To be successful in the RN to BSN online program from La Salle University, you may want to start with this one noteworthy strategy: seek advice from the faculty who impart the knowledge, skills and mindset you need to advance your career as a nurse leader.
Take time to “meet” these teachers online and discover their passion for teaching and nursing. The insight they provide may add extra depth to your own learning experience.
What Advice for Success Can You Take to Heart?
These instructors address a variety of topics, including these key points:
- Focus on time management. “Although students can bring a lot of good personal clinical experience to the courses, they need to remember that this work is in greater depth than prior course work,” says Joan Parker Frizzell. “It will take time to do the work, but it is worth it. Their clinical practice will have a different dimension, but they will know they can make a difference in patient care.”
- Value your new skills and expanding role. “I would like students to realize the importance of their BSN education and the new skills they are learning,” says Jeannine Uribe. “… to realize their important role in making the world healthier through health promotion and disease prevention.”
- Maximize the benefits of online learning. “The program gives you freedom to get the work done when you have the time,” Dr. Uribe advises. “Your first degree or diploma gave you technical skills, but now you will develop your critical thinking skills through the readings, discussions and assignments in our courses.””The program is conducive to the working nurse, and the instructor is very accessible,” adds Dr. Frances Kinder, who earned her RN to BSN at La Salle. “The instructors will help you become successful in this program, and you will receive an excellent education.”
- “Online” does not mean “easier.” Kathleen Czekanski, Dean, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, states, “The online environment allows students the flexibility to meet career goals while still managing work and personal commitments. Don’t be deceived that online is easier; it is not. It is, however, a format in which you can become totally engaged and learn with and from your colleagues in a very collaborative environment. Share your experiences and keep up with your work. Your goal is then within reach!”
How Can You Know If a BSN Is Right for You?
Several teachers offer insight:
- Evaluate your personal qualities. For example, nurse leaders not only need “empathy, compassion, and caring attitudes,” Dr. Kinder stresses, but they “need to be quick thinkers and able to work in stressful, demanding environments.”Dr. Czekanski adds that they need “… excellent communication skills and a commitment to never stop learning.” Dr. Uribe says they “must be calm, patient-centered and thorough.”
- Seek support from other students and faculty. “Just get started,” advises Patricia Bicknell. “The work will be relevant to your practice, your peers will provide the motivation to continue, and the faculty will support you in your quest for self-improvement with the goal of improved patient care.”
- Don’t be discouraged. “You can do it!” says Jill English, who teaches Safety Strategies for Healthcare Delivery Systems. “The program is versatile and can meet the needs of the busiest students, so don’t be discouraged to start.”
For students who want to gain a quicker stride in meeting their career goals, seeking wise counsel from La Salle’s nursing faculty is always a good idea.
Learn more about La Salle University’s online RN to BSN program.
