BSN Degree Pursuit: Overcoming Common Challenges and Achieving Your Goals

I know you are a busy nursing professional who is considering earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, but you may be wondering if it is possible to balance your work and family responsibilities with your studies. The good news is that it is possible to earn a BSN degree while juggling your other commitments, and you can do it online. In this blog post, I will share tips and tricks for completing an online BSN program, based on my experience working with tons of nursing professionals who have completed their BSN degrees through Western Governors University (WGU) (or some other universities like Capella, Binghamptom, Aspen, Grand Canyon, etc.).

It might sound another of many posts pouring down ridiculous ideas, but trust me I have done plenty of research on highly credible websites to glean this gist only for you.

My ultimate advice to you before you go through the gist below, is that your time to start is NOW.

Let's go with the points that most experts, productivity gurus, and nursing coaches believe work.

Why Choose an Online BSN Program?

Online BSN programs offer flexibility and convenience, which is especially important for busy nursing professionals who may not have the time or resources to attend traditional on-campus programs. Online programs allow you to complete coursework at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from the comfort of your own home. This means you can continue working and taking care of your family while pursuing your degree.

Tips for Completing an Online BSN Program

1. Choose a Self-Paced Program

One of the biggest advantages of online BSN programs is that they are self-paced. This means that you can complete coursework at your own speed, without having to worry about keeping up with a traditional class schedule. WGU, for example, offers a self-paced program that allows you to complete your degree in as little as six months. This flexibility allows you to balance your studies with your other commitments.

2. Stay Ahead of Schedule

To be successful in an online BSN program, it is important to stay ahead of schedule. Most online programs allow you to see the entire course schedule ahead of time, which can help you plan your school work around your life and even work in advance. This will help you avoid falling behind and feeling overwhelmed.

3. Prioritize Daily Tasks by Importance

Honing your time management skills and techniques helps eliminate pressure from the to-do clutter. That, in turn, allows you to focus on more critical tasks and what matters most — your patients. Implement these time management strategies for nurses into your day-to-day routine:

• Prioritize daily tasks by importance
• Plan out your week with buffers
• Review and assess your calendar regularly
• Practice delegation and teamwork
• Take breaks and practice self-care

4. Establish an Efficient Workspace

Creating an efficient workspace is essential for success in an online BSN program. Find a quiet, distraction-free area where you can focus on your studies. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, such as a computer, printer, and reliable internet connection. Keep your workspace organized and free of clutter to help you stay focused.

5. Utilize Time-Blocking

Time-blocking is a technique that involves scheduling specific blocks of time for specific tasks. This can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. For example, you might schedule a block of time each day for studying, and another block of time for completing assignments. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

6. Join an Online Study Group

Joining an online study group can help you stay engaged with your peers and instructors. This can be especially helpful in an online program, where you may not have the opportunity to interact with others in person. Study groups can provide support, motivation, and accountability, and can help you stay on track with your studies.

7. Get Proactive with Your Instructors

Staying engaged with your instructors is important in an online program. Don't be afraid to reach out to them with questions or concerns. They are there to help you succeed, and are often more than willing to provide guidance and support. Make sure you understand the expectations for each assignment and seek clarification if needed.

8. Take Advantage of Clinical Opportunities

While online BSN programs do not typically involve in-person clinical experiences, there may be opportunities to gain hands-on experience through partnerships with healthcare employers. For example, WGU has partnerships with healthcare employers in several states, who provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse

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. Take advantage of these opportunities to gain valuable experience and build your skills.

9. Find Your Learning Style

Everyone has a different learning style, and it is important to find the approach that works best for you. Some people learn best through visual aids, while others prefer hands-on activities. Experiment with different study techniques to find the ones that work best for you.

10. Practice Self-Care

Finally, it is important to practice self-care while pursuing your BSN degree. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Take breaks when you need them, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Conclusion

Earning a BSN degree is a significant accomplishment, and it is possible to do it while juggling your other commitments. Online BSN programs offer flexibility and convenience, and with the right approach, you can succeed. By staying ahead of schedule, establishing an efficient workspace, joining an online study group, and taking advantage of clinical opportunities, you can earn your BSN degree and advance your nursing career.
 

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!