Tips for Succeeding in WGU’s Self-Paced RN-to-BSN Program

 

Most messages that I receive from individuals are a registered nurses who want to advance their career and education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and ask me a number of questions about WGU’s BSN. If you’re one of them, this post is for you. It is a cheat sheet specially created for my valuable readers like you.

Introduction

WGU is a nonprofit, accredited university that offers competency-based education, which means you can progress through courses at your own pace by demonstrating what you know and can do. You can also transfer up to 90 credits from your previous nursing education and experience, which can save you time and money. WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is evidence-based and aligned with the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice from the American Association of Colleges and Nursing (AACN). It covers topics such as research, theory, leadership, community health, healthcare policy, therapeutic interventions, and current trends in healthcare.

However, as with any online program, WGU’s self-paced RN-to-BSN program also requires motivation and time management skills to succeed. You will need to create your own schedule, set your own goals, and manage your own learning. You will also need to complete 65 hours of field work in a community setting as part of the program requirements. To help you navigate this challenging but rewarding journey, I have compiled some tips based on what I learned from the transcript of a successful WGU RN-to-BSN graduate. Here they are:

 

TIP 1: Create a schedule and stick to it

Treat each week like a regular course, blocking out set times to read, study, and work on assignments. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of deadlines and milestones. Try to be consistent with your study routine and avoid distractions.

 

TIP 2: Take it one course at a time

Focus on mastering one class before moving on so you don’t get overwhelmed juggling multiple demanding courses. Review the course materials carefully and use the learning resources provided by WGU. Take advantage of the pre-assessments and practice tests to gauge your readiness for the final assessments.

 

TIP 3: Do the easy classes first

Start with quicker courses like Nutrition or Health Assessment to build momentum before tackling tougher ones like Biochemistry or Evidence-Based Practice. This will help you boost your confidence and motivation as you see yourself progressing through the program.

 

TIP 4: Give yourself paper writing time

Set aside blocks for researching, writing, and revising papers. Break projects down into manageable chunks. Follow the rubrics and instructions carefully and use the writing center for feedback and support. Use credible sources and cite them properly using APA format.

 

TIP 5: Use course mentors

These are invaluable! Meet with them regularly for guidance as you would with on-campus professors. They can help you clarify concepts, answer questions, provide tips, and offer encouragement. They can also connect you with other students who are taking the same course or have completed it.

 

TIP 6: Find a study buddy

Connect online with a classmate for motivation and support. You may even be able to help each other with assignments or share notes. You can also join online forums or social media groups where you can interact with other WGU RN-to-BSN students and alumni.

 

TIP 7: Take good notes

Stay organized with study guides, lecture notes, flashcards, etc. You’ll need to compile and understand a lot of information from various sources. Use different methods to review and reinforce your learning, such as summarizing, outlining, highlighting, quizzing, etc.

 

TIP 8: Plan ahead for field work

Get an early start on scheduling your 65 hours of community health experience. Find a suitable site that meets WGU’s criteria and secure a preceptor who has a BSN degree or higher. Complete the required paperwork and submit it to WGU for approval. Prepare for your field work by reviewing the objectives and expectations of the course.

TIP 9: Reward yourself for milestones

Celebrate finishing assessments and papers. Keep motivated towards the end goal of becoming an RN-BSN! Recognize your achievements and treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a movie night, a spa day, or a dinner out.

The key is staying regimented, getting support when needed, and dividing projects into smaller steps. Plan ahead, break things down, and don’t be afraid to lean on your mentors.

With commitment and smart time management, you can leverage the flexibility of WGU’s self-paced model to efficiently achieve your BSN. You’ve got this!

Breaking Down WGU's RN-to-BSN Coursework

 

In this post, I'll walk through the key courses you'll take in WGU's RN-to-BSN program. Knowing what's involved can help you determine if it aligns with your goals.

WGU organizes the program into three main buckets:

General Education

The program is divided into three main buckets: General Education, Nursing Support Courses, and the Nursing Major.

The General Education courses include English Composition, Interprofessional Communication, Psychology, Sociology, Humanities, and Statistics. Most ADN grads already have these credits from prerequisites and can transfer them in. You likely just need to fill any remaining gen ed gaps.

The Nursing Support Courses build on your ADN foundation and include Biochemistry and Applied Healthcare Statistics. Biochemistry focuses on protein synthesis, enzymes, lipids, and is challenging but clinically relevant material. Applied Healthcare Statistics covers analyzing and interpreting medical research.

