RN to BSN

Nurses routinely encourage their patients to adopt healthy lifestyle choices, but they are involved in promoting quality of life and wellness within entire communities, too. Commonly referred to as “community health nursing,” this growing specialty seeks to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families living in a specific geographic area.

Why Is Community Health Promotion Important?

While community members have shared similarities that contribute to their overall health statuses, such as limited access to primary care or poor air quality, they also have varying risk profiles based on their individual genetic factors, lifestyles, and environments. Community health nurses aim to proactively identify these shared and individual risk factors before illness and disease take hold and then implement targeted preventive care strategies.

Because community health nurses work solely with residents of a defined geographic area, they can catch issues and concerns much earlier and customize screening and educational programs to assist those most in need. Through frequent monitoring and engagement, nurses provide patients — who typically have limited access to critical services — an opportunity to receive timely care, improve their health, and diminish the potential for developing long-term complications and comorbidities. Early interventions also reduce future strain on hospitals and healthcare providers.

Although at-risk populations vary depending on the location, community-based nursing is typically most beneficial for individuals and families of lower socioeconomic statuses and those who lack access to transportation, social support systems, and healthcare infrastructure. Such populations may include those who are unable to advocate for themselves, perhaps due to illness, condition, or age, as well as individuals at increased risk because of their behaviors or lifestyles, such as:

• Children and infants
• Pregnant women
• Elderly individuals
• People experiencing homelessness
• Users of tobacco and e-cigarettes

What Do Community Health Nurses Do?

As an integral component of the public health system, community health nurses help identify issues affecting residents and, in response, coordinate interventions and treatments to address and prevent those issues. They advocate for underserved and vulnerable populations and are actively involved in managing public health crises.

Some of their primary duties include:

• Monitoring trends and risks. Nurses monitor public health and social and behavioral data to identify emerging trends and risk factors affecting a community.
• Establishing initiatives. Based on these findings, nurses establish initiatives and programs to address, minimize, and prevent the impact of at-risk behaviors and prominent health trends.
• Conducting screenings. They regularly conduct free or low-cost health screenings and hold immunization clinics. These interactions with the public offer another point of data collection to monitor the success of interventions and track developing trends.
• Providing education. A significant role of community-based nursing involves providing health education to the public. This includes general discussions about disease management and prevention as well as specific issues affecting the community, such as the importance of childhood vaccinations, coping with opiate addiction, and managing mental health. Nurses may distribute informational flyers, hand out medical supplies, or speak at schools, workplaces, and community centers.

How Do You Become a Community Health Nurse?

Nurses interested in this specialty must understand how factors like cultural and spiritual preferences, values, and socioeconomic status affect the distribution of healthcare. A Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is a significant first step, as it offers relevant coursework in community-based nursing and health promotion strategies. While certification isn’t necessary, nurses who graduate from such a program and obtain five years of public health experience are eligible to pursue the Certification of Public Health (CPH) offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).

Community health nurses are invaluable to cities and towns throughout the nation. By tracking trends, identifying vulnerable and at-risk populations, and developing screening programs and educational content, they promote health and equal access to care for all residents.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• American Nurses Association: Public Health Nursing
• EveryNurse: What Is a Community Health Nurse?
• National Board of Public Health Examiners: Credentialing Public Health Leaders

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach to healthcare that utilizes the most current research available to improve the health and safety of patients while reducing overall costs and variation in health outcomes, according to the Journal of Nursing Administration. It is applied problem-solving, combining best practices from the latest medical literature with clinical experience and the patient’s values and preferences under treatment.

Although EBP has only recently found widespread integration in modern nursing practice, starting in the 1990s, its roots run deep in nursing history. While most of the literature credits physician Archie Cochrane in the 1970s as the originator of EBP, then called evidence-based medicine, some nurse researchers trace it back to Florence Nightingale. In the 1800s, her effort to improve patient outcomes in the face of unsanitary conditions by employing accurate observation and analysis is often considered the first example of EBP.

