Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare industry. If you are a Registered Nurse (RN), you already know what an important role you play in the lives of patients. You may also know that, when it comes to healthcare, things are always changing. As our technology continues to advance and evolve, so must our practices and procedures. This is why continued education is so critical to a nurse.

If you are ready to advance your career to the next level, you may be thinking about pursuing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You have good reason to consider this step. The demand for BSNs is greater than ever before. By the new year, many healthcare employees are looking to have an 80% BSN workforce. In the state of Connecticut, more than 3 out of 4 nursing employers explicitly request nursing candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in order to land the job. This means that building upon your education is not only beneficial, but may be necessary to advance as a nurse someday.

Sure, earning that extra degree involves a bit more work, but BSN-educated nurses can enjoy some of the following perks, as well:

• Qualifying for more jobs, which can equate to more job offers
• Higher salary potential, with greater investment in your career
• Higher quality patient care

When you are already working in the field – and perhaps pulling long shifts at the hospital – it can be hard to imagine more schooling on top of work. Fortunately, flexible programs are out there. Thanks to the rise of online and “distance learning” programs, it has never been easier to work and earn a degree at the same time.

What is RN to BSN distance learning? And why could this be the perfect solution for you? Read on as we explain what this opportunity means for nurses such as yourself.

Distance learning is a type of educational program where students are not always physically present at school. In today’s modern world, distance learning usually translates to online learning: taking courses and earning your degree online, on your time, wherever works best for you. With the convenience of online courses, you can earn your BSN degree while balancing your shifts at work.

As a nurse, BSN distance learning can be critical in keeping up with both school and work. Depending on your role and workplace, you be required to work third-shift and therefore sleep during the day. How would you make it to traditional classes on a school campus? Online learning allows you the opportunity to complete coursework in a place and on a timeline that works with your schedule.

Nurses need to advance their careers to meet the growing demands of the job, but finding the time to sit in a classroom can be discouraging. With an RN to BSN distance learning program, you don’t need to choose. You can have your cake, and eat it, too.

Some online RN to BSN programs are even more convenient. At Goodwin College, for example, you can complete your BSN degree in as little as 16 months part time. And because this program is offered completely online, your program can be catered to meet your unique needs.

Many BSN graduates of Goodwin College appreciate this level of flexibility. As one graduate tells us: “I’m a mother of 7; I work 7 days a week; and I was able to graduate the program with honors.”

Some of the highlights of the online RN to BSN program include:

• Students are assigned a nursing department advisor upon receipt of application.
• Program is designed to meet the needs of the adult learner.
• Clinical experiences are individually arranged in collaboration with student, faculty, and clinical organization.
• Nursing courses may be taken while the student is completing general education courses.

Once you have completed the RN-to-BSN program online, you will be ready to take on more exciting challenges and seek more advanced opportunities within the nursing field.

Learn more about the RN-to-BSN program at Goodwin College to advance your nursing career today. Call us at 1-800-889-3282 for more information, or visit us online to learn more.