RN to BSN Program From a Student's Perspective

We’re creating innovative routes for students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees online.

• By TTUHSC
• September 8, 2020

The landscape of healthcare is constantly changing, and the RN to BSN program at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing is equipping nurses for the complex challenges. In this ever-changing arena, this program is training knowledgeable, compassionate nurses. The school also offers masters (MSN) and Nurse Practitioner programs for nurses who wish to continue their education past the BSN.

The school is dedicated to creating new, innovative routes for students to complete their education while allowing flexibility to maintain work and family. With accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing tracks, students can apply the knowledge they’ve already gained in previous experiences to completing their BSN in less time. Registered nurses can find the flexibility and timeline they need with this program, since the courses are accessible on the web. Our online RN to BSN program means students have access to academic education at work or at home, wherever or whenever they want to study.

“The instructors have done a wonderful job at being accepting toward our schedules and allowing extensions when things happen,” said Christopher Barbour, a current student in the RN to BSN program at TTUHSC. “They have also been amazingly easy to reach for help on assignments when I needed them.”

Students have the choice of completing the program on a full-time, two semester, or part-time, three semester plan, with a total of 30 semester credit hours.

Barbour appreciates the flexibility of the program.

“Just like everything, I have to plan my weeks in advance,” Barbour said. “My calendar dictates my life. In between kids’ extracurriculars, doctor appointments, mine and my wife's work schedules, and various work engagements, I have to make sure there is time for me to also be a student.”

The program begins with foundational courses, such as “The Art of the Human Experience,” where students are introduced to concepts related to the art and science of the nursing profession. Students have the opportunity to identify personal strengths and develop a personal statement in relation to their role as a baccalaureate-prepared nurse. Students also develop an understanding of how the human experience improves personal and patient satisfaction and healthcare outcomes.

Students also focus on becoming leaders, filling an essential role in a transforming healthcare system. Courses such as “Bedside to Boardroom” equip nurses to work as full partners with an inter-professional team for improving quality, safety, fiscal responsibility and knowledge of nursing care delivery models. Students explore the roles and functions of nurse management and leadership theory with a focus on leader competency through self-assessment. Strategies for effective communication and collaboration are identified to develop the full potential of the professional nurse in clinical care and leadership roles.

Students are also trained on the healthcare information technology (HIT) being utilized by today's nurses. Course content assists nurses to understand HIT processes utilized to improve patient outcomes by working across healthcare disciplines to integrate knowledge and improve quality and efficiency of patient care. Students explore the various uses of HIT initiatives and use of technology in a variety of health care settings. Course content includes the issues of ethics, information security and privacy associated with HIT.

“The hardest part for sure has to be balancing school with the rest of life,” Barbour explained. “I'm married with two boys, and I also work three to four days a week, 12-hour shifts overnight. The assignments do require some time set aside in between all this chaos.”

 

A Typical Day for an RN to BSN Student

Barbour shared with us his typical busy day, as he juggles family, work and school.

“When I'm off work, my days start no later than 7:30 a.m.,” he explained. “My littlest one, Sam, is 17 months old and he likes to wake up early. I usually spend all my time with him while my older child (Hayden, 11) is pretty independent. We all three usually just hang out or play outside most of the day. During nap times, I am able to do chores around the house or squeeze in some school work. Dinner around 6- 6:30, then a bedtime routine until Sam is asleep around 7:30-8 p.m. After that, I usually spend time with my other son doing things he wants to do. After he goes to sleep, then I have some time to get school work done, hang out with my wife, Andrea, or spend time playing Xbox or PC games with my brother and friends.

“If I’m working, I sleep from about 10 a.m. to 5:40 p.m., wake up and get ready for work while also helping with the kids. I leave my house at 6:20 p.m. and work until 7 a.m. Then I repeat, usually three days in a row.”

 

RN to BSN Program Elective Choices

Along with the core curriculum, students are given the choice of several exciting electives. 

• Breastfeeding Practices
• Holistic Nursing Practice
• Improving Care Coordination for Seniors
• Introduction to Global Health
• Managing Spiritual Needs Through Evidence-Based Practice
• Political Involvement
• Genetics in Health Practice
• Utilizing Fine Arts in Healthcare
• Infection Prevention and Control