Welcome to our e-newsletter from the University of Kansas School of Nursing, “Career Ladder Conversations.” This letter encourages you to consider continuing your nursing education and to think about ways to use education as clinical leaders and educators. Our first e-newsletter for the year follows. Thanks for your interest!

******Is a Bachelor’s Degree part of your New Year’s Resolution?*****

If you have been thinking about continuing your education to get your RN to BSN degree why not make that a part of your New Year’s resolution this year. Maybe you want to climb the career ladder, have potential for more earning power, or just want to complete your bachelor’s degree. These are all reasons to advance your education in nursing.

Personal Profile

• Name: Judy Donnellan, RN, MSN
• Current Position: Cardiac Rehab Nurse, Baptist – Lutheran Medical Center
• Professional Education: BSN and Masters Degree
• Comments: “I left an administrative position in wellness in order to return to a position with patient contact. For students desiring a position in Cardiac Rehab, it is important to have a balance of nursing skills and a background in exercise science. You should also enjoy working with older patients. My education and skills enabled me to find my current position.” • Challenges and Rewards: “It can be a challenge returning to school when you have a full-time job. Look for a program that has flexibility that can fit your schedule. Be organized. Use a day planner to map out test dates and when papers are due. Use your fellow classmates as a network for employment leads to help obtain the position you really want after completing your degree.”

News in Nursing

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students completing a BSN degree usually have broader advancement opportunities. In fact, some career paths are open only to nurses with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree often is necessary for administrative positions and is a prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs in research, consulting, and teaching.

*FAQ’s*

How much time would it take for me to complete my bachelor’s degree in nursing and how would I get started? Once you have completed the prerequisites, you can often complete a BSN in one calendar year. For guidance about continuing your education, contact the program director at your school or a mentor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing.

For questions about how a bachelor’s degree can advance your career contact:
Jeanne Schott, RN, MS
jschott@kumc.edu

For questions about admission to the KU RN to BSN or RN to MS Nursing program contact, Student Advisor:
Heather Richardson
soninfo@kumc.edu
913-588-1619
or toll-free 888-588-1619