Ottawa University Online RN-to-BSN Program Prepared by Kathy Kump February 1st,2013

First, just a brief refresher course…

Background: Minimum Educational Preparation for an Entry-Level Registered Nurse There are three educational tracks: Diploma-prepared RN: Nursing courses are associated with a hospital or medical facility. Very “hands-on” learning: More technical. Usually takes 3 years to complete. Popular during World War II all the way through the mid-1970s but very few locations offer this opportunity today (phasing out). Students awarded a Diploma in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Offered through community and technical colleges. Usually takes 2 years to complete after all pre-requisites are completed. Students awarded an Associate Degree in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse. 3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Four year (traditional) Prepares nurses for a professional role away from the bedside with coursework in nursing science, research, leadership, and nursing informatics. Students awarded a BSN in Nursing and are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Why do RNs Choose to Go Back to School?

Why Does the Healthcare Industry Want RNs to go Back to School? Magnet Recognition Evidence-Based Research Increasing Complexity of Healthcare

Magnet Status Magnet Hospitals are noted to have: Better patient outcomes Lower mortality rates Increased patient satisfaction Shorter lengths of stay Benefits for hospitals with this status: Attract and retain top RN talent Improve care, safety and satisfaction Foster a collaborative culture Advance nursing standards and practice

Review of the RN-to-BSN Program: Accepting students to begin program for Spring 2, 2013. Students will begin with this course: LAS 30012 Writing and Critical Thinking similar to any other program. Prospective Student: It is designed for the practicing registered nurse (RN) who has graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program and wishes to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Many registered nurses who have graduated from Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma programs are returning back to school to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in order to fulfill their personal and/or career goals, as well as to likely increase their overall earning potential. This BSN completion educational program provides the foundation that will prepare graduates to further their professional career in nursing working in roles/locations that may include: Nursing management; case management; risk management; occupational/public health; or as a staff nurse in other specialty areas. In this program, students will examine topics related to health care policy and ethical practice, and will discover opportunities to refine their competencies in health care communication and health care promotion.

Other Highlights of this Program: Flexibility (100% online); no traditional (bedside) clinicals in this program. Traditional clinical requirements are met through pertinent application-based projects (“practice experiences”) within the coursework and as enhanced (most likely) in the workplace setting. These “experiences” are used to meet a specific course objective. Courses are 8 weeks in length. Easy transfer of previous college-earned educational credit hours 128 total credit hours to graduate The ability for the practicing RN to network and problem-solve conveniently online with a diverse group of peers in many geographical locations in order to refine and increase their skills in critical-thinking and decision-making so as to better prepare them to become effective nursing leaders that can address the challenges that will be faced in the current and future health care industry.

Don’t Forget the Essay Career Statement of professional experience and goals in nursing (no more than 2 pages). Please include current and previous work experience as an RN (due to the format of the program, current or recent RN work experience is strongly recommended).

What is CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)?: CCNE is an independent national accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that evaluates postsecondary nursing programs for academic and instructional quality.

What is the significance of CCNE accreditation?: For the program itself, being accredited by a nationally recognized body demonstrates to everyone that their school meets specific high standards, and adequately prepares nurses for practice at a particular degree level. For nurses who are evaluating prospective programs: It’s also very significant for students who may want to continue on to further education. Many, if not most, nursing master’s degree programs, for example, will not accept candidates whose BSN has not been conferred from a CCNE accredited university or program.

Please Note: We do not have any affiliation with CCNE at this time Please Note: We do not have any affiliation with CCNE at this time. An application needs to be submitted and accepted by them first. We are not considered “in the process” of seeking accreditation until our application is formally accepted by them first. When this occurs, you will be informed.

Foundation Courses RN-to-BSN Program: The following may be taken at Ottawa University or equivalencies/substitutions transferred in. Please note not all FOUNDATION courses may be available online. (Most of these following courses (with the exception of Statistics) were likely completed in the Associate Degree and/or Diploma RN Program of Study and will be evaluated upon transfer): BIO 20342 Human Anatomy and Physiology LAB: Currently Not Offered Online Please Note: If transferring credits, the student needs to have taken/completed a lab with Anatomy and Physiology. BIO 20343 Human Anatomy and Physiology: Currently Not Offered Online BIO 30242 Microbiology LAB: Currently Not Offered Online Please Note: If transferring credits, the student needs to have taken/completed a lab with Microbiology. BIO 30243 Microbiology: Currently Not Offered Online CHE 10044 Concepts of Chemistry w/Lab: Offered Online (beginning Spring 2, 2013) Please Note: If transferring credits, we will accept Chemistry (general, integrated, inorganic or organic)-with or without lab, as it was taught on the campus where the course was taken. SOC 36000 Statistics for Social Sciences: Offered Online

Chemistry Question: You may find that some students did not receive a Chemistry course because some Associate Degree RN programs are not offering a Chemistry course within their curriculum. However, we feel a Chemistry background is essential to our program:

Frequently Asked Questions: Refer to this list on Our Nursing Webpage.

Questions??