For many registered nurses (RNs), pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can feel out of reach. Balancing demanding work schedules, family responsibilities and the ongoing learning required in healthcare can make further education seem overwhelming.
Recognizing these challenges, Sinclair Community College has created an innovative and highly supportive RN to BSN completion program tailored for working nurses. Launched in spring 2024, this program provides a unique and accessible pathway for RNs to advance their education, improve their leadership skills and expand their career opportunities.
Sinclair’s RN to BSN program offers working professionals the flexibility to pursue their degrees without disrupting their daily lives. In addition to this flexibility, the program fosters a vibrant learning environment enriched by its students’ diverse experiences.
Lynn Jenkins, an Associate Professor and Program Director, shares, “One of the great things about the program is that the students are all coming from very different places. They’re of different ages, different ethnicities, racial groups, and cultural groups. They’re coming from different experiences.” This diversity creates a dynamic classroom atmosphere where students learn from expert faculty and each other, enhancing the educational experience for everyone.
A key feature of the program is its applied learning which incorporates practicum hours and hands-on projects that allow students to translate their theoretical knowledge directly into real-world nursing practice. This approach bridges the gap between classroom learning and the complexities of actual patient care.
For instance, a recent program graduate collaborated with the emergency room team at a local hospital to develop and implement strategies to address staff burnout, a critical issue in the healthcare field. This project perfectly exemplifies the program’s focus on practical problem-solving and its commitment to empowering nurses to make a tangible difference in their workplaces.
“Her part was very important,” Jenkins said. “Very essential to the whole beginning of the program,” highlighting the significant impact students can have even while in the program.
Even in its early stages, the program’s remarkable success is rooted in its unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive and personalized student support. “From the time I meet with all of them, in order to be accepted in the onboarding process, they have to do a one-hour intro meeting with me where I learn about their career goals,” Jenkins said.
This personalized approach ensures that each student’s learning experience is carefully tailored to their aspirations, professional objectives, and unique circumstances. The program also benefits from a strong and productive collaborative partnership with Sinclair’s eLearn division, which provides students access to additional support services and resources, including technical assistance and study skills workshops.
“The faculty has just been amazing to work with. We’ve made some changes based on student feedback,” Jenkins said, highlighting the program’s dedication to continuous improvement and responsiveness to student needs. Faculty members are deeply invested in their student’s success. They cherish the opportunity to be part of their transformative journeys and witness their growth from initial challenges to triumphant graduation, recognizing the invaluable connections forged.
The program actively partners with local healthcare organizations, such as Good Neighbor House, Fidelity health fairs, and the program’s clinical partners, to provide students with a wide range of community nursing experiences. They are also developing partnerships with Montgomery County Public Health and the Hope Center to offer students more diverse clinical experiences and connect them with important community health initiatives.
To aspiring nurses, Jenkins said, “I would advise them to trust themselves, and that if their heart is leading them there, all the rest will follow and to never give up on themselves because they’re worth it.”
These words might resonate deeply with aspiring nurses. Still, they also express a universal and timeless truth: Discovering one’s passion and pursuing it with courage and determination is a journey open to everyone, regardless of background or current circumstances. At Sinclair, this philosophy is central to every program, empowering students to embrace their full potential and achieve their dreams, whatever their chosen field.
Sinclair’s RN to BSN program stands as a powerful testament to the college’s unwavering commitment to advancing nursing professionals and improving healthcare delivery. The program’s supportive, flexible, and accessible structure is making a significant contribution to the evolution of nursing practice and the enhancement of patient care, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
Koena Lizza, Staff Writer