A National Survey of RN-to-BSN Programs: Are They Reaching Rural Students?

Abstract

Background: Increased representation of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)–prepared nurses improves health and reduces costs. Fewer rural U.S. nurses have BSN degrees compared with the national average. RN-to-BSN programs provide an opportunity to increase the number of BSN-prepared rural nurses. However, the number of these programs targeting rural students is unknown. Method: Directors of RN-to-BSN programs were surveyed regarding program characteristics and efforts to target rural learners. Using mail and online return options, the response rate was 31.3%. Results: Only 38% of programs targeted rural RNs for recruitment. Supports for rural student recruitment and retention, including partnerships with community colleges, rural clinical placements, and online offerings, were limited in number and/or scope. Conclusion: RN-to-BSN programs with the capacity to recruit and retain rural learners may help increase the number of BSN-prepared rural nurses. Increased collaboration among stakeholders will support rural nurses in continuing their education. [ J Nurs Educ . 2020;59(10):557–565.]

Competency‐based nursing: Reducing cost while maintaining or improving quality

“…The average time to complete RN to BSN is 2.63 years part time with a range from nine to sixty months (Merrell et al., 2020), and a traditional BSN generally takes 4 years. For a working nurse who has a plethora of other responsibilities, committing to over 2 years of education is a daunting task.…”