Florida RN to BSN Bridge Programs
As a working registered nurse, you know the value of education. Earning a BSN may benefit your patients and help you expand your career options, particularly as Florida’s population continues to grow. Keep reading to find out what you can learn in an RN to BSN program and what your job prospects may be like. On this page, find out how you can provide more evidence-based care to patients by becoming a baccalaureate nurse. If you’re ready to get the ball rolling, contact Florida RN to BSN programs using our list of schools.
Nursing is a unique profession that requires a broad scope of practice and a wide knowledge base. Nursing practice encompasses all of the variables that affect health and wellness, and Florida nurses are well aware of the multifactorial influences cultural and social issues have on health.
In order to provide Florida residents with the best care possible, you must be prepared to provide expert nursing services, contribute to the current transformation of health prevention services, help define new nursing roles and ensure you are prepared for greater responsibilities in healthcare. With an RN to BSN program that builds on your existing knowledge, you can meet today’s nursing challenges head on.
Nursing schools in Florida offer several RN to BSN programs, both online and on campus. Compare traditional programs with online nursing programs in Florida to make sure you choose one that helps you move ahead without putting your nursing career on hold. Request information from the schools below to find out which nursing programs in Florida might be best for you!
According to the Florida Division of Medical Quality Assurance (2017), about 295,908 licensed RNs were active in the state in 2016, while about 43,916 RNs received their initial licensure last year (2017). Despite these figures, the Florida Center for Nursing estimates 12,493 RN positions remain vacant in the state as of Jan. 2016 – the most recent figures state (2017). The RN shortage is expected to worsen, the Center predicts, with an estimated additional 50,000 full-time RNs needed in Florida by 2025.
Factors for the shortage include an increase in retiring nurses, an aging population, and in the expansion of services to millions of citizen nationwide as a result of healthcare reform. Additional factors include insufficient clinical sites and nursing faculty for nursing students. Nursing schools in Florida have responded to these trends by making RN to BSN bridge programs more accessible.
Many of the RN to BSN programs in Florida combine online learning with tradition classroom based learning. Online nursing programs in Florida make it possible for working nurses like you to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing without placing undue strain upon your other responsibilities. To learn more, please contact the schools above that offer BSN programs in Florida.
In Florida, many hospitals are urging their nurses to earn their BSN, and may even be willing to help with costs in some cases. Employers understand a knowledgeable and skilled nursing staff will have a positive impact on patient outcomes. Why not join the already 39 percent of nurses in the state with a Bachelor’s degree? It could be the best next step in solidifying your career and helping the profession overall.
The Transitional RN to BSN Program
The typical RN to BSN program curriculum focuses on theory-based concepts and the provision of high level nursing services for individuals, families and communities. Critical thinking skills are expanded with specialized course work in research, evidence-based practice and leadership models.
Courses that may be required to complete both ground based and online RN to BSN nursing programs in FL may include the following:
- Professional nursing role transitions and management strategies
- Advanced health assessment and evaluation skills
- Healthcare for diverse populations and communities
- Care of clients with chronic health conditions
- Nursing diagnostics and reasoning
- Psychology, sociology and microbiology
You can typically plan to complete an RNtoBSN bridge or accelerated program in approximately 14 to 18 months of full-time classes. Pre-requisites are added towards your BSN degree in addition to the possible 60 credits for your ADN for a total of approximately 125 credits. The clinical practicum may be completed in 12 weeks as part of a full-time class schedule. Many RNtoBSN online programs in Florida even offer clinical sites that are flexible in nature, allowing you to design a clinical experience that works for you.
Opportunities for Baccalaureate RNs in Florida
Florida nurses deal with an older population that present multifaceted problems and complications. Florida has one of the oldest median populations in the U.S., meaning that the “greying of the population” is a reality for Florida healthcare providers. Chronic conditions, multi-systems health management and gerontological issues will be of primary concern in the future. Expanding your education now can help!
As an RN, you are currently faced with a transformation in healthcare delivery that may challenge bedside nursing, nurse management and lead to the creation of new policies. Simply put, Baccalaureate prepared nurses are needed to meet these needs. Take advantage of the nursing schools in Florida that can help you prepare yourself and your practice to face these challenges head on by going back to school.
As a result of completing one of the RN to BSN programs in Florida, you may be able to position yourself into one of these BSN positions:
- The Mayo Clinic typically trains those with BSNs in Oncology, neurology and other specialty areas
- Sarasota Memorial Hospital, a Magnet® facility in Florida, has a staff of RNs with at least 30 percent of BSNs
- Home health nursing is an expanding field in Florida with a numerous homebound and recovering patient population that offers greater independence for nurses with BSNs
- Nemours is a research hospital that trains BSN nurses in oncology and hematology
- Numerous community colleges and private educational institutions require baccalaureate prepared nurses to teach the ADN program for new and transitional students
- Utilization RNs are required to review healthcare procedures for outcomes and effectiveness
The Outlook for BSN Prepared Nurses in Florida
As with most states, RNs in Florida are experiencing a transformation related to recent legislation proposed to require RNs to complete a BSN within 10 years of graduation. Although most ADN nurses are not expected to comply with the new suggested regulations, specialty areas and advanced practice opportunities may be prohibitive in the future, which makes furthering your education important.
Contact the schools on this page to learn about nursing programs in Florida that offer RNtoBSN programs today!
Nursing Schools in Florida & Programs to consider:
- Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton). The FAU RN to BSN program is also offered at Port St. Lucie and Davie. Courses are available fully online, through classroom attendance with some videoconferencing, or a combination. A minimum of 110 hours of contact hours at one of the clinical affiliates throughout the state is required to fulfill the nursing practicum.
- Florida International University (Miami). FIU’s RN to BSN program can be taken online. Of the required 120 credits, 60 lower division credits may be transferred, 30 clinical credits may be challenged by exam, and 30 credits must be received from FIU. Students must complete a clinical practicum for graduation. The program may be completed in one year of full-time study.
- Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami Kendall, Orlando). Nova’s program is offered through an online track, or a combination track of online and on-site courses available at the campuses listed above. A student can complete the program in 18 months (five terms), depending on the number of semester hours taken each term.