The Nursing Major is the core of the RN-to-BSN curriculum and includes Health Assessment, Community Health, Evidence-Based Practice, Leadership and Quality Improvement, and Community Health. Health Assessment involves writing papers and doing hands-on demonstrations of your assessment skills. Community Health requires 65 hours of field experience assessing community resources and culminates in a paper. Evidence-Based Practice involves evaluating research and proposing a change supported by evidence. Leadership and Quality Improvement requires writing papers on implementing organizational changes to improve care. Community Health requires 65 hours of field experience assessing community resources and culminates in a paper. There are also courses on ethics, leadership, and professional nursing roles. You’ll need to be comfortable writing academically and conducting community fieldwork.

Most ADN grads already have these credits from prerequisites and can transfer them in:

• English Composition
• Interprofessional Communication
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Humanities
• Statistics

You likely just need to fill any remaining gen ed gaps.

Nursing Support Courses

Here you’ll find upper-level sciences and concepts to build on your ADN foundation:

• Biochemistry - Focuses on protein synthesis, enzymes, lipids. Challenging but clinically relevant material.
• Applied Healthcare Statistics - Covers analyzing and interpreting medical research.

The Nursing Major

This is the core of the RN-to-BSN curriculum:

• Health Assessment - Write papers and do hands-on demonstrations of your assessment skills.
• Community Health - 65 hours of field experience assessing community resources. Culminates in a paper.
• Evidence-Based Practice - Evaluate research and propose a change supported by evidence.
• Leadership and Quality Improvement - Write papers on implementing organizational changes to improve care.
• Community Health - 65 hours of field experience assessing community resources. Culminates in a paper.

There are also courses on ethics, leadership, and professional nursing roles. You’ll need to be comfortable writing academically and conducting community field work.

Hopefully breaking down the coursework gives you a sense of what to expect from WGU's RN-to-BSN program. Make sure to consider if the self-paced, writing-heavy curriculum aligns with your learning preferences and career goals.

 Benefits

WGU's RN-to-BSN program is a self-paced, writing-heavy curriculum that allows you to earn your degree on your own schedule. You move through courses as quickly as you can master the material, with no set class times so you can continue to work as an RN while you're earning your degree. The program is also affordable and unique, making it a top option for RN-to-BSN students. Graduates are prepared to function in new roles as members of healthcare teams in many settings. BSN graduates are also prepared to enter MSN programs.

 Challenges

While the self-paced nature of the program is a benefit, it can also be a challenge. The program requires goal setting, dedication, and the ability to manage your time effectively. Additionally, the program is writing-heavy, so you'll need to be comfortable writing academically and conducting community fieldwork. Some students have reported difficulty managing work, school, and family responsibilities. However, WGU's RN-to-BSN online programs give you the flexibility to complete coursework on your schedule.

 Conclusion

WGU's RN-to-BSN degree program is an evidence-based, self-paced, and affordable program designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers and expand their knowledge in the nursing field. The program is divided into three main buckets: General Education, Nursing Support Courses, and the Nursing Major. While the program requires goal setting, dedication, and the ability to manage your time effectively, it provides the flexibility to complete coursework on your schedule. Graduates are prepared to function in new roles as members of healthcare teams in many settings and are also prepared to enter MSN programs.

 

Why WGU's RN-to-BSN Program is the Perfect Fit for Busy Nurses

Hello! In this blog post, I will talk about why Western Governors University's RN-to-BSN program is the perfect fit for busy nurses. As a busy nurse myself, I understand the challenges of balancing work, family, and education. However, WGU's RN-to-BSN program is designed to fit into your busy schedule and help you achieve your career goals.

Flexible Schedule

One of the biggest advantages of WGU's RN-to-BSN program is its flexibility. The program is entirely online, which means you can complete your coursework from anywhere and at any time. This is especially beneficial for busy nurses who work long hours and have family responsibilities. You can study at your own pace and complete your assignments when it's convenient for you. This flexibility allows you to balance your work, family, and education without sacrificing any of them.

Competency-Based Education

Another unique feature of WGU's RN-to-BSN program is its competency-based education model. This means that you can progress through the program at your own pace, based on your existing knowledge and skills. You don't have to sit through lectures or complete assignments on topics you already know. Instead, you can focus on the areas where you need to improve and move quickly through the material you already know. This allows you to save time and money while earning your degree.

