Seminar methods for RN to BSN students.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Development in Nursing

Background:

• Registered Nurse (RN) students entering Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs often perceive themselves as competent.
• A gap exists in student understanding regarding the baccalaureate degree's foundational role in professional nursing.
• Faculty face challenges in cultivating student appreciation for diverse nursing practice levels and integrating theory and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present effective teaching strategies for RNs in BSN completion programs.
• To enhance student comprehension of professional nursing roles and responsibilities.
• To promote the integration of nursing theory and research into practice.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a seminar series for RNs in a BSN completion program.
• Development and application of three distinct teaching strategies.
• Focus on fostering understanding of professional nursing and the value of BSN education.

Main Results:

• The presented strategies were successfully utilized in the seminar series.
• Increased student understanding of professional nursing roles and responsibilities was observed.
• Enhanced appreciation for the integration of theory and research in nursing practice.

Conclusions:

• Targeted teaching strategies can effectively bridge the understanding gap for RNs in BSN programs.
• Faculty can successfully foster professional role development and research integration through specific educational approaches.
• The seminar series demonstrated a viable model for enhancing the BSN educational experience for practicing nurses.