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 second e-newsletter for the year follows. Thanks for your interest!
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February brings thoughts of hearts and loved ones. |
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Name: Geraldine Britt, RN |
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Current Position: Hospital staff nurse on a medical/surgical unit |
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Professional Education: ADN in May 2002, Current RN to BSN student |
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Comments: “I am continuing my education so that I can gain more knowledge and skills to provide more effective and quality health care to my patients. I wish you good luck in pursuing a BSN and always keep this in mind – if I can do it anybody can do it. I believe that nursing is definitely one of the most rewarding professions that we have today.” |
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Challenges and Rewards: “I’ve been out of school for several years, plus having a family (which means more responsibility) made it somewhat difficult to return to school. I have a very loving and supportive husband who encourages me every step of the way. Having a good support system is really a big plus! Having my BSN degree would definitely open more doors for me as far as having a greater chance of being able to work in a big trauma hospital someday and improve my skills.” |
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Future Plans: “Right now my plan is to continue school and get my MSN and become an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and have my own practice someday.” |
According to a Health Resources and Services Administration report on registered nurses, the trend for the highest level of preparation for nursing is increasing toward baccalaureate and master’s degrees even if the initial preparation for nursing was an associate’s degree or a diploma. The number of RNs who were initially prepared in associate degree programs who obtained additional nursing-related degrees increased to 20.7%. For more information about the survey of registered nurses go to the following website: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/rnpopulation/preliminaryfindings.htm.
How can I begin to pay for my education? Many hospitals and health agencies have very generous tuition benefits. Each nurse should explore with his/her employer the benefits offered at their workplace. In addition, many schools offer a variety of financial assistance including scholarships, grants and loans.
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
©
The University of Kansas Medical Center