Affordability

WGU's RN-to-BSN program is also affordable, with tuition charged at a low flat rate each term. The more courses you complete each term, the more affordable your degree becomes. This is in contrast to other schools that charge per course or per credit, which can make your degree more expensive. Additionally, WGU's tuition rates are 48% lower than the national average for bachelor's degrees, making it an affordable option for busy nurses who want to advance their careers.

Clinical Requirements

WGU's RN-to-BSN program also has clinical requirements, which allow you to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. However, these clinical requirements are flexible and can be completed at a location that is convenient for you. You can work with your employer to complete your clinical requirements, which means you don't have to take time off from work to complete them. This flexibility allows you to gain the experience you need to advance your career while still maintaining your work and family responsibilities.

Supportive Community

Finally, WGU's RN-to-BSN program has a supportive community of faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to your success. You can connect with other students through online forums and social media groups, which allows you to share your experiences and learn from others. Additionally, WGU has a team of mentors who are available to answer your questions and provide support throughout your program. This supportive community can help you stay motivated and on track to achieve your career goals. In conclusion, WGU's RN-to-BSN program is the perfect fit for busy nurses who want to advance their careers. With its flexible schedule, competency-based education, affordability, clinical requirements, and supportive community, WGU's RN-to-BSN program can help you achieve your career goals without sacrificing your work or family responsibilities. If you're a busy nurse who wants to take the next step in your career, WGU's RN-to-BSN program is the perfect choice for you.

Transitioning to a BSN: Is Western Governors University the Right Program for You? Expert Advice!

Transitioning to a BSN: Is WGU the Right Program for You?

In this blog post, I will provide an in-depth overview of Western Governors University's RN-to-BSN program and discuss key factors to help you determine if it's a good fit for your needs as a nursing student.

Many nurses start out with an ADN or a diploma and work for a while before deciding to complete their BSN. Going back to school can be daunting, especially if you have to juggle work and family responsibilities. An online RN-to-BSN program seems tempting, but how do you know if WGU is right for you?

 

First, let's go over some key details about WGU's program:

o   It's fully accredited by the CCNE and accepted by graduate schools if you want to pursue higher nursing degrees later.

o   It uses a competency-based education model. You advance by showing mastery of concepts, not by grades or time spent in class.

o   It's self-paced. You can complete your BSN in one term (six months) by accelerating, or spread the courses out over multiple terms up to 3.5 years if needed.

o   There are no required textbooks or additional access fees. All learning materials are provided online.

o   Tuition is around $5,000-$6,000 per six-month term. Scholarships are available.

This self-directed model is ideal if you're highly motivated, disciplined, and comfortable with online learning. However, WGU has some key differences from a traditional RN-to-BSN program:

 

o   You need strong technology skills for navigating the online student portal and learning platforms. Comfort with email, word processing, research databases, etc. is essential.

o   There are no letter grades, just pass/fail assessments. You can't earn a 4.0 GPA. "Pass" is akin to a B grade.

o   You must be proactive in reaching out for help from course mentors when needed. Support is there but not built-in like a classroom.

o   Writing papers and completing projects replace traditional nursing exams and clinicals. Expect to write in APA format.

As you can see, WGU offers exceptional flexibility and affordability, but requires independence, self-motivation, time management skills, and academic writing skills to thrive. Before jumping in, make sure you:

o   Have solid computer, internet research, and word processing abilities

 o   Can write longer academic papers in proper APA format

 o   Are okay without letter grades and focused on knowledge mastery over GPAs

 o   Will ask for help when needed since the courses are self-directed

 o   Are able to manage your time well and stay on pace to finish courses/terms

 

Additionally, WGU has a unique course structure:

 If this competency-based model fits your learning style, motivation, and schedule, WGU could help you achieve your BSN efficiently and affordably. You get to leverage your nursing experience while gaining new leadership, research, and community health skills.

 However, if you prefer more structure, letter grades, professor interactions, and built-in deadlines, a traditional RN-to-BSN program may suit you better. Think carefully about your needs and learning preferences as you decide if WGU is the right path for you. Reach out to current students and alumni to get insider perspectives. By considering both the benefits and challenges, you can determine if WGU's unique approach is a good fit.

If you need my assistance completing any assignments at the BSN program, do not hesitate to reach me at: meokhan2/at/gmail(dot)com. I am the expert!