How a Busy Nurse Balanced Work, Travel and a BSN Degree

If working nurses had to make the choice between keeping their jobs or pursuing a degree, odds are that we'd see far fewer baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workforce. Luckily for healthcare, you now have a third choice: online education. Here's how one busy nurse balanced her education with work and travel.

Why a BSN?

April A. Daigle, RN, is only four classes away from completing her BSN. She's looking forward to the benefits the degree will have on her career. "I love my current position, but who knows what opportunities may fall into my lap," she says. "I am more likely to be chosen for certain positions if I have at least a BSN."

Daigle is a Care Manager at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. Her job doesn't require a BSN, but the degree will broaden her choices. For example, mid-to-upper level management jobs and supervisory positions often stipulate a BSN. Daigle also plans to pursue a Master's degree later in her career, so the BSN is a necessary first step.

Like many nurses, Daigle entered the profession with a Diploma in Nursing. "Had you asked me early in my career I would have told you that my Diploma was perfectly adequate for me to be an excellent nurse," she says. Over the years, experience taught her that more education would not only enhance her skills, but also increase the opportunities for promotions and raises.

Having made the decision to pursue a BSN, Daigle ran into a snag. Her job at the time required extensive travel, on top of her other duties. How could she ever find the time to attend classes? "I would not have been able to take classes in a traditional setting due to my job requirements," she says.

Why Online BSN Programs Are the Answer for Busy Nurses

Online RN to BSN programs allow nurses to keep their jobs, travel as much as they need to, and earn a degree without missing a beat. Nurses can log onto their program website from any computer nationwide (or worldwide, for that matter). They can squeeze their studies into 20 minute segments throughout the day, or play catch-up on long weekends--whatever suits their schedule and learning style. Online learning has revolutionized nursing education, and nurses like Daigle are reaping the benefits.

A common misconception about online programs is that they're "just online textbooks" or "all about email." Nothing could be farther from reality. Good online programs take advantage of every communication channel the internet has to offer: video, audio, interactive quizzes, live chat, and more. While a traditional classroom may feature a professor lecturing behind a podium, an online classroom engages students and promotes active learning through ongoing discussions and multimedia platforms. "The classes I have taken have used a variety of media," says Daigle. "Mostly discussion boards, but sometimes video." Students are not blocked from traditional forms of communication, either. For example, Daigle can access her advisor and professor by telephone.

The interactive learning environment of an online BSN program creates a vibrant, supportive community. "I have never felt isolated," says Daigle. She's even encountered the same students in multiple classes and developed an ongoing connection. Whether you're naturally gregarious or shy, an online classroom allows you to be yourself.

Online Learning is Not for Slackers

If you're looking for convenience and flexibility, an online BSN program is the way to go. But if you're looking for an easy ride, your preconceptions will get a nasty shock. Online programs are as academically demanding as traditional ones. "They are just as difficult as a live class," says Daigle. "In fact, harder in some cases."

Because you don't have to show up to class at a specific time, it's tempting to procrastinate. "If you don't have the discipline to work some each day or every other day you end up burning the midnight oil to get things done," Daigle says. "Those due dates can sneak up on you."

Before signing up for an online program, ask yourself if your time management skills are up to the challenge. Do you have the self-motivation and persistance to be a successful online BSN student? If so, an online BSN program can help you advance your nursing career without having to sacrifice your job.

With all the exciting job prospects open to BSN nurses, there's no reason to hold off on pursuing that online degree. As Daigle says, "One of the wonderful things about being a nurse is that there are so many opportunities."

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