Nursing Courses Tips

About Taking RN Courses Online

You can opt to take RN courses online, through an online program or a distance-learning program, while getting your BSN degree. When taking an RN course online, consider the pros and cons:

Pros: You will usually receive the professor's lecture notes written down; you can work at your own pace and on your own schedule; most assessment in online courses is nontraditional, meaning there will be no exams.

Cons: You cannot usually talk to the professor face-to-face; you may lack support from other nursing students. Also, make sure you consider the technology requirements for online courses. Some typical requirements:

• Internet connectivity – usually a 56K modem or higher

• Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator

• Pentium III PC or G3 Mac with 256k memory

• Shockwave Player

• Real Player

• Adobe Reader

• MS Office – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

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Clinical Courses at South University Online

When studying for either your BSN or MSN degree at South University Online, a large part of your schooling will involve clinical courses. South University Online allows you to work on your clinical courses in a facility close to you, further allowing flexibility into the program.

Clinical courses are designed to help give you “hands-on” experience, rather than having you rely on classroom teaching. Some topics for clinical RN courses you may take through South University Online include:

• Drug administration, which helps give you experience in administering drugs
• Maternity nursing, which helps you gain experience in assisting women and their families during the birth process
• Nursing the emotionally ill, which helps you learn how to administer to patients with psychosocial and emotional illnesses
• Nursing of children, an experience that will give specific knowledge in nursing children, from infants through adolescents

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Online Master of Science In Nursing Courses

When deciding that you want to earn your Master of Science in Nursing, you may consider an online program. Online programs are excellent for MSN candidates, because they are flexible and work with your schedule. Most MSN degrees, online or traditional, will allow you to specialize in one or more areas of nursing, such as cardiovascular, nursing education, nursing informatics, nursing management/leadership, and adult nurse practitioners.

When looking into online MSN degrees, check to see what the school's requirements are on clinical learning; some will allow you to complete your clinical training at the facility of your choice, and others may make you come to their campus or a facility of their choice.

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The Types of Courses You'll Take Studying for Your RN to BSN Degree

When studying to complete your BSN degree, you will take the following kinds of RN courses:

• BSN candidates will be required to take general education classes to be awarded a bachelors

• Nursing Research Methods. This helps you conduct research about relevant health care problems.

• Community Issues In Nursing. You will learn about health issues that affect communities, both local and global, and learn how to become a steward of those communities.

• Transition to Professional Nursing. Since most associate's degree programs focus on skills-based nursing, most RN to BSN completion programs will offer a course to help you to transition to a more professional nursing role.

• Nursing Clinical or Practical Courses. You will probably be required to complete clinical training, which helps you get hands-on experience as a nurse.

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Continuing Education Courses for Nurses

Most states require that nurses continue their RN education with update courses, refresher courses, and the like. Often, you can take these continuing education courses online, making them convenient and flexible for you. Some examples of continuing educations courses you may choose from:

• Holistic nursing/complementary therapies

• HIV/AIDS

• Accident Prevention

• Palliative Nursing

• Maternal Health

• Pediatric Nursing

• Renal Disease

• Military Nursing

Depending on where you decide to take these RN courses, the fees for them can vary. When you decide to participate in a continuing education course, make sure your state accepts the course you are taking for your continuing education credit.

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About Non-Bachelor's Degree Nursing Programs

If you want to become a nurse, there are several nursing courses you can follow. The longest and most time-consuming is the BSN degree; however, there are options that will allow you to become a nurse but do not lead to a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Here are your options for non-bachelor's degree nursing programs:

-Nurse's Aide. You can become a nurse's aide in about a year, taking courses from adult education centers. You will be a certified nurse's aide and will usually work closely with a RN or physician.

-LPN/LVN. You can become a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse in about a year. LPN/LVN programs are available through hospitals, adult educational centers, and vocational/technical schools. You will be able to assist nurses with their duties and provide healthcare for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.

-RN with an associate's degree. You can become an RN by getting an associate's degree from a junior college or community college. You will have the same rights and privileges as an RN with a BSN, but you may have less career advancement opportunities.

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South University Online's MSN Program

If you want to earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), South University Online's MSN program may be a good option for you. South University's program is excellent for MSN candidates, who usually already have a job and other commitments, because they are flexible and work with your schedule.

