Delaware RN to BSN Bridge Programs
The Delaware Nurses Association has been selected as an action coalition by the Future of Nursing Campaign for Action, a campaign that strongly encourages nurses to pursue the BSN degree. As a result, nursing schools in Delaware have added several accredited RN to BSN programs in both online and campus based formats.
There are many benefits that can arise from earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree include being eligible for positions with greater professional responsibility and expanded practice settings within healthcare.
At BestNursingDegree.com, we are well aware of the implications and Campaigns for Action which have resulted from The Future of Nursing report, released by the Institute of Medicine in 2001. Many states have heeded the call to increase the percentage of Bachelor’s prepared nurses to 80 percent of the workforce, with some even implementing legislation requiring higher education.
We believe it is essential to stay educated, and to stay at the forefront of the nursing profession. That’s why we have taken the time to compile the nursing programs in Delaware that offer RN to BSN options. To find the program that can help you advance both your knowledge and your career, submit a request for information to each of the nursing schools in Delaware that interest you. Pay close attention to the featured schools below, as they generally offer more online and distance learning options, to make going back to school easier.
An educated nurse is a powerful player in the healthcare team, and we are here to help you find the best nursing schools available.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in DE
Enrolling in an RN to BSN program requires an active RN license, official transcripts from a diploma or Associate Degree program and a GPA of 2.5. All basic level nursing courses must be completed before you can begin taking the BSN nursing courses, but you most likely have these already completed. There may be general education courses such as English and Speech that you have not yet completed, but most nursing schools in Delaware will allow you to complete these alongside your nursing classes.
Delaware RN to BSN programs typically strive to enhance your critical thinking skills and advance your clinical judgment to meet the new demands of technology, the evolution of healthcare and the needs of an ever-aging population. Many of the clinical aspects of RN to BSN courses focus on the diverse health issues within the community.
In most RN to Bachelor’s programs, both online and on campus courses are designed for working RNs, and are often arranged so you can continue working part-time or full-time while in school. The length of the programs vary between colleges, but part-time attendance is usually available. Clinical requirements for online courses and even those in campus settings are usually less than what was needed to obtain your RN. They will focus on community and population based nursing for the most part.
Much of the nursing curriculum in RN to BSN programs is similar between nursing schools in Delaware. Some of the most common courses include:
- Pathophysiology
- Critical Issues in Health Care
- Wellness and Health Assessment
- Research Concepts in Health Care
- Topics in Healthcare Delivery (includes UD Multicultural Requirement)
- Leadership and Management in Health Organizations
- Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Practicum
If you are seeking to earn your BSN in Delaware, you are fortunate, as there are several hospitals that offer tuition reimbursement as well as child care centers for RNs enrolled in BSN programs. This reflects the willingness of both employers and schools to facilitate nursing higher education in the state, and may be the result of strategic partnerships between these entities.
Careers for RN to BSN Graduates in Delaware
Delaware’s nursing shortage continues to persist and is a result of multiple factors, including a lack of nurse educators and clinical sites for education (Delaware Medical Journal, 2007). As a Bachelor’s prepared nurse, you may be able to serve as an adjunct clinical instructor in some ADN programs, helping to alleviate one of the causes of the shortage.
As a Bachelor’s prepared nurse, you may also be eligible for positions within organizations such as the Delaware Healthcare Commission, the Board of Nursing, and other groups dedicated to studying trends and implementing strategies to alleviate the nursing shortage. As you advance your education, many non-clinical practice settings become options for employment, where you can make a difference in new and novel ways, advancing the nursing profession through research and administrative tasks, as opposed to providing direct patient care.
According to O*net (2013), there are over 10,000 Registered Nurses in Delaware, earning a median annual income of $69,900, a salary that is higher than the U.S. national average. Variations in salaries occur based on employment setting, experience, and level of education. It is possible, that with a Bachelor’s degree, your earnings could increase, surpassing what you currently earn as an RN.
While financial gain is a potential result of earning your BSN, there are other career benefits that can be had as a result of education. As the nursing profession is called upon to provide expanded services within hospitals, clinics, and community agencies, you will find that your education can help you to adapt to,and succeed in various settings. There are jobs in eldercare, oncology, home healthcare, rehabilitation centers and public health that are best filled by BSN holders.
Healthcare positions can also be found in insurance offices, case management agencies, mental health organizations and even in manufacturing, where occupational nurses are often utilized. Regardless of whether you plan to stay where you are at, or if you plan to take a new position after getting your Bachelor’s degree in nursing, you will likely be more appealing to employers overall.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth rate of at least 26 percent in nursing employment between 2010 and 2020. Having a bachelor’s degree in nursing can open doors to these positions, making your education well worthwhile.
If you have been thinking about expanding your education and your career as a nurse, this is an excellent time to earn a Bachelor’s degree, as it may allow you to take advantage of the many new job opportunities arising in healthcare. For more information, simply submit a request for information to the schools on our list. You will receive program information that can help you to find the best nursing degree program to meet your needs, allowing you to work towards your future goals.
DE Nursing Schools to Consider
- Wilmington University (New Castle, Dover, Georgetown, Cumberland): The RN to BSN program is available through traditional classroom study, online study, or a hybrid of both methods. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. A global health practicum requires 32 hours at a clinical site with a three-hour conference.
- University of Delaware (Newark): The RN to BSN program is largely online, but does require an 80-hour clinical practicum. Other subjects of study include leadership and management in health organizations; topics in health care delivery; and research concepts in health care.