While supervising the barrack hospital in Scutari, Turkey, during the Crimean War, Nightingale applied critical thinking skills, evidence, and experimentation to improve patient health. She also used statistics to better anticipate morbidity and mortality in her patients. Although she lacked the wealth of research we have today, she was nevertheless a trailblazer for EBP in nursing.

The common heritage that all nurses share, dating back to Nightingale, is a natural fit for EBP. Nurses considering an online RN to BSN should ensure the program they choose includes EBP as an essential part of the curriculum.

Why Is EBP Important?

Researchers at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) developed three principles to improve individual healthcare and the health of populations while reducing the overall cost of care. The “Triple Aim,” as it is called, became a priority for the United States with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. The Triple Aim is defined as “improving the individual experience of care, improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita costs of care for populations.” A fourth aim, to reduce burnout and improve the clinical experiences of nurses, has since been added.

Research consistently demonstrates that EBP improves the delivery of healthcare, strengthens outcomes, diminishes geographical differences in care, and cuts costs. Employing EBP has been found to increase overall job satisfaction, reducing burnout.

Despite its efficacy in meeting the Triple and Quadruple Aims, EBP is only gradually becoming the standard of care in the United States. Given its proven ability to greatly improve the quality of care while simultaneously reducing costs, it is critical to advance the adoption of EBP. Armed with the necessary knowledge and skills, nurses can be integral to EBP implementation as members of interdisciplinary teams and healthcare systems.

What Does EBP Mean for Nurses?

As an empowering approach to care, EBP gives nurses the tools they need to become change agents for improved healthcare outcomes. Embodying an ethic of problem-solving and inquiry, it begins with observation and the formulation of a question. It continues through the studious pursuit of an answer through research and integration into care and, ideally, results in improved conditions and outcomes, both locally and globally, as the findings are shared.

Nurses employing EBP become the nexus between a wealth of medical research and practical experience on the ground. They can standardize care, decrease medical errors, and bring positive change to their patients, their communities, and the world.

Ultimately, EBP gives nurses the opportunity to take a more active role in shaping the practice of nursing in concert with other healthcare professionals and clinicians. It means living up to the example that Nightingale set and creating a better healthcare system from the inside.

Many non-EBP practices continue despite the lack of solid research to back them up. Based on tradition rather than evidence, many such interventions and protocols are counter-productive at best and actively harmful at worst. EBP offers a path away from increased costs, subpar care, and unsatisfactory results. Ensuring nurses have the confidence and competence to evaluate medical literature and the judgment necessary to compose and carry out a trial is an essential aspect of the RN to BSN online program at the University of Maine Fort Kent (UMFK).

Healthcare is changing, and those who can navigate the demands of EBP will be positioned to facilitate that change in their own practice. Armed with your BSN, you are taking the first step to worldwide improvements in healthcare through evidence-based practices.

Learn more about the UMFK online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• Journal of Nursing Administration: Promoting Evidence-Based Practice Through a Research Training Program for Point-of-Care Clinicians
• Journal of Professional Nursing: The History of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Education and Practice
• Milbank Quarterly: Pursuing the Triple Aim: The First 7 Years
• Reflections on Nursing Leadership: Improving Healthcare Quality, Patient Outcomes, and Costs with Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Care for Women International: Evidence-Based Practice in the United States: Challenges, Progress, and Future Directions
• Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing: Evidence-Based Practice: Are We Getting There?
• International Journal of Childbirth Education: Origins of Evidence-Based Practice and What It Means for Nurses

Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment from achieving a milestone in life. Behind the exhilaration of the moment and the excitement over the possibilities that now lay open is the effort that went into the realization of your hard-won goal.

As you begin an online RN to BSN program, or if you are considering it, take a moment to think about the accomplishments to come. There will be challenges, but persistence and hard work will pay off for you both personally and professionally.