South University's MSN degree allows you to specialize in one or more areas of nursing, such as nursing management/leadership or nursing education. The online program through South University incorporates classes on nursing and health care management, nursing education, and developing valid testing methods.

Although the program is online, South University still requires a clinical learning component for their MSN. But to complete these requirements, you can attend practicums in your own community, working with your schedule.

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Courses of Study for RNs

If you are an RN, there are a few different courses of study you can consider to continue your education, such as:

RN to BSN. You can earn your BSN if you already have your RN license with an RN to BSN completion program at South University Online. The BSN program at South University focuses on the theoretical applications of nursing and professional nursing skills

MSN. At South University Online, you can earn your MSN degree if you have already completed your

BSN. The South University Online MSN program is an excellent way to further your education and your career potential, and you will learn about topics like nursing education and multicultural nursing.

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Why You Would Choose Online RN Courses

There are many options for RNs who are considering going back to school, either to earn their BSN or MSN degrees. But why would you choose an online program like South University's RN to BSN completion program or new MSN program? Here are some reasons:

• Flexibility. The online courses at South University Online offer flexibility and the ability to work with your schedule
• Work. You can keep your job while getting your BSN or MSN degree through South University, since you don't have to attend time-consuming classes on campus
• Technology. You can take advantage of the newest technology trends with South University's courses, such as internet communication and streaming audio and video

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Adult Education Courses for Nurses

If you are interested in becoming a nurse, there are many options for you to get certified or licensed through adult education courses. These RN courses are typically more flexible than traditional, on-campus courses, because they are designed for the working adult who has various commitments. Many adult education programs are also online, making them even more flexible. You can apply and study online, setting your own schedule and working at your own pace. The clinical components of the program are usually completed either at a medical facility close to you, or at a facility chosen by the school. If you are interested in adult education programs in nursing, check with adult education centers close to you. Also search the web to see what online programs are available that look interesting to you.

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Flexibility in RN Courses

Many traditional nursing programs, either RN to BSN completion programs or MSN programs, require you to attend classes on campus, which can eat up a large chunk of your time. However, if you have a job and other responsibilities and want the most flexibility possible when working on your RN to BSN degree or MSN degree, consider South University Online's programs.

South University Online offers two programs, the RN to BSN completion program and the MSN program, in a completely online environment, which affords you the greatest flexibility possible. You never have to come to campus, and you can schedule classes that are convenient for you.

With South University's online programs, you can work at your own pace and whenever you want. The flexibility of their online programs will ensure you greater success in earning your degree and also allow you to earn your degree with the least amount of hassle.

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Continuing Your Nursing Education

Most states require that nurses continue their RN education with update courses, refresher courses, or other educational opportunities. If you are an associate RN, one good way to continue your education is through South University Online's RN to BSN completion program. If you already have your BSN, consider South University's MSN program, offered completely online.

While continuing your education at South University Online, you can take courses in the following topics:

• Palliative nursing
• Gerontological nursing
• Nursing education
• Multicultural nursing needs
• Complementary and alternative nursing

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Online BSN to RN Courses

If you are considering studying for your BSN online in an online BSN to RN program, you will need to think about the following:

• Are you comfortable with technology?

• Can you learn in a completely online environment?

• Will you be able to get the support you need in a distance-learning environment? If you have decided that a RN to BSN degree is for you, make sure you are aware of the technical requirements needed to complete the program.

Here are some technical requirements of a typical program:

• Internet connection

• Web browser, usually MS Explorer

• Software such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook

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The Types of Courses In A RN to BSN Degree

When studying to complete your BSN degree through South University Online's RN to BSN completion program, you may take the following kinds of RN courses:

• Nursing Research Methods. A research course helps you learn how to conduct research about relevant health care problems
• Community Issues in Nursing. One important part of being a nurse is understanding health issues that affect both local and global communities. By learning about these kinds of issues, you can learn how to become a steward of those communities
• Alternative Health Care. Courses on alternative and complementary health care solutions help you stay abreast of this growing trend in the health care industry
• Transition to Professional Nursing. Since most associate's degree programs focus on skills-based nursing, the South University Online RN to BSN program helps you to transition to a more professional nursing role.
• Nursing Clinical or Practical Courses. At South University Online, you are required to complete clinical training, which helps you get hands-on experience as a nurse.

