RN to BSN Transition

A transition from RN to BSN takes 2 years and it is a channel through which a nurse is able to acquire more skills or expertise on nursing. One is better placed to handle patients appropriately as they enrich their skills. A transition from RN to BSN enables one to specialize on their areas of interest. One learns on the current trends in health care an since his or her critical thinking capability is developed. (Eckhardt A et al, 2002). They can develop their knowledge to suit or adapt to the changing trends. This way those who graduate from RN to BSN can be of greater help in solving the societies health needs. The transition incorporates thorough involvement in seminars, laboratory and clinical work and ongoing self-evaluation. Leadership skills are more developed. This makes the nurse a good care provider who can advocate for the patient needs or interests. The use of practical lessons makes one more knowledgeable on health issues thus becoming more competent.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the impact of education in nursing is a critical issue. (www.aacn.nche.edu). It argues that with an increase in BSN holders in nursing practice there would be significant health changes. Deaths would be prevented as with that training comes quality and competent health care provision. Patient safety and better care would result from RN to BSN transition and this is the reason behind increased of RNs pursuing BSN (www.aacn.nche.edu).

Nurses who pursue this program are mostly fully employed RNs. Managing the double programs is a big challenge for the nurses but with the establishment of online degree programs more flexibility is allowed. Those nurses that are already married face more challenges as face financial difficulties with the added responsibilities. Money that was previously used for recreational activities is now used for tuition as well as other school supplies and for commuting costs. Some RNs are single parents who have to rely on their sources of income. In pursuing the BSN program these nurses are faced with tough financial decisions to balance their educational endeavors as well as their family needs. (Delaney C and Piscopo B. 2002).  Being single they have to ensure that their parental duties are well addressed so that their children are not neglected. Role conflict is subject to occur as they juggle between their schedules. Although time and energy and constrains may be major setbacks to the successful transition with determination most are able to pull through. (Hood L and Leddy S, 2005)

Nurses who are in school have to devote their time in studies and consequently spend lesser time with their families and friends. Time that was previously spent on social issues becomes very minimal and could cause other complexities. Family members and friends may develop negative attitudes towards the changes leading to derailment in the educational process. (Hood L and Leddy S, 2005). However some members of the family accept the situation and embrace it as an opportunity to becoming more self sufficient or independent. It is very important to have effective communication among related parties. Communication between the nurse pursuing BSN and their friends and family members would yield better understanding. The nurse ought to explain to their families and friends of the new responsibilities, what they entail as well as the changes or implications that come along with it. This way the family members and friends would understand the sacrifices that will be attached to the successful transition process.

Besides the family, the employer and the school responsibilities may be of a big challenge to the RN pursuing BSN. Some employers do not support the nurses financially thus aggravating their financial constrains. They are forced to operate on strict budgets and this could affect the way their families operate. Much understanding will be appropriate such that all members in the family can understand the reason behind the changed lifestyles. Some employers also fail to support the RN educational endeavors by not changing the time or work schedules to accommodate the BSN program. (Hood L and Leddy S, 2005).

This forces the nurses to study at odd hours tired from their daily routine and some end up failing to attend the set classes. In other cases the employers may change the work schedules but co-workers may not be willing to adapt. Some may reject such changes in totality as others complain loudly leading to their lack of implementation. However some co-workers may be happy that one of their own is advancing their studies and would be beneficial to them. Others may agree with the changed schedules if it favors them for instance if the nurse assumes more than the allotted number of late shifts. Jealousy among the co-workers may emerge, as some nurses may not be happy with the advancement in education. This combined with the negative attitudes against changing the work schedules may hinder the effectiveness of the nurse in question. Collaboration and teamwork are important aspects in ensuring that competent and quality care is provided. With the strained relationship among the nurses an RN who intends to purse a BSN program may be in stressful conditions.

The transition entails a lot of changes especially in roles dissemination. A working RN has to adapt into the life of a learning institution although they are professionals who have been in practice. They have to realize that although they are competent they need to nourish their skills by appreciating that such training is important. Although the shift from a work environment to a studying environment may be uncomfortable, it is worth the struggle. (Delaney C and Piscopo B. 2002).

The nursing profession is very demanding in itself and adding the educational endeavors worsen the commitments Nurse in the transition have to adjust to their challenges so that they do not burn out. They must learn of how to control their job situations so that they stay motivated and reduce their chances of being frustrated. Stressful conditions would the RN effectiveness in their studies. Stress leads to increased irritability, uncertainty and reduced efficiency all of which have negative impact to the nurse both at work and as a student.

Transition from RN to BSN calls for the nurse to rise above their fears on issues of age and ethnicity background. Concentration and sharpness of the mind will be very important if the process is to be a success. The classroom scenario may be very different from what they initially had but this should not intimidate them. An open minded RN ready to succeed in BSN must adapt easily to today’s mode of learning which calls for active collaboration through group work, case studies and other active processes that foster critical and creative thinking. Some RNs may have had a teaching situation that had lesser involvement through lectures. (Hood L and Leddy S, 2005).

Even as an RN pursues the BSN program live goes on normally. Normal calamities can occur for instance the illness of a family member that could call for more time or money thus affecting the progress of the program. Illnesses are responsible for aggravated financial constraints that may lead to suspension of the program. It is therefore important that one takes the appropriate considerations before deciding to undertake the BSN. Priorities must be taken so that the program is successful. Patience is also essential so that if one has young children or needy family members the program can be postponed to a more appropriate time.  To fulfill their roles as parents, employees, students and homemakers. RNs must be confident and determined.

References:

Eckhardt A, Anderson M, Campbell E Clarke E., Pavlish L. 2002: A theoretical framework for RN to BSN education. Nursing Education Perspectives.

Delaney C and Piscopo B. 2002. Journal of Professional Nursing, Volume 23, Issue 3, Pages 167-173.

Hood L and Leddy S. 2005. Leddy & Pepper’s Conceptual Bases of Professional Nursing. Lippincott Williams& Wilkins publishers.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2005. AACN Applauds New Study that Confirms Link Between Nursing Education and Patient Mortality Rates. Retrieved on 3^rd March 2008 from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/NewsReleases/Archives/2003/2003AikenStudy.htm