How to Get a Nursing Degree Online

How to Get a Nursing Degree Online

If you’ve chosen nursing as a career path, you’re in good company! Nursing employment is expected to grow faster than the national average between now and 2030, and in 2020, enrollment in nursing programs increased 5.6 percent. The past two years have been challenging for nurses, but one thing is for certain: There are few jobs as fulfilling or important as nursing.

For example, one University of Connecticut sophomore switched her major from education to nursing after watching nurses care for her 84-year-grandmother, who had both COVID-19 and cancer.

“They were switching out their protective gear in between every patient, running like crazy trying to make sure all of their patients were attended to,” she said. “I had that moment of clarity that made me want to jump right into health care and join the workers on the front line.”

Becoming a nurse is a challenging, rewarding goal, and getting your associate’s degree in nursing online is a flexible option for your busy schedule. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started:

  • The path to becoming a nurse
  • Choosing between an ADN and BSN
  • Finding the right online program

1. Know the Path to Become a Nurse

There are three major steps to becoming a nurse.

  1. Earn an RN diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). To earn your degree, you can complete either an in-person or online program. This typically takes two to four years depending on your course load.
  2. Work at a healthcare facility to gain clinical experience (often referred to as “clinicals”). During this step, you’ll have a clinical instructor who acts as your liaison between the healthcare facility and school, and they will be observing you as you shadow a staff nurse. The hour requirements vary, but you can typically expect to spend about 70 hours on clinicals.
  3. Pass the national RN examination (NCLEX-RN). This six-hour test focuses on four areas: providing a safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

2. Decide between an ADN or BSN

In step one above, we mentioned that you can earn an RN diploma. This can be a fast option, but it may lead to less advancement than if you earn an ADN or BSN. We’re going to focus on those two last options here.

In the choice between getting an ADN or a BSN, which is the right option for you? You can find online programs for both options, and both prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN. Still, each program has different pros and cons. Let’s compare them.

ADN BSN
How long the program takes 20–24 months 36 months
What you can do with the degree Focused on technical clinical tasks and day-to-day care Direct patient care plus leadership and big picture initiatives
NCLEX first-time pass rates (2021) 80.45% 89.96%
Possible next steps in your education ●       Complete an RN-to-ADN bridge program

●       Apply credits to a non-nursing bachelor’s degree such as public health

●       Earn your master of science in nursing degree
Average base salary $72k $87k

 

3. Find the Right Online Program for You

Once you’ve decided whether to go the ADN or the BSN route, it’s time to decide where you’ll get your degree. Keep in mind that no matter where you go, you’ll have to complete your clinicals in person (hey, you’ve got to learn how to place an IV sometime!). But there are many classes—usually generals and your introduction to nursing classes—in nursing programs that you can complete online.

In general, it’s easier to find an online BSN program than an online ADN program. There are simply more of them available! But if you feel that an ADN program is the way to go for you, here are some tips for finding a great online ADN program:

  • Look out for required prerequisites. Some ADN programs require that you have your LPN license or equivalent work experience first.
  • Start by checking which local community schools have online ADN programs. That way, you can do most of the academic work online and then not have to travel to do lab and clinical requirements.
  • Consider some of these accredited online ADN programs: Nightingale College, Northwestern Michigan College, John A. Logan College, Sampson Community College, and Rasmussen College.

Becoming a nurse is challenging, but it’s such a rewarding process. Getting your associate’s degree in nursing online may be the perfect, flexible option for you to get started, and you may even be able to work while you take classes. To browse local CNA jobs that will fit with your schedule while you earn your ADN or BSN, visit Generations Healthcare at lifegen.net/career-hiring.

Great Ways to Care for Yourself During National Nurses Week

Great Ways to Care for Yourself During National Nurses Week

As much as we appreciate the mug that says “World’s Greatest Nurse” on it, finding practical ways to maintain high morale and work performance while serving others can be challenging. In this business, it’s easy to place the needs of others before ourselves. But experts recognize that work performance improves when caregivers take time every day to care for themselves. “The sad reality is nurses ‘accept’ health problems that come from the physical and emotional demands of the profession, and while caring for others often do not care for themselves” says Susan Letvak, PhD, RN, FAAN .

Along with suffering from higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders, higher risks of acquiring blood-borne pathogen infections, tuberculosis, and allergies, Letvak found that hospital-employed bedside nurses had a 17% depression rate compared to the national rate of only 9%.

With National Nurses Week scheduled May 6 – 12, now is the perfect time for nurses, and those who rely on them, to celebrate the essential role of nursing. Here are seven ways to uncover your best self while you provide the best care for others.

1. Learn to love lavender.

Whether enjoyed as a candle or applied as an essential oil, lavender is popular for its soothing, relaxing properties. For added benefits, try combining a few drops of lavender oil within a small spray bottle of water and spritz your bedsheets, pillows, closet, car seats—anywhere you may enjoy a quick emotional lift.

2. Rediscover bathtime.

Combining essential oils, a relaxing candle, comforting music, and a hot bath is the best diagnosis for pampering and ultimate relaxation. Unlike a quick shower, a lingering bath is the perfect prescription for weary muscles.

3. Schedule a healing massage.

As a popular remedy for treating patients suffering from anxiety or muscle tension, the basic massage can be a secret weapon for igniting much-needed energy to finish your day. “We bring in a massage therapist for students and staff every few weeks where they can receive a 15-minute neck and upper back massage,” says Julie Aiken, CEO of Ameritech College of Healthcare. If you don’t have a massage therapy handy, here are five easy ways to give yourself a quick massage.

4. Hit the trails.

There is something special about nature that helps calm those anxious feelings. A study conducted by the University of Michigan School of Medicine found that “group nature walks are linked with significantly lower depression, less perceived stress and enhanced mental health and well-being.” If you lack the time, take a 30-minute stroll around the nearest park or public garden. The fresh air and physical activity will do wonders for your physical and emotional health.

5. Be still for 15 minutes.

The practice of meditation has been used for thousands of years as a tool for relieving stress and anxiety and providing clarity on our relationship with surrounding elements. “Our nursing philosophies are grounded in caring and the interconnectedness of the mind, body, spirit, social/cultural, emotions, relationships, context, and environment,” Aiken says. “All of these aspects combine to create a person; in order to heal the whole person.” A 15-minute investment in personal reflection and meditation can prepare someone to experience hours of peace throughout the day.

6. Greet the sunrise.

On that same line, waking up early to start the day with the sunrise helps put things in proper perspective. Whatever happened yesterday, it’s a new day—literally.

7. Yoga.

We hear about the benefits of yoga virtually everywhere—and with good reason. “Yoga is more than just exercise. Its benefits can be realized from within the body and from without the body,” says Kerstin McSteen, BSN, MSN, ACHPN, CNS-BC. “A consistent yoga practice can have a positive impact on body chemistry, disease prevention, symptom reduction or alleviation, and emotional health.” Whether taking a class or enjoying online personal instruction, yoga is a popular and effective addition to your daily routine.

This year, as we celebrate the “Year of the Healthy Nurse,” expand your role as one of our most important caregivers to include self-care. By making your physical and emotional well-being a top priority, you can be sure you are providing the best care for others while you’ve taken the time to care for yourself.