RNBSN RESOURCE INFORMATION
As part of our VHS plan to enhance excellence in nursing, we strongly encourage ALL nurses to obtain a BSN minimum.*
Considerations
1. Career Goals: what are your ultimate plans—direct care? Higher level of clinical practice? Administrative? Specialization?
Academia and teaching? What degree best supports your career plan—clinical--administrative—education or research?
2. Type of learner: do you prefer a traditional in-seat classroom setting or the schedule flexibility of learning on-line? or a
blend of both and what would that look like?
3. Schedule: does your work schedule prevent attending classes one day or one evening per week due or do you simply prefer
the flexibility of on-line education?
4. Curriculum: As you explore BSN programs, compare and contrast the curriculum and faculty experience. While the BSN
course content may be similar, there is evidence to suggest variations in the quality of the overall curriculum and teaching.
5. School/College Accreditation: Not all schools are nationally and regionally accredited. Be sure that the school of nursing
you choose is accredited by either ACEN (American Commission for Accreditation in Nursing) or CCNE (Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education – accredits only baccalaureate and higher degree.
6. Location: if you select traditional program, where is the university located and are you willing to travel or carpool?
7. Cost: what is the tuition cost per credit hour and are there other fees (registration; technology or e-books fees? What is the
total cost of education for the degree?
8. Unit Leadership Support: will your direct supervisor support your education plan while continuing RN work?
9. Commitments and timing: embarking on the education journey, make provisions for child care, getting kids off to school,
family "buy in", time for studying, time for family and self.
10. Payment Options: Some schools offer deferred tuition payments to end of the semester IF enrolled in the VHS tuition
assistance plan.
11. Thoughtful Reflection: Perhaps asking "what excites you and what scares you" might open the door of possibilities.
Sometimes nurses don't pursue education because they don't think they are up to the challenge--a common misperception,
particularly for second/advanced degrees.
Education Options
1. Regional BSN completion programs w/ options for online, classroom inseat, or hybrid mix of class and online:
a.
b.
c.
Shenandoah University
Shepherd University
James Madison University
d.
e.
Eastern Mennonite University
George Mason University
2. On-line: offers the most flexibility with work & family schedules. Some tuition discounts available:
a.
b.
American Sentinel
University
Grand Canyon University
c.
d.
e.
Walden University
Drexel On-line University
University of Phoenix
f.
g.
Old Dominion University
Kaplan University
Benefits
1.
2.
3.
4.
Build on your knowledge for application in nursing practice and increase the quality and safety of your patient care.
Requirement for professional membership and some nursing certifications
Career ladder advancement & expanded professional opportunities
Professional recognition
VHS Support
1. RN to BSN Textbook Reimbursement is offered to VHS nurses pursuing a BSN.
Generously funded by the WMC Foundation to support
BSN completion. Fund pays for textbooks purchased during current calendar year (Jan – Dec) and requires NO work commitment payback.
2. Tuition Assistance is provided to FT and PT staff by Valley Health for academic studies and must be approved by your supervisor and
Human Resources. Requires a work commitment payback of 2 years with hours beginning after the first course.
3. Jump Start BSN Awards Up to 25 awards of $1K each to eligible VHS RNs in 2014—Apply NOW to get started with a BSN completion
program.
For more information: Contact Lisa M. Zerull, PhD, RN, FCN Academic Liaison (540) 536-2344 C (540) 409-6973
lzerull@valleyhealthlink.com
Rev 3-2015