The Professional Benefits

There are many professional benefits of a BSN, according to Nurse Journal. To begin with, there is a substantial difference in pay, with an ADN-prepared RN making an average of $69,000 a year and a BSN-prepared nurse making an average of $83,000, reports PayScale (March 2020).

Undoubtedly, some of this difference in pay may be attributed to the greater career options with higher pay open to nurses with a BSN. On top of the clinical skills, you will gain the critical thinking and communication skills — and the required bachelor’s degree — that will help you in graduate school and beyond should you decide to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, administrator, or teacher.

A BSN is becoming a requirement for nursing jobs. For hospitals seeking Magnet recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the education level of their nurses is an important consideration when hiring. And, of course, having a BSN makes you eligible to pursue specialties such as pediatrics, surgery, oncology, and more.

Perhaps the greatest professional benefit is what it does for you in your practice. Extensive research shows that nurses with a BSN have better outcomes with patients under their care. Their greater aptitude for making the right treatment choices means their patients have lower mortality rates.

The Personal Benefits

Aside from a sense of pride, other deeply personal benefits come from earning your BSN.

Pursuing a BSN puts you into contact with other nurses across the United States, all at different stages of their careers, from different backgrounds — all as passionate about nursing as you are. The value of that sense of community can’t be overstated. You have a lot to learn from and share with your fellow students, which will give you a greater perspective on your own practice. And more importantly, you will know that you are not alone.

Applying to an RN to BSN program may reignite your passion for learning. You can better hone your ability to synthesize new information, form opinions, and express your newfound knowledge. The confidence this gives you can flow into your practice, making you a more capable professional.

The general studies courses — a requirement of the BSN degree — can make you a more well-rounded individual who is empathetic and capable of critical thinking. Your instructors and cohort will likely expand your knowledge base, deepening your appreciation for cultural differences and the individual journeys of those you treat.

The Benefits for Your Family

Completing an RN to BSN degree program while working and raising a family can seem daunting. But the long-term benefits outweigh the relatively short-term stress and strain. Indeed, the professional benefits can put you in a better position to provide an improved life for your family. Undoubtedly, becoming a better you through personal gains will likewise benefit those nearest and dearest to you.

There are still other ways your family benefits from your pursuit and completion of an RN to BSN program. The National Center for Education Statistics published a study that shows the positive impact a parent attending college has on their offspring. The children tackle more challenging courses in high school and are far more likely to go to college themselves. Children of parents with a bachelor’s degree themselves go on to graduate with a bachelor’s of their own 93% of the time.

As difficult as it can be to manage the current demands on your time, an online RN to BSN program like the one offered by the University of Maine Fort Kent puts the degree within your grasp. Designed with working nurses in mind, it is delivered online through seven-week-long courses to suit anyone’s schedule.

When you come to the end of the journey and reflect upon the hard work and dedication you put into earning your BSN, you’ll reflect on this moment and know you made the right decision.

Learn more about the UMFK online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• Nurse Journal: Top 9 Advantages of a BSN Degree
• National Center for Education Statistics: First-Generation Students: College Access, Persistence, and Postbachelor’s Outcomes
• SI News: Parents’ Education Levels Affect Children’s Likelihood to Attend College
• PayScale: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Degree
• PayScale: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree

The growth rate of jobs for registered nurses (RN) is projected to be more than double that of all other professions in the United States from 2018-2028, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Opportunities abound for RNs, making nursing a prime career choice.

There are generally three approaches to becoming an RN, according to Nurse Journal: an RN diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN). The benefits of a BSN are many and various. Higher pay and more career options are the most immediate, material benefits.

One less tangible benefit deserves focus, as it is tied to the necessities and realities of pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Unlike a would-be nurse pursuing a nursing diploma or ADN, the aspiring BSN-prepared nurse must take certain general education courses on top of the nursing-specific courses.

