The decision to continue your education is never simple. Most often, registered nurses (RNs) have begun working, found their niche and settled into life. Many have started to enjoy life again after putting it on hold for nursing school. However, many start to feel the need to continue their education to fulfill personal goals or take advantage of new opportunities.
If you are thinking about going back to school to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, an online RN to BSN program may be a good option to consider. Programs like Lamar University’s online RN to BSN offer flexibility and convenience, helping busy nurses maintain balance in life, work and school.
Work at Your Own Pace
One of the benefits of an online RN to BSN program is the ability to work at your own pace. Since there is no set class or meeting time, students can set the pace and schedule that works best for them. Although earning an RN to BSN online does take discipline, time management and organization, it can be completely manageable, even with the busy life of a working nurse.
Complete Assignments From Anywhere
Another added benefit of an online RN to BSN program is the minimal disruption to your family life. Again, it does take some planning, time management and often some creativity. But, since all coursework is completed online, you can work on earning your BSN from anywhere with an internet connection.
This allows you to continue your preferred daily life routines. Your online RN to BSN program coursework can be completed just as easily by the pool as in your office. With Internet access, your virtual classroom can be any setting you choose. Many parents earning an RN to BSN can do schoolwork at the ball fields or even while waiting in the carpool line. With the portability and access of an online RN to BSN program, you determine how it will fit into your life.
Access to More Degree Programs
One of the best benefits of an online RN to BSN program is that your location does not limit your access to quality education. Gone are the days of relocating to continue your education or, even worse, giving up the dream of higher education completely. Now, with an online RN to BSN program, high-quality education is available to those who are willing and qualified, not just in the right geographical location.
Expanding access to nursing education programs is also an essential component of increasing training and educational attainment levels in the field, leading to improved patient care and outcomes. Plus, higher levels of education are becoming the norm. According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, more than 70% of working RNs now hold a BSN or higher. The access to education that an online RN to BSN can provide could be your ticket to keeping up with the evolving profession.
Continue Earning an Income While Earning Your BSN
Many nurses cannot simply quit work for one or two years to go back to school, even if earning a BSN would pay off in the long run. With the online RN to BSN from Lamar University, nurses can continue working and making a living wage while they earn their BSN degree. In this way, online programs allow nurses to avoid the steep opportunity cost connected to lost wages from quitting work while in school.
So, if you are considering BSN completion, you shouldn’t rule out an online RN to BSN program. There are many benefits, especially for working nurses. By completing your BSN, you give yourself a gift that can never be taken away, opening up a wide array of opportunities and choices.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online RN to BSN program.