Focus On: Achieving Your BSN

If you are a registered nurse with a diploma or Associate’s Degree, the thought of returning to school can be daunting and overwhelming. You may question if it’s really necessary or worthwhile to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. You may be waiting until you have more time or more money before researching your options. While considering a return to school, take some time to explore the resources below. Learn why now is the time to return to school, and gain advice on overcoming barriers that are in your way. We've also put together this full list of RN-to-BSN programs to help you find a program that is right for you!
 

WHY SHOULD I GO BACK TO SCHOOL?

Improved patient outcomes, personal and career satisfaction, job opportunities, and more.

BSN in 10: It's the law!
The Nurse Practitioner, February 2018

BSN Preparation for RNs: The Time Is Now!
JONA: Journal of Nursing Administration, February 2018

The BSN entry into practice debate
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, January/February 2017

Reaching for the Stars: RN to BSN 
Nursing2016, January 2016

Advanced Degrees: Meeting the Needs of Nurses and Patients
Nursing Management, July 2015

Bachelor's Degrees Not Only Save Lives, They Save Hospitals Money
AJN, American Journal of Nursing, February 2015

CE Original Research: Changing Trends in Newly Licensed RNs 
AJN, American Journal of Nursing, February 2014

Baccalaureate Education in Nursing and Patient Outcomes
JONA: Journal of Nursing Administration, February 2013

Magnet® Hospitals Are Attracted To The BSN But What's In It For Nurses?
Nursing2012, March 2012

The Nurse Education Imperative
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association, April 2012

Education matters: Does higher learning yield higher income?
Nursing Management, July 2011


OVERCOMING BARRIERS

Don’t let issues such as time and cost, stand in your way.

Practical Nurses' Lived Experience of Returning to School
Nurse Educator, January/February 2019

Disruptive Innovation: The Rise of Distance Education
Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, July/August 2016

Picking your priorities: An educational pathway
Nursing Management, February 2015

BSN Completion Barriers, Challenges, Incentives, and Strategies
JONA: Journal of Nursing Administration, April 2014

Motivators and Barriers to Returning to School: RN to BSN
Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, April 2014

Overcoming the Barriers to Achieving a BSN: Part 1
Nursing2014, March 2014

Overcoming the Barriers to Achieving a BSN: Part 2
Nursing2014, April 2014

CE Is online education right for you? 
Nursing Management, April 2013

How to Finance Your Dreams of Further Education
Lippincott’s 2012 Nursing Career Directory, January 2012

MORE …

For more encouragement, be sure to read the articles below!

Moving Closer to the 2020 BSN-Prepared Workforce Goal
AJN, American Journal of Nursing, February 2018

The Importance of Community in Online RN-BSN Courses
CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, September 2017

Influencing Commitment to BSN Completion: A Pilot Project Using Motivational Interviewing
JONA: Journal of Nursing Administration, March 2017

RN to BSN Transition: A Concept Analysis
Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, March/April 2017

Accelerated RN-to-BSN Service-Learning Program Serves the Vulnerable
Journal of Christian Nursing, January/March 2017

Community College Baccalaureate Nursing Programs Are Growing Nationwide
AJN, American Journal of Nursing, August 2016

Accelerated Second Degree Programs
Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, August 2015

Is an online BSN degree in your future?
Nursing2015, June 2015

So you want to...Get a BSN
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, April 2015 

So you want to...Go back to school
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, February 2015 

Achieving success when returning to nursing education
Nursing2015, February 2015

What internal motivators drive RNs to pursue a BSN?
Nursing2014, October 2014

Going Back To School 101
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, August 2011

Thinking Of Going Back To School? Just Do It!
Nursing2011, March 2011

Nursing as a Second Career
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, February 2011

Can You Go the Distance? Attending the Virtual Classroom 
Orthopaedic Nursing, December 2010