The Benefit of General Education Courses

The nursing core curriculum in the RN to BSN online at the University of Maine Fort Kent (UMFK) consists of 30 credit hours. Students may be able to transfer prior learning credits from their associate degree to meet the 120-credit-hour requirement for a BSN. In addition to the allowed transfer credits and credit hour requirements specific to nursing, students must also complete general education credits that may be missing in such areas as literature, history, and English composition.

What might general education courses offer for a highly technical and science-heavy career like nursing? General education helps develop soft skills — the ability to rapidly apply critical thinking and clearly communicate clinical decisions to patients, their families, and other members of the care team. BSN programs produce nurses who can handle not only illnesses but also the complex interpersonal and cultural issues that patients present.

The study of general education subjects, which include the arts, history, and language, increases overall understanding and capacity for empathy for others. By inducing thoughtful consideration of the whole human experience through a study of the humanities, the nurse gains a broader base of experience to draw from in their practice.

In short, general education courses make the nurse a more well-rounded and capable professional with the knowledge and experience to tackle various challenges outside of the specific technical demands of nursing. It fosters a holistic approach to problem-solving and the communication skills to connect with others effectively.

Setting the Foundation for a Lifetime

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing points out that a BSN degree provides a solid foundation for nurses at the beginning of their practice and for future advancement in their careers and academic lives. Moreover, a BSN is required to pursue degrees at the graduate level, and the increasing complexity of healthcare calls for nurses with strong educational backgrounds.

A BSN degree is an investment in a satisfying, rewarding career with a future full of promise for personal and professional growth. UMFK offers an online RN to BSN degree program for working nurses — a bridge program that acknowledges previous academic experience and allows nurses to complete their BSN conveniently.

Learn more about the UMFK online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses
• Nurse Journal: Top 9 Advantages of a BSN Degree
• GoDanRiver.com: Why Nurses Need Liberal Arts
• Nursing Education Perspectives: Nursing Humanities: Teaching for a Sense of Salience
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Nursing Education Programs: Baccalaureate Education

Nurses at all levels need leadership skills to help team members function better, improving patient care. To succeed in your nursing career, you must demonstrate leadership qualities such as effective communication, motivation, accountability, delegation, and constructive feedback.

1. Effective Communication

Leaders clearly and succinctly articulate their expectations and seek clarification. Perhaps nowhere is it more important to communicate effectively than in healthcare — patients’ lives depend on it!

Are you effectively communicating with your team? A Nurse.com article suggests active listening and a sense of community as ways to improve communication. Are you listening carefully and asking questions? Need structure? Try the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) model to improve your communication technique and patient safety.

2. Motivation

Leaders celebrate successes, cultivate a positive work environment, and inspire their team to be their best. Nursing is stressful — turnover, burnout, and bullying are just a few of the symptoms — so make sure you support and encourage each colleague. Vow not to criticize, complain, or gossip. Look for ways to appreciate someone else or compliment them.

3. Accountability

Leaders take responsibility for both their successes and failures. Emerging RN Leader points out that all nurses are personally accountable for their own actions and their role on the care team. Everyone must work together seamlessly to deliver the best patient care possible. Each member must take responsibility if something goes wrong. So, if a medical error occurs, Duke Global Health Institute suggests considering it an opportunity for improvement in a “safety culture” environment.

4. Delegation

Leaders get to know staff, skill sets, and communication styles by spending time with their team. They need to build a trusting relationship so they can effectively delegate, according to Nurse.com. While some leaders may feel that delegating is a sign of weakness or laziness, it is, in fact, a sign of a strong leader. There’s an old saying, “If your unit or department can run without you, you have done your job.” Leaders (and nurses) who try to take on everything by themselves often struggle to get things done and become overwhelmed, negatively impacting the entire team.

