Benedictine University -RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Benedictine University is a private Roman Catholic institution located in Lisle, Illinois. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The RN to BSN program at Benedictine University is designed to help nurses advance their careers by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to excel in their profession. In this article, we will discuss the Benedictine University RN to BSN program in detail.

Admission Requirements:

To be admitted to the Benedictine University RN to BSN program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold an unencumbered RN license in the state in which they intend to complete their clinical practice hours
2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from their previous nursing program
3. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
4. Submit a resume that includes at least one year of work experience as an RN
5. Submit a personal statement that describes their professional goals and reasons for pursuing a BSN degree

Program Curriculum:

The RN to BSN program at Benedictine University is a 120-credit hour program designed to be completed in four semesters. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with courses being taught online and in-person. The program curriculum includes the following courses:

1. Nursing Research: This course focuses on the scientific research process and its application to nursing practice. Students learn how to critique and utilize research studies to improve patient outcomes.
2. Health Assessment: This course focuses on physical and psychosocial assessment of patients across the lifespan. Students learn how to conduct comprehensive health assessments and develop nursing care plans.
3. Nursing Leadership and Management: This course focuses on the principles of nursing leadership and management. Students learn how to lead and manage teams of healthcare professionals, including delegation, supervision, and conflict resolution.
4. Community and Public Health Nursing: This course focuses on the health promotion and disease prevention of communities and populations. Students learn about epidemiology, health disparities, and the role of the nurse in community health.
5. Nursing Ethics: This course focuses on the ethical principles and values that guide nursing practice. Students learn how to apply ethical principles to clinical situations and make ethical decisions in healthcare.
6. Nursing Informatics: This course focuses on the use of information technology in healthcare. Students learn how to use electronic health records (EHRs) to improve patient care and outcomes.
7. Nursing Capstone: This course is the culminating experience of the RN to BSN program. Students complete a project that demonstrates their ability to apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to improve patient care.

Clinical Practice:

The clinical practice component of the RN to BSN program at Benedictine University is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Students are required to complete a minimum of 90 hours of clinical practice, which can be completed at their place of employment or another healthcare facility.

Clinical practice hours are designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world healthcare situations. During their clinical practice hours, students are supervised by a preceptor, who is an experienced nurse in the healthcare setting.

Faculty:

The faculty at Benedictine University’s RN to BSN program consists of experienced nurses who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty members hold advanced degrees in nursing and have experience in a variety of healthcare settings. They are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Accreditation:

Benedictine University’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards for nursing education and that graduates are prepared to provide safe and effective nursing care.

Benefits of the RN to BSN Program:

There are several benefits of completing the RN to BSN program at Benedictine University, including:

1. Career Advancement: The RN to BSN program is designed to help nurses advance their careers by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
2. Improved Patient Outcomes: The program’s focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care helps nurses provide high-quality care that improves patient outcomes.
3. Higher Salary: According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses with a BSN degree earn higher salaries than nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing.
4. Increased Job Opportunities: Many healthcare organizations require or prefer nurses with a BSN degree, which can increase job opportunities for program graduates.
5. Lifelong Learning: The RN to BSN program helps nurses develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to continue learning throughout their careers.

Tuition and Financial Aid:

The cost of tuition for the RN to BSN program at Benedictine University is $520 per credit hour. The total cost of the program is approximately $62,400.

Financial aid is available for students who qualify, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Students can apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Conclusion:

The RN to BSN program at Benedictine University is an excellent option for registered nurses who want to advance their careers and improve patient outcomes. The program’s hybrid format, experienced faculty, and focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their profession. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations and make a positive impact on patient care.