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 fourth e-newsletter for the year follows. Thanks for your interest!
April is here and with it comes the saying “April showers bring May flowers”. Even though showers may bring storms, they also bring new blooms and new growth. It can be like advancing your nursing degree. Is it time to renew your growth in nursing and pursue your BSN? It might be hard work, but the rewards could renew your career.
Name: Rebecca Bare, RN
Professional Education: Current online RN to BSN nusing student, University of Kansas School of Nursing. Previous education included: Surgical Technology Certificate, Columbia Health Occupation Center; and ADN from Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City, Kansas.
Current Position: PRN in Surgical Services at Shawnee Mission Medical Center and PRN at a local urology office.
Comments: “I became a surgical technologist and evolved into the working environment. I had a hard time finding time to go to school and for several years took classes here and there. Then, especially with the encouragement of my husband, I went ‘full-time’ and accomplished my goal of becoming an RN. After I complete my BSN, I plan to reevaluate my situation and the future. Perhaps I will pursue my Masters and become a nurse practitioner or any other possible exciting choices.”
Challenges and rewards: “I have found that the older I am, the less energy I have to do it all. Fortunately, my background reminds me to keep my nose to the grindstone and when I know there is an end in sight, I can stay motivated. The greatest motivation for me is to be a role model for my daughter. For me to be a college graduate would allow her to see the advantages that higher education can bring. For me, it will be a dream come true.”
According to preliminary findings from the “2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses”, the RN workforce is almost 3 million strong. The number of RNs increased by about 213,000 or nearly 8% and salaries have risen to $57,784. However, the average age of RNs has increased to 46.8 years and the ranks of nurses 45 and over are swelling.
How do I get started to continue my education?
One of the first things you should do is to send your transcripts to the nursing school of your choice to have them evaluated. You can then make an appointment with a faculty member to determine what previous coursework will apply to their BSN degree 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
©
The University of Kansas Medical Center