Advice for RN to BSN Online Students
Nurses with chaotic schedules may wonder, “How can I possibly find the time to go back to school?” After all, nursing is not known for downtime. But with online programs, many registered nurses (RNs) are finding the flexibility they need to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online.
Ashlynn Capace, a full-time nurse, mother, and coach, found a perfect fit with the online RN to BSN program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
“I worked on some assignments during a trip to Disney, I worked on some stuff at the beach,” says Capace. “I just loved that I could still have an active life even though I was in school. I think that was the best part.”
Just because the program is online does not mean it is easy. But grads and faculty members in UL Lafayette’s RN to BSN program have some advice to help students succeed.
As Capace found, “The professors at UL Lafayette wanted to support us through it and understood that we're balancing a lot of things, but at the end of the day, we still had to handle business."
Time Management Is Key
Without a doubt, a day in the life of a nurse can be hectic. That's why time management is so important for online RN to BSN students.
April Scott, a UL Lafayette RN to BSN grad and charge nurse, emphasizes the value of staying organized.
“I’d always start the semester by filling my entire calendar with due dates so I’m not surprised by anything, and I made it a habit to check everything frequently so I always know what’s coming up in the next week," she says.
"When you're online, it’s just a matter of staying ahead of the game.”
Even with a busy schedule balancing work, family, and church commitments, Scott says developing these habits helped her keep up with coursework while strengthening the leadership and organizational skills she uses on the job.
Academic Coaches, Counselors and Instructors Can Help
Tracy King was a morning deejay. Then Hurricane Katrina struck, and she was inspired by disaster response nurses. After earning an associate degree in nursing, King chose UL Lafayette for her bachelor’s degree. She was impressed by the level of support, including from academic coaches.
“They walk you through every step,” said King, who sought help with new ways to use technology. “It’s not a cakewalk, but it’s totally doable.”
Scott was similarly impressed: “Not living in Lafayette, it can be difficult not being able to just go to the office and talk to somebody, but the faculty has been really good about keeping me up to speed on everything and checking on me.”
Instructor Tara Horsley, RN, MSN, uses her own online experience to connect with students.
“My MSN degree was online, so I understand the fear and anxiety that comes along with it.”
Horsley stresses the importance of communicating with instructors. Feeling overwhelmed?
“Contact your instructor,” she advised. “Set up a phone meeting or a virtual meeting with them.”
What About Multitasking?
It might be tempting to do the laundry while listening to a lecture, and that may not detract too much from the task at hand. But as Dr. Helen Hurst, Department Head and Associate to the Dean for the Department of Nursing, advised, “Be organized and focus on your goals.”
When it comes to productivity, multitasking can result in “mental overload,” according to the American Psychological Association. This mental overload can cause a 40% reduction in productivity. Science Daily reports that multitasking while completing online coursework can significantly impede learning.
There are distinct advantages to earning a BSN. Dr. Debra White-Jefferson, RN, MSN, an assistant professor in UL Lafayette’s RN to BSN program, advises: “Establish a timeline and go for it!”
Learn more about the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s online RN to BSN program.
