"I Am Surprised at the Change in Me": What Is It Like for Nurses to Be in the Process of Completing a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing?

BACKGROUND

The percentage of nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) affects patient morbidity and mortality, so health care organizations are encouraging staff nurses to finish their BSN degree. However, there is little data related to what it is like for RNs to return to school.

METHOD

In this qualitative, descriptive study, 16 RN-to-BSN students were interviewed using naturalistic inquiry processes to gain an understanding of what it is like for students in the midst of an RN-to-BSN program.

RESULTS

Students encountered financial and work-life barriers to seeking BSN completion yet found it to be worth the effort. Indeed, they are "surprised at the change in" themselves.

CONCLUSION

Support that could benefit RN-to-BSN students is detailed, including from employers (e.g., flexible scheduling), faculty (e.g., rapid feedback and grading), and students themselves (e.g., understand personal time constraints). More research is needed to determine the priorities of support that facilitates RN-to-BSN students. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2018;49(7):307-314.