Role Transition to Professional Nursing

Introduction
A course of a life can have many twists and turns. I have had many deviations from my original goals but the key to still achieving goals is to keep moving forward. The journey to my BSN has been one of many ups and downs but the course helped me navigate through and has ultimately given me new goals to achieve.

Before RN-BSN Program
When did you start the RN BSN program? Did you take 1 course at a time, or 2 or more at a time? Did you take classes each start date? If not, why?
I began the RN-BSN program when the Covid-19 pandemic was coming closer to an end and I was no longer having to work 4-5 shifts a week on the new covid units. Having my BSN was the first thing on my list to accomplish so I began with just one class at a time. This was obtainable with having a full time job and other responsibilities. There was only one semester where I took two courses at once and a couple of times when the course timeline would overlap each other.

Lifelong Learning
Narrative includes in depth discussion and highlights new learning about self and describes attitudes, characteristics, and actions as a lifelong learner
One of our discussions within this course was about the advantage of being a lifelong learner. I learned a lot about myself when becoming a registered nurse. My attitude on being a lifelong learner is to embrace learning everyday. The attitude all begins with the mind. In every day work you should be willing to retain some new information and apply it elsewhere. The characteristics of a lifelong learner is improvement. Learning means to change and adapt which means to improve. Part of the goal in the BSN program is to give the tools to lifelong learners to help change and evolve the healthcare. Finally the actions of a lifelong learner is the investment of time and effort every day to earn knowledge. A lifelong learner will make efforts to ask “why” and retrieve the answer instead of just walking by.

Novice to Expert
Includes at least one specific reference to RN- BSN courses or one reference to specific evidence-based research article(s) Must include a reference addressing Nursing Theory.

Narrative includes detailed description of steps taken toward becoming an expert/professional, including interest and actions toward a specific focus area of nursing

Synthesis of Role Transition to Professional Nursing
Narrative synthesizes changes in personal nursing philosophy and image of the role of nursing

Evaluation
Narrative includes at least two specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices as a result of RN-BSN program
An evaluation of my RN-BSN experience can be described with the behaviors, attitudes, and practices upon completion of the program

Narrative that addresses:
1 aspect of the program that worked for you; 1 suggestion for program improvement; 1 aspect of the program you would not want to see changed; and, would you recommend the program to others and why.
My RN-BSN journey was simpler due to the courses being primarily online. Having the courses online allowed me to work my full time job as a bedside RN and maintain relationships with family and friends.

You will address your experiences before the RN BSN program, you as a lifelong learner, you in the continuum of novice to expert in the professional nursing role, an account of your role transition to a professional nurse, and an evaluation of the program.

In-text citations are required to support each section when you discuss the RN BSN courses or the program. Points will be deducted if this information is not detailed and referenced in the document and on the reference page. References need to be evidence-based if you choose to reference literature instead of information in RN BSN courses.