BGSU Firelands celebrates the first group of nurses graduating from the new RN to BSN program.
A group of nineteen students have officially graduated as the first class of RN to BSN at Bowling Green State University Firelands. The RN to BSN program is a way for registered nurses to graduate with a bachelor's of science in nursing. The online program strives to equip registered nurses with leadership skills and clinical judgement to better serve patients by learning the theory behind the skills they learned while earning their registered nurse credentials. The focus is to view patients and the healthcare system holistically, taking into account broader topics such as community health, culturally-sensitive care, and healthcare policy and education.
Dr. Lara Wilken, Assistant Clinical professor at BGSU Firelands, was highlighted in an interview recently posted by The Sandusky Register. In it she explains the structure and goals of the program and how graduates can expect to use their degree and knowledge to provide better patient care while advancing their careers. Dr. Wilken explains that the coursework is completed completely online and can be completed within three semesters. In addition to the online coursework, students are required to complete a community-based project in the capstone course. Students identify a population they would like to work with, assess the needs of that population, then design and implement an educational session. Dr, Wilken detailed, "Our program does offer practice experiences in which students will work with a population, individual or group of their choice, allowing them to pick a topic of interest, which makes the learning meaningful to them and their career." For example, one student worked with a group of kindergarten students teaching them proper handwashing techniques. Another student worked with migrant workers addressing heatstroke concerns with tips on prevention and care.
The RN to BSN program not only promotes a more well-rounded approach to patient care, but provides a path to career advancement for its students. As Dr. Wilkens elaborates, "Securing a bachelor's of science in nursing degree offers students the opportunity of working in a variety of health care settings, including, but not limited to, community health agencies, travel nursing, school nursing, acute care settings, prisons, hospice, health departments and elsewhere." The Sandusky Register also interviewed some of the graduates who talked about how the program has improved their ability to care for patients and about how completion will affect their career prospects. Katy Lach, OR nurse at the Cleveland Clinic said, "After graduation from BGSU, I plan on pursuing a master's degree program. I would like to either get my master's of science in nursing/master's of business administration and go in management or attend a certified registered nurse anesthetist program." Another student, Jacob Mitnik, who works at Firelands Regional Medical Center, spoke about how the program expanded his understanding of the healthcare system as a whole, "So much happens behind the scenes that most people do not fully realize. This program helped me understand important topics, such as insurance, cultural diversity, management, case management, public health, policy and more."
The next cohort of program participants will begin courses January 11, 2021.