Delegation does not always mean transferring the complete responsibility but instilling trust in a teammate. Jennifer M. Barrow and Sandeep Sharma, authors of Nursing Five Rights of Delegation, suggest knowing and using the five rights of delegation — right tasks, right circumstances, right person, right supervision, right direction along with communication — for effective delegation.

5. Constructive Feedback

Leaders look for opportunities to deliver feedback on their team’s performance. To provide effective feedback, offer specific examples/suggestions without overly praising or criticizing. While feedback like “You did great today!” or “Good job!” may feel good, it does not tell the person why they did well and can make it hard to pinpoint exactly what needs to be repeated in the future.

Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. Focus on the person’s work, not the person themselves. This allows the person to separate their self-esteem from their work, which helps improve confidence and prevent burnout.

Leadership skills can enrich nurses in their current roles while also preparing them for promotion. Many systems reward professional development among staff nurses through a clinical ladder system that includes areas of leadership. When looking to promote nurses to leadership positions (preceptor, charge nurse, or manager), organizations often look for not only technical competency but also professional skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership.

How Can a BSN Help?

While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work as a nurse, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) expands your medical knowledge and enhances your professional skills. Since professional skills are so vital to becoming an effective leader, many healthcare organizations only promote BSN-prepared nurses to leadership roles. An online RN to BSN program can help prepare you for your next leadership role.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• Nurse.com: AONE Leader Describes Characteristics of Good Nurse Manager
• Nurse.org: Nurse Burnout Is Real: 7 Risk Factors and the Top 3 Symptoms
• Nurse.org: Nurse Bullying: Stand Up and Speak Out
• American Nurse: Nine Principles of Successful Nursing Leadership
• The Balance Careers: Important Delegation Skills for Workplace Success
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Academic Progression in Nursing: Moving Together Toward a Highly Educated Nursing Workforce
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement: SBAR Tool: Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation
• Emerging RN Leader: Personal Accountability
• Duke Global Health Institute: Establishing a Safety Culture Is Key to Saving Lives
• StatPearls Publishing: Nursing Five Rights of Delegation

Some may think that bullying stops after high school — it happens to kids, not adults. Unfortunately, more than one-third of the U.S. workforce experiences bullying at some point in their career, according to ICD-10 Monitor. In the field of healthcare, more than 2 million nurses have been a target, witness, or bully, notes Health Workforce Institute. It’s so common that there’s even a saying for it: “Nurses eat their young.” As a nurse, it is up to you to recognize workplace bullying and prevent it in your practice.

What Is Bullying?

The Workplace Bullying Institute defines workplace bullying as “repeated, health-harming mistreatment by one or more employees of an employee: abusive conduct that takes the form of verbal abuse; or behaviors perceived as threatening, intimidating, or humiliating; work sabotage; or in some combination of the above.”

What Are the Signs of Bullying?

Bullying comes in many forms: physical, verbal, social, and psychological. It can happen in person or online and can even lead to sexual harassment and abuse. More often than not, it takes the form of verbal or non-verbal behavior or triangulation. Bullying behaviors cover a broad range of actions, according to American Nurse, including:

• Criticizing in front of others
• Excluding
• Hazing
• Gossiping
• Intimidating
• Name-calling
• Withholding information or giving false information
• Yelling or screaming

Are There Different Types of Bullying?

Bullying can be vertical (downward or upward) or horizontal (lateral). Vertical violence occurs between two individuals at different levels of power, such as a manager and employee or a nurse and a physician. Lateral violence is between individuals at the same level.

What Is the Impact of Bullying?

Bullying impacts both the victim and onlookers. It threatens “teamwork, morale, communication, and, most importantly, patient safety,” says American Nurse. Bullying creates a toxic work environment and may cause stress-related health issues, unsafe working conditions, absenteeism, burnout, and high staff turnover, according to The Source.

“Nurses eat their young” refers to the hazing of new nurses by older, more experienced nurses, but nurses of all ages and experience levels can be affected by bullying behavior. Bullies often lack self-confidence and self-esteem, and they may feel incompetent, so even a confident, experienced nurse may become a target.

