{"id":7486,"date":"2020-07-01T17:38:41","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T21:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=7486"},"modified":"2024-12-17T10:01:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:01:58","slug":"is-bachelors-in-nursing-hard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/is-bachelors-in-nursing-hard\/","title":{"rendered":"How Hard is it to Get a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing (BSN)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many employers today are requiring nurses to hold a BSN degree. If you are already working as a registered nurse, this may come as no surprise. One decade ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) called for more BSN-educated nurses in the workforce. They suggested that by the year 2020, <\/span>80 percent<\/span><\/a> of registered nurses should hold a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing. A BSN education, they wrote, would better equip nurses \u201cto meet the demands of <\/span>an evolving health care system<\/span>.\u201d It would also give modern nurses more proficiency in topics like health policy, public health, leadership, and quality improvement\u2014which often are not covered in <\/span>traditional <\/span>associate degree programs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you are new to nursing or a seasoned RN, and seeking an advanced<\/span> degree, you <\/span>may have questions like, \u201cHow hard is a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing?\u201d and \u201cWhat challenges can I expect?\u201d You may be wondering how many all-nighters you\u2019ll have to pull, how difficult the exams can be, or how hard it is to take classes while working a full-time job. <\/span>The truth is, any degree can be difficult, and a BSN is no exception. But that is no reason to stay away from <\/span>it<\/span>! If you are hardworking, determined, and truly passionate about helping others, you may find that <\/span>getting<\/span> a BSN is easier than you originally thought.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A BSN is reflective of a nurse\u2019s skill, professionalism, and dedication to the field. <\/span>The more training you check off, and the more education you fulfill, the greater prepared you will be to provide quality care to patients. In fact, r<\/span>esearch from the\u202f<\/span>Journal of Nursing Administration<\/span><\/a> shows <\/span>that <\/span>nurses with a <\/span>Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing <\/span>have better treatment outcomes than those without, including reduced inpatient stays<\/span> and higher survival rates. Nurses with a BSN also report less difficulty managing complex patient cases and<\/span> an easier time<\/span> incorporating<\/span> critical thinking <\/span>on the job.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s get back to the question: How hard is a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing really? This <\/span>comes with a very subjective answer.<\/span> Some students excel in clinical experiences, but struggle in classroom lectures. Some students experience the reverse.<\/span> The challenges you will face in nursing school <\/span>be unique to your own situation,<\/span> skillsets, experiences, and<\/span> your level of<\/span> dedication to <\/span>the work. <\/span>It<\/span> will <\/span>also depend<\/span> on your study habits, your time management skills, your interest in the program<\/span>, and the path you take to get your BSN degree.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

BSN programs are offered in a variety of formats, including on-campus and online classes, or a hybrid of the two. Some students excel in an <\/span>online BSN program<\/span><\/a>, because they can take the classes at their own pace while balancing other obligations. Others may <\/span>do better<\/span> in an in-person classroom environment, where they <\/span>are held<\/span> more accountable for <\/span>\u201cshowing up.\u201d Again, this will vary based on your learning style and needs. If you need help determining which format is best for you, <\/span>check out this article.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Goodwin University offers flexible nursing programs, where all students have the opportunity to design a schedule that\u2019s right for them. Our <\/span>RN-to-BSN program<\/span><\/a>, for example, was created for already-licensed nurses with crazy schedules, who may benefit from online flexibility. The BSN courses are offered entirely online and can be completed in as few as 16-months part-time. Or, you can design the classes to meet your specific scheduling needs. This allows BSN students to keep their career and balance other obligations, all while earning their degree. Here are what some of ou<\/span>r <\/span>students have to say about <\/span>Goodwin\u2019s <\/span>nursing school<\/span><\/a>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a mother of 7; I work 7 days a week; and I was able to graduate the program with honors.\u201d<\/span><\/i> \u2013 Zoey, BSN graduate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“The Goodwin Nursing program provided me with the flexible day and evening clinical rotation schedule to meet my busy schedule.” <\/span><\/i>\u2013 Tiffany, ADN graduate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEarning two nursing degrees from Goodwin made me realize I have the ability to achieve what I set my mind to.\u201d<\/span><\/i> \u2013 Crystalann, ADN and BSN graduate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Goodwin also offers an <\/span>accelerated BSN<\/span><\/a> (ABSN) for non-nurses with a bachelor\u2019s degree in a different major. This program is offered in a hybrid, on-campus\/online format, and <\/span>can be completed in\u202fas few as 16 months full-time. <\/span>Is it hard to get an ABSN? While the coursework can be considered a bit more \u201cintensive,\u201d as it is accelerated after all, it does allow you to earn your BSN after changing career paths in just a matter of months, or on a timeline that works for you.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Make Earning a BSN Degree Easier<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To be successful in any degree program, and specifically in a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing program, there are steps you can take to prepare. <\/span>For example, you may perfect your time management skills by creating a schedule to complete assignments or classes. You may improve your focus by creating a dedicated work or study space in your home, which will come in handy for those taking classes online. In addition, we recommend:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n