Advice for RN to BSN Online Students
Nurses with chaotic schedules may wonder, 杏吧专区淗ow can I possibly find the time to go back to school?杏吧专区 After all, nursing is not known for downtime.
But with online programs, many nurses are finding the time to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing online.
Ashlynn Capace, full-time nurse and mother, found a perfect fit with UL Lafayette's online RN to BSN.
杏吧专区淚 worked on some assignments during a trip to Disney, I worked on some stuff at the beach,杏吧专区 says Capace. 杏吧专区淚 just loved that I could still have an active life even though I was in school. I think that was the best part.杏吧专区
Just because the program is online does not mean it's easy. But grads and faculty members in UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 RN to BSN program have some advice to help students succeed.
Time Management Is Key
Without a doubt, a day in the life of a nurse can be hectic. That's why time management is key for online RN to BSN students.
April Scott, a UL Lafayette RN to BSN grad and charge nurse, stresses the value of staying organized.
杏吧专区淚杏吧专区檇 always start the semester by filling my calendar with due dates so I杏吧专区檓 not surprised by anything. I made it a habit to check in often, so I always know what杏吧专区檚 coming up next week," she says.
"When you're online, it杏吧专区檚 just a matter of staying ahead of the game.杏吧专区
Scott says these habits helped her keep up with school while honing skills she uses on the job.
Coaches, Counselors and Instructors Can Help
Tracy King was a morning deejay. Then Hurricane Katrina struck, and she was inspired by disaster response nurses. After earning her ADN, King chose UL Lafayette for her bachelor杏吧专区檚 degree. She was impressed by the level of support.
杏吧专区淭hey walk you through every step,杏吧专区 says King. 杏吧专区淚t杏吧专区檚 not a cakewalk, but it杏吧专区檚 totally doable.杏吧专区
Scott was also impressed. 杏吧专区淣ot living in Lafayette, it can be difficult not being able to go to the office... But the faculty has been really good about keeping me up to speed and checking on me.杏吧专区
Instructor Tara Horsley, RN, MSN, uses her own time in an online program to connect with students.
杏吧专区淢y MSN degree was online, so I know the fear and anxiety that comes along with it.杏吧专区
Horsley says reaching out for help is key. Feeling overwhelmed?
杏吧专区淐ontact your instructor,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淪et up a phone meeting or a virtual meeting with them.杏吧专区
What About Multitasking?
It might be tempting to do laundry during a lecture, and that may not detract much from the task. But as Dr. Helen Hurst, Head of the Department of Nursing, advised, 杏吧专区淏e organized and focus on your goals.杏吧专区
Juggling tasks can result in 杏吧专区,杏吧专区 according to APA. This mental overload can cause a 40% decrease in output.
There are distinct benefits to earning a BSN. Dr. Debra White-Jefferson, assistant professor in the RN to BSN program, advises: 杏吧专区淢ake a timeline and go for it!杏吧专区
Learn more about UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 online RN to BSN program.