How Can I Stop Bullying?

There are multiple ways to stop and prevent bullying. Here are just a few:

• Tell the bully to stop. If you feel safe, talk to the person. Bullies don’t usually expect people to stand up to them. Sometimes, they don’t realize their behavior is damaging.
• Talk to someone you trust. If the bully is a co-worker, start with your manager. If it is your manager, go through the chain of command or reach out to human resources. Provide specific examples and documentation.
• Stand up and speak out. Stop rumors, defend your colleagues, and offer support. Staying quiet is being complicit, notes Nurse.org.
• Suggest education or workshops. Look for ways to create a positive work environment. Perhaps suggest educational sessions related to bullying or discussions about emotional intelligence, effective communication, or conflict management.

How Can a BSN Help?

Nurses need education beyond clinical skills — leadership, conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving are all helpful when combating bullying. Additionally, creating a positive work culture and changing your facility’s policies can be easier if you are in a position of authority (charge nurse, supervisor/manager, etc.). A BSN program prepares you to assume these leadership positions.

Every nurse, especially leaders, must learn how to deal with disruptive behavior to create a positive, professional workplace.

Are you being bullied? Do you see bullying at your workplace? The American Nurses Association (ANA) says, “All registered nurses and employers in all settings, including practice, academia, and research, must collaborate to create a culture of respect, free of incivility, bullying, and workplace violence.” While your employer may provide support when it comes to bullying, it is up to you to take action against bullying. Arm yourself to stop the cycle of nurse bullying.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• ICD-10 Monitor: The Side Effects of Workplace Bullying in Healthcare
• Health Workforce Institute: Are You a Target, Witness, or Bully at Work?
• Workplace Bullying Institute
• Healthy Workforce Institute: How Bullies Use Triangulation as a Weapon in the Workplace
• American Nurse: Not Just “Eating Our Young”: Workplace Bullying Strikes Experienced Nurses, Too
• The Source: Taking a Stand Against Bullying
• Nurse.org: Nurse Bullying: Stand up and Speak Out
• NCBI: Nurse Managers’ Emotional Intelligence and Effective Leadership: A Review of Current Evidence
• Oncology Nursing News: Lateral Violence in Nursing Can Take Many Forms
• American Nurses Association: Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence
• Watson, J. (January 2020) Email interview

Medical error statistics are alarming. When you consider that 90% of errors are not reported, you can only imagine the actual numbers. Either way, there is much room for improvement. Technology is quickly improving patient safety, but as modern medicine becomes more complex, there is more safety risk. Nurses are at the forefront of recognizing, reporting, correcting, and preventing medical errors.

Did You Know?

• Medical errors lead to more than 250,000 deaths per year.
• Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the US, just behind heart disease (#1) and cancer (#2).
• Approximately 10% of all deaths in the U.S. are from medical errors.
• Medical errors impact one in 5 households.
• Yearly, medical errors cause $20 billion in excess healthcare insurance claims nationally.

What Is a Medical Error?

Medical errors go beyond just medication errors. A medical error is defined as any “preventable adverse effects of medical care, whether or not it is evident or harmful to the patient.” It encompasses a wide range of mistakes, from misdiagnosis and over/under treatment to patient misidentification and documentation errors. Medical errors can lead to injury, whether from medication errors, medical equipment malfunctions, infections, falls, burns, restraints, or a number of other issues. Error rates are often higher in specialty areas, such as oncology departments, operating areas, emergency departments, or operating rooms, where patients receive intense or urgent care for severe conditions.

How Can You Prevent Medical Errors?

Below are three tips to minimize medical errors in nursing.

