Program Overview

Introduction to the Online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program at North Dakota State University is designed to provide students with the flexibility and accessibility they need to further their nursing careers while working full-time.

Program Overview

Since its inception, students from across the country and from various nursing roles have enrolled in NDSU's online RN to BSN program. The program is attractive to students due to its evidence-based curriculum, which is designed to accommodate nurses who balance personal life, work, and school.

Curriculum

Students learn in a supportive and collaborative environment to advance their nursing knowledge and cultivate leadership skills that will enhance their nursing practice. The curriculum includes:

• Safety
• Ethics
• Working effectively in complex healthcare systems
• The importance of relationships and professional communication

Program Development

The program was developed by faculty members, including Kathleen Swanson, NDSU assistant professor of practice, to accommodate students' busy schedules and build on the prior education students received through their associate degree program.

Student Interactions

Students interact regularly with professors and peers in their cohort, creating lasting relationships. Students appreciate that they can immediately apply what they have learned to their current nursing practice.

Student Experiences

Several students have shared their positive experiences with the program, including:

• JP Mansour, who graduated in 2021 and is currently enrolled in NDSU's Doctor of Nursing Practice program
• Iryna Hoppe, who graduated in 2024 and works at Perham Health Labor and Delivery and PRN at Essentia Health Fargo Labor and Delivery
• Elizabeth Perdue, who graduated in 2024 and works as a behavioral health homes nursing supervisor at Nystrom Counseling

Benefits of the Program

The program has been beneficial for students in several ways, including:

• Providing flexibility and accessibility
• Accommodating busy schedules
• Offering a supportive and collaborative environment
• Cultivating leadership skills
• Enhancing nursing practice
• Preparing students for career advancement

Career Goals

Students who have graduated from the program have gone on to pursue various career goals, including:

• Obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
• Obtaining a mid-wifery certification
• Working in management roles
• Working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Faculty Support

The faculty members of the program have been instrumental in contributing to the success of students, providing:

• Support and guidance
• Constructive feedback
• Encouragement
• Thought-provoking assignments and projects

Program Structure

The program is structured to support busy students, with features such as:

• Online courses
• Flexible scheduling
• Immersion courses via Zoom
• Discussion and flipgrid assignments to facilitate interaction with faculty and peers

Conclusion

The online RN to BSN program at North Dakota State University is a valuable resource for nursing professionals looking to advance their careers. With its flexible and accessible design, supportive faculty, and comprehensive curriculum, the program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their nursing practice.