This could be the time to start shooting for your goals and earn that coveted BSN degree. You can bank on it – a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing can open many doors for you and put you in the winners circle. Read below how a new degree can make you a winner.
Name: Sandy Boudewyns, RN
Professional Education: Diploma in nursing - Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Des Moines, IA, Current Student, Bachelors in Nursing (RN to BSN) University of Kansas.
Current Position: Substitute school nurse, Olathe School District, Olathe, KS
What is the favorite part of your job? Meeting the needs, physical and emotional, of the students. Each day provides different challenges due to the various personalities. The smiles and hugs I receive let me know what I do is appreciated.
What was your motivation to continue your education? I enjoy the school nurse position and in my district to work full-time and have my "own school" I'm required to have a BSN.
Any challenges on returning to school? I had to take college algebra before I could take the required statistics course. (This was quite a challenge after no math for 20 yrs.!) My daughters and instructors helped me learn to use the graphing calculator. I wasn't afraid to ask for help.
Do you have any words of wisdom to anyone thinking about pursing their BSN? Don't hesitate, you can do it!
What rewards do you anticipate when you have your BSN? I hope to work at my own school so I will be able to arrange and manage things how I want them. I won't need to step into someone else's shoes for the day.
According to US Department of Health and Human Services Division of Nursing statistics, nurses with ADs and diplomas make up 34.3% and 22.3% of the RN population, respectively, and 32.7% have BSN degrees. Registered nurses with ADs and diplomas, however, have become one of the fastest growing groups of students enrolled in baccalaureate schools of nursing. In the year 2000, 16% of nurses who initially earned ADs and 24% of nurses who initially earned diplomas were reported to have obtained additional academic nursing education or nursing-related degrees.
What is the major difference between an ADN and a BSN ?
Besides the length in training, 2 years for an ADN and 4 years for a BSN, the main difference is career preparation. BSN graduates are prepared for leadership, management, and more independent nursing roles. Plus, advancement opportunities are greatest for the BSN graduate. A BSN degree is also required for advancement into a master’s degree nursing program.
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
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The University of Kansas Medical Center