RN to BSN Overview: RN to BSN Programs in Florida
Why should a registered nurse consider completing his or her BSN? A lot of it comes down to being prepared for the healthcare system of tomorrow. The population is aging and individuals are being diagnosed with more chronic conditions. At the same time, healthcare is moving away from lengthy hospital stays and toward care that is managed through ambulatory facilities and other community resources. The Institute of Medicine believes professional nurses are key to healthcare reform. One of the IOM’s goals is to have 80% of the nation’s nurses trained at the baccalaureate level by 2020. This is one area where you may want to become a statistic!
For some nurses, the BSN is about having the best education and being at the top of the field. Studies have found fewer adverse events at hospitals with a high proportion of registered nurses who have training at the bachelor’s level. For other nurses, the draw is the possibility of having more career options. Understandably, many hospitals value that higher degree.
What does a BSN program cover that an ADN program usually doesn’t? You can expect to learn more about health assessment, nursing research, population health, and various roles within the larger community. Nursing leadership is another topic of interest.
BSN Career Mobility
Magnet hospitals are recognized for nursing excellence. They provide some of the best work environments, and they can be very selective when it comes time to hire. There are 386 healthcare facilities nationwide that have earned magnet status. How many are in Florida? An astounding 22.
It’s not just magnet hospitals, though, that have BSN preferred positions. Other facilities do as well. Often these positions involve leadership. According to Jacksonville University, careers for BSN nurses include ICU, charge nurse, risk manager, and chief nursing officer. Case management is another option.
Perhaps your sights are set even higher, and you see advanced practice in your future. A BSN, of course, brings you a step closer.
RN to BSN Program Considerations
Florida makes it relatively easy for nurses to climb the career ladder. There is a mandated articulation plan. What this means to you as a prospective RN to BSN student is that you can transfer credits with ease. As can be expected, you will receive credits for nursing courses and general studies requirements that you met in the past. Not all institutions do a credit by credit analysis of your transcripts. You may receive 64 units just for having that RN license. At some institutions, CLEP may shorten your path even more. The CLEP program lets you test out of (and receive credit for) some lower division courses. A liberal arts background can also mean a shortened path. The University of Tampa notes that students receive 64 units for their ADN, and an additional 24 if they have a separate associate of arts.
Many RN to BSN candidates are currently working as nurses. Distance learning options make it easier to attend class. Competencies, according to the University of West Florida, include everything from threaded discussions to online research libraries. If this isn’t your style, you’ll find traditional institutions with schedules to meet your needs. Other flexible options include evening and weekend classes. At some schools, you can focus on just one class at a time. If you’re feeling a little intimidated, talk with representatives of different institutions and see what feels right.
RN to BSN Programs in Florida
Barry University
Bethune-Cookman University
Edison State College
Florida A & M University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Keys Community College
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
Florida International University
Florida Southern College
Indian River State College
Jacksonville University
Miami-Dade College
Northwest Florida State College
Nova Southeastern University
Saint Petersburg College
University of Central Florida
University of Miami
University of North Florida
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of West Florida
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