RN to BSN--advice on returning to school

Registered nurses who return to school to pursue a bachelor's degree face many challenges, including scheduling, family, and financial concerns. Despite these issues, RNs with an associate's degree or diploma are among the fastest growing groups of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students. Nurses return to school for personal satisfaction, to fulfill requirements for certification or graduate school, and to advance their careers and improve practice. A group of students enrolled in an RN to BSN program were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the difficulties and rewards of returning to school. This article shares their insights and advice for other RNs wishing to pursue a BSN. AORN J 77 (March 2003) 598-608.