Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion
(RN to BSN)
Our Program Background Preparation Faculty Job Outlook
Become a BSN Registered Nurse. A registered nurse (RN) treats patients, educates patients and the public about various medical conditions and provides advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record medical histories and help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results. As a registered nurse you will operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. An RN prepared at the BSN level is prepared for leadership, community health, research, and education roles.
Our Program
Your RN to BSN program offers you educational mobility as a registered nurse. We offer you the opportunity to use your prior nursing education and professional experiences to earn advanced leadership roles in your workplace. If you are a registered nurse who has a diploma and a current, valid license, you will receive 36 credit hours towards your BSN.
You may also select three specialty seminars from seven topics to create a personalized course.
In addition, you have the choice between advancing your knowledge about the business side of health care or the role of a patient educator.
Courses are offered throughout the year; fall, spring and summer. We offer you two options to complete this degree: campus-based and online-delivery.
Campus-Based
Most of the BSN courses meet once each week. Your liberal arts and science courses are offered at various times throughout the weekdays and evenings. Online courses are part of the curriculum. A course on caring in a diverse health care environment, applying theory to practice, is included.
Online-Delivery
Several BSN core courses are available online each semester. Complete implementation of the online delivery of the BSN program is planned for Fall 2010. The online delivery of this program allows completion of coursework to be determined by you.
Preceptorships
A preceptor is a health care professional who is recognized as a clinical expert in his/her field. This individual voluntarily assumes the role of teacher, supervisor, facilitator, role model, and evaluator for a selected Mercy BSN nursing student studying a nursing role that is different from the one in which he or she is currently employed. The student and preceptor enter into a contractual agreement that further defines the boundaries and objectives of this preceptorship.
Three courses include preceptorships at regional medical centers or other health care providers within your own community.
Background Preparation
You will need a minimum 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. You will also need a copy of a current, valid license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Iowa or to demonstrate progress toward licensure. If you wish to begin BSN coursework, but have not passed the NCLEX-RN examination, you may take nursing classes for one semester only. You will be granted full admission upon receipt of licensure.
Our BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and has approval of the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Faculty
Our BSN faculty team includes all full-time graduate-prepared faculty. As a student, you will receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction.
Job Outlook
Once you have completed your BSN degree, you will be employable nation wide. Jobs for RNs are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations and many new jobs will result. For more details and statistics about specific roles and job opportunities go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
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