduate has gained purposeful education that will enhance their career mobility and provide knowledge to further impact patients and the healthcare system.
A significant body of research shows that nurses with baccalaureate-level preparation are linked to better patient outcomes, including lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. With the Institute of Medicine (2010) calling for 80% of the nursing workforce to hold at least a bachelor’s degree by 2020, moving to prepare nurses at this level has become a national priority.
Based on completed responses from 576 schools of nursing, 54.0% of hospitals and other healthcare settings are requiring new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (up 6.6 percentage points since 2015), while 97.9% of employers are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates. (Source: http://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Shortage).
Program Goals
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) will:
- Demonstrate evidence-based nursing care from a practice, policy, and systems perspective;
- Act within contemporary ethical professional standards;
- Demonstrate cultural competency; and,
- Participate in teams in a variety of healthcare settings.
