Pros and Cons of RN to BSN Online Degree

If you’re already working as a nurse, by now, you’ve probably understood that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to advancing one’s career in nursing. Just like the individual needs of patients, every nurse has unique requirements when looking for career advancement.

One of the most sought-after programs by nurses today is the RN to BSN online degree . What makes it so popular is the fact that as an associate registered nurse (RN), you do not need to start from scratch at a nursing school to earn your Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Given below are a few pros and cons of the RN to BSN online degree . Know them all and decide whether the program is a good fit for your career enhancement.

Pros

1. Homeschooling

As children, we all have experienced the benefits of attending school from home. Right from choosing your private study corner to obviating the burden of heavy books on your shoulders, you get to keep at bay the unnecessary commuting to school and instead, study the lessons by just logging on onto your computer. Doing so provides flexibility and convenience in learning.

2. Be your own guide

Depending on your pace and grasping power, you can decide how much time to allot to particular chapters. This is not possible in a nursing school because the professor follows an objective methodology and a strict schedule. However, by studying RN to BSN online degree , you have the liberty to plan and direct your learning in a way you prefer. The online program is the best fit for you if you are focused, self-motivated and goal oriented.

3. Stay upbeat on technology

Because the world is surrounded by technology, nurses who are upbeat of the latest technological advancements are given higher preference over nurses who lack the essential expertise in learning new tools and software. Thus, the RN to BSN online degree will definitely add more value to your overall profile by helping you hone your technological skills.

These pros sure shot go a long way in deciding why the online degree is what you should be pursuing. And to make a rational, unprejudiced decision, consider the following cons.

Cons

1. Staying organized

Because there’s nobody to make you sit in one place and do your lessons on time, the concept of timely learning is taken for granted. At times, you may even feel like procrastinating on your study schedule. Students pursuing RN to BSN online degree need to have a predefined timeframe for meeting project deadlines and completing the course. Thus, staying organized should be your mantra if you want to be on-track of your lessons as the semester progresses.

2. Preaching self-motivation

The online program might not be a logical choice if you aren’t a self-motivated person. This is because you need to devote a part of your daily schedule to completing assignments, making notes, and learning lessons. Also, it requires you to be flexible and dedicated as the lack of a physical classroom setting might get a bit tedious to come to terms with. Studying online requires you to be vigilant and diligently stick to your study schedule.

3. No face-to-face peer/professor interaction

Let’s face it: technology can never substitute real-time face-to-face peer/professor interaction. Students who enjoy being around people might find the program isolating. However, there are online groups to share doubts, help with assignments and set reminders for tests and projects. Thus, though real-time interaction is missing, students are encouraged to stay connected.

Before you settle at a conclusion, freeze the ‘WHY’ behind pursuing the online degree. Is it purely for career advancement, adding more knowledge to your skill set, or just taking home additional income to provide for your family? As mentioned, everyone has his own reason and you need to ask yourself the crucial question of ‘Why am I doing this course’ and only then consider the options available at your disposal.

As you research further on the RN to BSN online degree , these pros and cons shall help you weigh the magnitude of your decision. Good luck for a bright future!