If you’re a working nurse hoping to earn an advanced degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you may be considering completing your nursing degree online while working in the field.
Flexible, online nursing programs are designed to meet the needs of working nurses while preparing them to thrive in the workplace.
Though pursuing a degree while working in the field can be challenging, there are many advantages:
1. You Can Pursue Your Career Goals While Meeting the Demands of Your Life
Online nursing programs like those at Granite State College give you the flexibility to earn your degree while balancing the demands of your everyday life.
Complete your work on your own time. Maybe the best time for you to get your work done is in the evening after the kids are in bed. Perhaps you have some time on the weekends. You can tailor your class schedule to fit around your busy life.
2. You’ll Immediately Apply What You’re Learning to Your Work
Earning your degree while working in the field gives you the unique opportunity to use what you learn in real-time. You’ll immediately see the impact of your education as you apply new techniques and critical thinking skills in the workplace, earning the recognition of your colleagues and supervisors.
You’ll also feel the confidence that comes with bringing your work experience into class discussion as faculty call on your input to enhance the learning experience.
3. You’ll Learn Just as Much from Your Classmates as You Will from Faculty
Nursing and healthcare faculty members have diverse experiences in many nursing settings. They are highly qualified educators who support students as mentors in the classroom and as practitioners in the field.
Faculty-led discussions in nursing classes provide the opportunity for students to share knowledge with one another, too. You’ll offer and receive insight into different clinical models, interdisciplinary approaches, management philosophies, and organizational structures.
4. You’ll Expand Your Professional Network, Which Could Lead to New Career Opportunities
While you learn, you’ll network with others who share a passion for patient care and the healthcare field. Your classmates’ professional experience may spark an interest in a new area of practice you had never been exposed to before.
Beyond the informal network of nurses and other healthcare workers in your courses, you’ll also have access to professional career services support. A career advisor at Granite State College can help you prepare for the job search to ensure you land in the right practice environment for you.
Why Granite State College?
Granite State College students are just like you: they’re adult learners who are balancing responsibilities at work and home while making progress toward their career goals.
Our programs are built by nurses for nurses and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Our faculty are experienced nurses who have been in your shoes. They understand all you’re managing and will support you along the way as you complete your degree efficiently.
“Nursing opportunities are endless, and I want to be prepared to enter into any opportunity that arises without limitations due to education. Obtaining my bachelor’s degree is the best way to support my career goals and the online format allows great flexibility for working nurses,” said Sara Ballard, a current Granite State College BSN student.