Nebraska RN to BSN Bridge Programs
Nebraska hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices, particularly those in rural areas, are suffering from the nursing shortage. It is increasingly important, then, that the nurses that work in the state be as highly educated as possible, to ensure for safer and more effective patient care, despite the nurse vacancies. Fortunately, nursing schools in Nebraska have responded to this concern by making RN to BSN bridge programs a common option in the state.
In response to calls for more Baccalaureate prepared nurses, many Nebraska hospital systems have also responded, and are now offering recruitment bonuses for BSNs and tuition reimbursement for current employees that choose to return to school. If you are ready to join the growing number of RNs that are expanding their nursing education by enrolling in RN to BSN nursing programs in NE, you have found the right resource.
At BestNursingDegree.com, we have taken the time to create a full listing of all the RN to BSN programs available to NE nurses, saving you time while you search for schools. Our featured schools often offer distance and online options for earning your Bachelor’s degree, which can make getting a higher degree more flexible and feasible for many working nurses, especially those with families. Simply request information from the schools that you are interested in, review the program materials, and make a well informed decision about how to best further your nursing education, and ultimately, your career.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in Nebraska
Registered Nurses have several options for RN to BSN nursing programs in Nebraska, administered by both state and private universities. On campus programs can be part-time or full-time, and there are several online BSN programs to choose from as well. The online programs are a good option if you are a for the working nurse or have significant family obligations. The BSN programs meet the challenges of today’s nursing practice in regards to technology and research advances, and they addresses the complex nature of care for our nation’s aging population.
Requirements to enter an RN to BSN program in Nebraska vary slightly between universities, but a valid RN license is always required. You must also have graduated from an accredited facility with a GPA of 2.5 or above.
Required prerequisite courses include those in science and liberal arts, typically totalling around 60 credits. You have probably met the majority of these credits in your Associate’s degree program, but it is important to determine which credits transfer. Some universities will allow RNs with clinical experience to apply for portfolio validation for some portions of the clinical requirements in an RN to BSN program. Contact the Nebraska nursing schools on this page to learn more about what may already apply to your Bachelor’s degree.
The nursing courses in Nebraska RN to BSN programs include some of the following topics:
- Health Assessment & Promotion
- Pathophysiology Basis of Alteration in Health
- Evidence-based Nursing Practice & Research
- Community Health Nursing
- Health Policy & Issues
- Nursing Management strategies
- Transcultural Nursing
In addition to the above courses, most nursing schools in Nebraska offer special courses of interest, such as Gerontological Studies, Healthcare Management, Forensic Nursing and Theories and Application in Nursing Informatics. Opportunities for BSN nurses expand into many areas of healthcare, and a salary increase can result as well.
Careers for RN to BSN Graduates in Nebraska
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses in Nebraska earn on average $56,920 annually. This mean average covers medical and surgical nurses, home healthcare positions and psychiatric and substance abuse hospital positions. Physician’s offices tend to pay slightly less; however, many nurses enjoy the Monday to Friday daylight work hours. Outpatient care centers and specialty hospitals tend to have slightly higher wages as well as weekday hours.
A RN with a Bachelor’s degree can often find opportunities as case managers in home health, the Visiting Nurse Association, in occupational healthcare and Hospice. Available hospital jobs for BSN prepared nurses include positions in management, utilization review, case auditors, wound care specialists and nursing educators.
Additionally, other job possibilities may include working at an insurance company, for the Nebraska Health & Human Services Department, as an occupational nurse in industry and as a home healthcare administrator. Regardless of the career path you choose, obtaining your BSN from one of the nursing schools in Nebraska that offer it is a great idea. Request information from the schools on this page, and begin learning more about RN to BSN nursing programs in NE.
Nursing Programs to Consider in Nebraska
- Clarkson College (Omaha): Clarkson’s RN to BSN program is largely online, although classes are also offered at the campus. The program may be completed at a full-time or part-time pace. Clinical work may be completed at the student’s workplace with faculty approval. Clinical classes include advanced population health, and principals of nursing leadership and management.
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha): Courses are online and available at the student’s convenience, while others are presented at set times. Students are admitted in August. The program may be completed full-time in about a year or may take up to three years part-time. Clinical requirements in community health can be met in or near the student’s home.
- Union College (Lincoln): Students may progress on a full-time or part-time basis, but the program must be completed within six years. Upper level nursing classes in physical assessment and pathophysiology must be taken at Union College. Six hours of religious education and two hours of physical education are part of the RN to BSN curriculum at Union.
