To the class of 2016 Associate of Science in Nursing graduates, we’d like to send congratulations to you on your graduation! We know you’ve dealt with long hours of studying, clinical practice, balancing work, family and everything else that goes along with becoming an RN to achieve this goal.  Now as you finally take a breath and have a few moments to yourself, have you thought about what you are going to do next?  This is the best time to consider continuing your education because you don’t want to lose all of your motivation, but where do you start? We know you’re busy applying for nursing positions so we’ll keep it brief, here are the first 3 steps you should complete when considering continuing your Nursing education.

1.  Research RN to BS in Nursing programs.  Ask yourself:

• Are you looking to continue your studies on campus or online?
• Would you like to go to a school close to home?
• Will you be working and going to school at the same time and if so does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?  

As you research RN to BSN programs, be sure to review course schedules to see if the class meetings and method of instruction meet your needs. Looking for a flexible program to meet your new work schedule? Look at Fitchburg State’s RN to BS in Nursing (Online) program, which is designed to prepare professional nurses capable of meeting societal healthcare needs in a variety of settings. If you’re new to the world of online learning, check out Fitchburg State’s online course demo to get a feel for this learning style.

2.  Submit your application and FAFSA.
Admission into RN to BS in Nursing programs can be competitive. Be sure to submit an application early to meet application deadlines. Some programs require a current RN license in good standing, confirm the application requirements with each school as you continue your research. Thinking about financial aid? Submit your FAFSA when you start your RN to BS in Nursing application. Fitchburg State’s school code is 002184.

3.  Update your resume or CV.
Include your date of graduation and GPA. Earned any additional honors and awards or joined a Nursing Honor Society? Add those new credentials to your resume to highlight your accomplishments.

From one RN to another
The process of applying for your BSN while making the transition to RN can be overwhelming. Sarah Blood, RN, MSN Coordinator of the RN to BS in Nursing program, and Fitchburg State BSN graduate provides some additional advice on making the transition from ASN graduate to professional RN:

"As you make the transition from student to new graduate, you will not know everything.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to take every learning opportunity you can get ahold of. Know who your good resources are. It is important to build a good relationship with your fellow co-workers, they are a wealth of knowledge and are your teammates. In a year from now look back on the relationships you have built and on your experiences and you will be amazed at how much more you learned and how every opportunity helps clarify information and teach you something you might not have known. Lastly, take the time to de-stress. It is very important to remember and take some “me” time and recharge your batteries."

When you get frustrated or discouraged, don’t give up on yourself or the profession. Being a novice is difficult and a huge change, but with hard work and dedication your BSN degree is right at your fingertips, don’t let it slip away. Learn from experts in the field about a program that is ranked among the 2014 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report. 

Attend the August 9th information session to learn more about the RN to BS in Nursing (Online) program or reach out today gce@fitchburgstate.edu.

Thank you to Sarah Blood and Amber Deschenes for contributing to this post.