Online RN BSN
Many who begin careers in nursing start by obtaining their license for Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN and then eventually move up to a Registered Nurse or RN. RNs account for nearly half of all licensed nurses currently working in the health care field. RNs have the option of continuing their education and working toward their BSN license. A BSN is a Bachelor's of Science degree in nursing. This license can help nurses to find gainful employment, increase their job opportunities and find higher paying jobs. There are many RN to BSN online programs that provide the needed additional education to prepare and RN for his or her licensing examination for a BSN.
Classes typically include those related to the field of nursing with a more intense look at many aspects. Classes such as the Dimension of Profession Practice focus on the nursing theory in general and the process and issues related to current professional nursing practices. These courses help students to strengthen their critical thinking skills. Nursing Assessments for experienced nurses are also included in an online RN to BSN course. This course places emphasis on the review of body systems as well as physical examination techniques and strong communication skills that are needed in order to perform a nursing assessment of patients across their life span. Other courses may include nursing research, health promotion and rehabilitation. Although most online RN BSN courses are similar, they may vary somewhat depending on the institution, just as traditional colleges and universities often vary in their course descriptions.
Throughout the course of an RN to BSN program, students may study the different aspects and timelines of dealing with patients. Theories and strategies that are directly related to end of life care are often included in the curriculum for a BSN. The emphasis on these courses is placed on the nurse as a critical member of an interdisciplinary team caring for patients at the end of life. The course helps to guide and prepare nurses to be more competent and compassionate professionals who are able to lead a transformation in patient care at the end of life. Critical care nursing is also typically included in the curriculum for an RN to BSN program. Theories and concepts that are related to acute care, effective decision making and communication skills are stressed during these courses. Legal and ethical dilemmas are also examined. Finally, leadership and management in practice are included in order to teach the skills necessary for a BSN to transform into the role of professional nurse. These courses focus on professional as well as societal issues that may influence nursing as a whole within a constantly changing healthcare environment.
Many RNs choose to enroll in the additional courses needed to become a BSN simply for the higher salary and job advancement benefits. A BSN will have much better job prospects than those who do not obtain their bachelor's degree. BSNs are also increasingly serving communities as lower cost primary care providers.