Nursing

Getting a BSN: Overcoming Obstacles You May Face

NursingNovember 13, 2013

Every person who pursues a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree faces struggles. These struggles may relate to problems such as a lack of time, money, or support. Here are some common issues that occur when getting a BSN and ways to resolve them.

No Clear Plan

  • Problem: You are eager to get a nursing degree, and you think that a BSN is the best way to go about it because you want to attend a college or university. Yet, you're entirely lost on where to start. 
  • Resolution: Make a list of everything. Which schools are you considering? What are the enrollment requirements? How much are the costs at each school? Weigh the pros and cons of each institution and make the right decisions before you start your degree path.

Lack of Schooling

  • Problem: Perhaps you've known you always wanted to be a nurse since you were young or maybe you only recently discovered your desire to work in health care. Either way, if you don't have a high school diploma or the qualifications to enroll in a university, this could hinder your progress in getting your BSN.
  • Resolution: The first step in obtaining a BSN is to earn a high school diploma or your GED. For many schools, this is the biggest step. Once you've accomplished this, you can take the standardized tests appropriate to the schools in which you want to enroll.

Lack of Time

  • Problem: You have a family, a job and one hundred other responsibilities. How can you possibly do all these things and complete a BSN?
  • Resolution: The easiest way to complete a BSN when you have many responsibilities is to complete your studies in a part-time program. This way you can balance work, life responsibilities and school. Although it isn't easy and extends the time frame of your degree, it means that you can more easily juggle everything you need to do.

Lack of Financial Resources

  • Problem: Once you enroll in school and manage your time commitments, the biggest issue preventing you from getting a BSN is a lack of money. How do you find funding for a BSN while studying?
  • Resolution: All BSN programs involve intensive science classes, including anatomy, microbiology, chemistry and nutrition. These classes tend to be large time commitments that prevent students from working when studying full-time. Choosing a school that gives you the federal aid, scholarships and work-study opportunities can make getting a BSN substantially easier. 

Lack of Support

  • Problem: Even if you've managed to make all the right choices when it comes to getting your BSN, you may still face a lack of support systems in your life, especially if you have an absent nursing adviser at your school.
  • Resolution: The best solution is to be proactive. If you have an absent nursing adviser and are confused about the job opportunities that await you after graduation, try looking at the pages for the American Nurse Association and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These resources can offer much of the same information that would be provided by a nursing adviser as well as give you a look into the type of coursework and salaries that may be expected.

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

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