Top 5 Questions Asked by RNs Considering a Bachelor's in Nursing

Answers Reveal How Getting a BSN Makes a Major Difference in an RN's Career

TAMPA, Fla., Oct 20, 2009 -- In today's difficult economy, many job seekers -- and those who are gainfully employed -- are returning to school to increase their chances of landing a job or a promotion. Registered nurses (RNs) are returning to the classroom in record numbers to earn their Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN). Jacksonville University’s popular online RN to BSN program is evidence of this trend.

While JU's program is thriving, many RNs are unfamiliar with online courses or the opportunities available to them with a BSN. Following are their most common questions:

1. Will getting a BSN make a difference in my career?

Nurses with BSN degrees can move from the level of technical to professional nursing practice. A job candidate with a BSN degree will stand out among others. In addition, Magnet status hospitals, which are recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for excellence in their nursing programs and patient care, prefer BSN prepared nurses.

2. What additional skills will I acquire with my BSN?

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2012, more new jobs will be created for RNs than for any other occupation. A BSN degree opens doors to high-demand fields such as critical care, cardiology, dermatology, ob/gyn and oncology. Some employers, especially Magnet facilities, may require a BSN to take on management roles or bedside RN duties.

3. How does the online classroom work?

JUs state-of-the-art online classroom offers extended interaction with faculty and classmates through virtual office hours, faculty-monitored chat rooms, message boards and email. “I have been so impressed with the quality of the online nursing classes at JU and the excellence of the faculty,” said Martha Porinchak, a JU student. “The BSN course work is challenging and well-organized and the two nursing classes I’ve taken have already benefited me in my career. I feel more confident and competent in my professional knowledge and I’m really proud of myself for having the courage to go back to nursing school.”

4. Should I consider a career in teaching?

In addition to the nursing shortage, there is a shortage of nursing teachers. According to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey, nursing schools turned away 32,617 qualified applicants in 2004-2005 due in part to lack of faculty. Holding a BSN in conjunction with a master’s and Ph.D. degree is the gateway to a rewarding teaching career.

5. Does a nurse with a BSN earn more than an RN?

Many employers reward nurses with BSNs. According to a 2007 earning survey in RN magazine, salary increases can range from 50 cents/hour to $3.20/hour. A BSN can also lead to jobs with a specialty pay differential.

For more information about JU's online RN to BSN program, visit http://www.jacksonvilleu.com.

About Jacksonville University
Founded more than 70 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville University has more than 18,000 alumni. JU offers one of the largest online RN to BSN degree programs in the country and is recognized as one of the nation's foremost teaching institutions. The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). JU was named one of "America's Best Colleges" for the sixth consecutive year in 2010 by U.S. News & World Report.

Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
Jacksonville University Online/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.jacksonvilleu.com

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Online Degree Resources

Information You Can Use When Choosing the Right Online Degree

Choosing an online degree can be a little overwhelming. Between deciding on a university, finding financial aid and committing to a discipline – you’ll find endless options, some of which are best avoided. That’s why we created this online degree resource page. We hope you find these articles useful in making an informed decision about your education. Check back often for the latest information regarding online degrees as we’re continually adding new resources.

Online Degree Resources
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Pursuing higher education is a noble pursuit and one that has been consistently proven to positively affect career success. But be sure to do your homework before choosing the right online degree plan. Not all degrees are created equal.

Florida Tech is an accredited university offering a variety of high-demand online degree programs. Our associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees will ensure you’re ready for today’s global marketplace.

For more information about Florida Tech’s online degree programs, call 888-352-8324 or click here to request more information.

Villanova University Unveils New Online Government IS Security Program

Master Certificate Prepares Federal Workers to Meet IS Security Certification Requirements and Prevent Cyber Attacks

TAMPA, Fla., October 1, 2009 ─ Villanova University, the leader in online IS security education, is proud to announce the launch of a new government security training program, the Master Certificate in Information Security Management – Government. This 100% online, three-course track helps government workers prepare for mandatory certification by imparting the latest security practices and principles. Featuring Advanced Information Assurance and Security – Government, a robust new course focusing on critical IS security issues, this master certificate program is a complete government solution.

The threat of cyber-terrorism is one of the greatest security concerns of the 21st century. Critical systems that keep the United States secure and operating smoothly are still not adequately protected within many government agencies. These vulnerabilities have led the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Department of Defense (DoD) and other important agencies to implement rigid new compliance requirements for security training at the organizational and/or individual level.

For example, DoD Directive 8570.1 mandates all employees and contractors performing information assurance functions to obtain a commercial information security credential. Villanova’s new master certificate satisfies this directive by giving government workers the essential tools to protect information and information systems, address specific security issues, and implement all skill areas contained in the latest CompTIA Security+™ (2008 Edition), CISSP® and SSCP® bodies of knowledge.

The Villanova program also prepares government workers for CAP® certification, which satisfies Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requirements. Further, it supports CNSS National Standards 4011 and 4012, which pertain to intelligence activities, military command and control, and other vital issues impacting national security.

“Recent attacks on government websites in the United States and other countries have underscored the need for up-to-date information assurance training,” explained Villanova instructor Michael Gregg. “Our Master Certificate in Information Security Management – Government provides government workers with the essential foundation for required IT security certifications like CISSP®, SSCP® and CAP®.”

About Villanova University
Founded in 1842, Villanova University is the worldwide leader in professional education online. A traditional, accredited university located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, it has more than 94,000 alumni, NCAA Division I athletic teams, unparalleled academic and technical support, and an outstanding faculty – over 90% of whom hold the highest degrees in their field. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Villanova #1 University in the North (Master’s Division) for more than a decade.

About University Alliance Online

The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments – making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.
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