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MSN Degree Courses at South University Online

If you have decided to earn your MSN degree through south University Online, you may be interested in the kinds of courses you will be taking. Here are some examples:

• Advanced/Graduate Nursing Research. A standard course designed to further your research skills.
• Advanced Theoretical Perspectives in Nursing. This course is designed to enhance your background in nursing theory.
• The Role of the Nursing Educator. This course is designed to educate you on becoming a nursing instructor, designing curriculum, and effective teaching methods.
• Clinical Courses. Your clinical component will help you put into practice what you have learned in the classroom.

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About Taking RN Courses Online at South University

If you decide to pursue your BSN through the RN to BSN completion program at South University Online, you will be taking classes via the web and other technology. Consider the pros and cons of taking online courses:

Pros:

• You will usually receive written copies of the professor's lecture notes

• You can work at your own pace and on your own schedule
• Most assessment in online courses is nontraditional, meaning there will be no “traditional” timed examinations

Cons:

• You cannot usually talk to the professor face-to-face
• You may lack personal support from other nursing students

Also, make sure you consider the technology requirements for online courses. The technology requirements for the South University Online program are as follows:

• Internet connectivity – usually a 56K modem or higher
• Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
• Pentium III PC or G3 Mac with 256k memory
• Adobe Reader
• MS Office – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

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South University's Online BSN to RN Completion Program

If you are considering earning your BSN through South University Online's BSN to RN program, the following questions will help you to determine if an online program is right for you:

• How comfortable are you with technology?
• Can you learn in an online environment?
• Can you work well on your own?

• Internet connection
• Web browser, usually MS Explorer
• Software such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook

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Courses You'll Take Studying for Your MSN Degree

If you are going to earn your MSN degree, you may be interested in the kinds of RN courses you will be taking. Here are some example courses from a typical MSN program:

• Advanced/Graduate Nursing Research. Most schools require nursing research courses to further your research skills.

• Professional Nursing Development. Since many nurses getting their MSN are interested in moving into management or other professional roles, professional development RN courses are usually offered.

• Community Nursing. Community nursing courses help nurses identify and respond to health issues in diverse communities.

• Nursing Informatics. Various courses will usually be offered in nursing informatics, such as Informatics and the Health Care Delivery System and Issues in Health Care Informatics.

• Clinical Courses. MSN degrees have a clinical component, helping nurses put into practice what they have been learning in the classroom.

• Thesis or Capstone Courses. Many programs will require their students to take a capstone course or a thesis course, to synthesize all the information they have gained during their course of study.

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Career Advancement for Non-Bachelor's Degree Nurses

Many nurses start off as nurses' aides or LPN/LVNs, and continue to get their RN licensure with an associate's degree. If you are an associate's degree nurse but want to take your career to the next level, you will need to get your BSN at a RN to BSN completion program.

South University Online's RN to BSN completion program allows you to take courses on the web, making it easier for you to keep your job and go to school at the same time. Qualified applicants can even earn their degree in as little as 1 ½ years, and you may even be eligible for credit for some of the RN work you have already done.

Many hospitals and health care facilities prefer their RNs to have a BSN rather than an associate's degree in nursing; if you want to be able to advance in your career, consider applying to South University Online's RN to BSN program.

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Clinical Courses In Nursing

When studying for your RN degree, a large part of your schooling will involve clinical courses. Clinical courses allow you to put into practice the knowledge you learn in a classroom setting, giving you hands-on experience in various situations. Here are some examples of clinical RN courses you will take:

• Drug Administration – gives nurses experience in dosing and administering drugs

• Maternity Nursing – gives nurses experience in assisting women and their families during their reproductive years and during the birth process

• Nursing the Emotionally Ill – gives nurses experience in administering to patients with psychosocial and emotional illnesses

• Nursing of Children – gives specific experience in nursing children, from infants through adolescents

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Nursing Refresher Courses

If you are a registered nurse but have been away from the profession for a while, you may consider taking a nursing refresher course if you are thinking about pursuing a nursing job. Many RNs enroll in refresher courses to brush up their skills and learn about new trends and technology. Many hospitals, training centers, and vocational/technical schools offer nursing refresher courses. The course will help you review your existing knowledge, expose you to new as well as traditional career opportunities, and help you to transfer into the staff at any health care environment you're licensed for. RN courses also commonly have clinical components, so you can get hands-on experience to help you to expand your knowledge.

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