International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Article Title

Outcomes and Experiences of an RN to BSN Online Cohort: An Academic-Practice Partnership

Authors

Donna Copenhaver Dr., Belmont UniversityFollow
Marilyn Dubree MSN, RN, Vanderbilt UniversityFollow
Chris Wilson MSN, RN-BC, Vanderbilt UniversityFollow
Martha Buckner PhD, Belmont UniversityFollow
Cathy R. Taylor DrPH, Belmont UniversityFollow
Kathy Jordan MSN, RN, Belmont UniversityFollow

Abstract

Abstract

This article describes the result of an academic-practice partnership between a School of Nursing (SON) and a University Medical Center (UMC) for the purpose of promoting BSN education in response to the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation that 80% of RNs hold a baccalaureate degree or higher by 2020. The mutually beneficial partnership worked together to offer a pilot online RN-BSN nursing program, increase the number of BSNs in the workforce, and to collect information from RN-BSN students returning to school about their challenges, recommendations for future programs, and why they were interested in returning to school. The BSN graduates reported a renewed interest in nursing, opportunities for advancement, and the importance of a support system for RNs planning to return to school. The BSN graduates identified barriers for returning to school included finances, lack of knowledge related to technology, and challenges of maintaining work-life balance.

Recommended Citation

Copenhaver, Donna Dr.; Dubree, Marilyn MSN, RN; Wilson, Chris MSN, RN-BC; Buckner, Martha PhD; Taylor, Cathy R. DrPH; and Jordan, Kathy MSN, RN (2018) "Outcomes and Experiences of an RN to BSN Online Cohort: An Academic-Practice Partnership," International Journal of Health Sciences Education, 5(1).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59942/2325-9981.1076