• Add more medication “rights.” Historically, nurses have been taught to use the five “rights” when administering medication: Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. Newer systems include the right frequency, right history, right assessment, right drug interaction evaluation, right to refuse, right education and information, and right documentation. Consider adding new “rights” to your practice.
• Use technology. Technology can protect patients, but only if people understand and use it. Electronic medical records (EMRs) flag all types of precautions (e.g., falls, thrombocytopenia), drug interactions, and abnormal lab values. Take medication machines, for example. The machine only allows access to your patients’ drugs. You scan their ID bracelet and the drug as a double check. Documentation is automatic. Sounds great, right? Safety issues arise when nurses override the system to obtain drugs, skip dosage calculations (when needed), or don’t look up labs or unfamiliar drugs.
• Everything must match. For blood products and chemotherapy, double-check safety measures to reduce errors. Technology can act as a backup, but it is vital to ask colleagues for a double-check or triple-check if you feel you lack proficiency with procedures and high-risk medications.

What Is the Personal Cost of a Medical Error?

Clearly, patients suffer from medical errors. Surveys show that people involved in a medical error suffer “long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm.” Depending on the medical error, patients can lose trust not only in the erring facility and clinicians but also in the entire healthcare system. This can have significant downstream effects, as patients may delay or even avoid seeking medical care in the future.

Additionally, medical errors have a significant impact on nurses. Nurses can experience severe emotional distress, self-blame, guilt, shame, and professional isolation, becoming the “second victim” of the medical error. They may lose their confidence and even question whether they chose the right career or should continue in nursing practice.

What to Do If You Make an Error?

The first thing to do if you make an error is admit and report it. Organizations are working to establish a safety culture where errors are viewed as opportunities for improvement and not a reason for scolding, isolation, or termination. Errors can rarely be attributed to just one person — they are often due to a combination of events. If the error goes unreported, it will likely be repeated, potentially with more severe consequences.

Finally, forgive yourself. Seek support. Look for specific support programs such as group therapy, peer-response programs, and counseling. Check your employee assistance program.

Nurses are human, and errors will occur. All nurses are a crucial part of the solution to transform healthcare to the goal of zero harm. From the staff nurse who ensures medication rights to the chief nursing officer who creates a safety culture, everyone is responsible. The goal is to prevent or minimize errors while maximizing patient safety. After all, patients’ lives depend on it.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• NCBI: Your Health Care May Kill You: Medical Errors
• NCBI: Medical Error — the Third Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Leading Causes of Death
• Cureatr: There’s Much Work to Be Done: 8 Medical Error Statistics to Know
• PSQH: Lehman Report Analyzes Cost of Medical Errors Despite Healthcare Progress
• NCBI: Medical Error Prevention
• NCBI: Medical Error
• NCBI: Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses
• NCBI: More Than 1 Million Potential Second Victims: How Many Could Nursing Education Prevent?
• Duke Global Health Institute: Establishing a Safety Culture Is Key to Savings Lives
• Modern Healthcare: Helping Staff Who Are Traumatized by Errors
• Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare: Leaders Facilitating Change Workshops

Although anxiety and depression are prevalent in nurses, they often go unnoticed; many healthcare workers don’t even like to talk about mental health issues. Nurses experience clinical depression at twice the rate of the general public, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative (INQRI), reported by Minority Nurse. While 9% of the general population experiences depression, approximately 18% of nurses experience symptoms of depression. Nurses must recognize symptoms of anxiety and depression and develop strategies to prevent or reduce these conditions.

Recognize the Symptoms

The first step in combating depression and anxiety is to recognize the symptoms. While nurses are trained to recognize signs and symptoms in patients, it can look different for nurses. Because nurses deal with giving and receiving bad news frequently, such as a devastating medical diagnosis or the death of a patient, nurses may mistake signs of depression and anxiety as just a “natural part of nursing.”

Below are some examples of how nurses may experience anxiety and depression:

Practice Self-Care

Part of taking care of your patients is taking care of yourself. Nurses may feel selfish when practicing self-care — you may think, “I’m fine, I need to take care of my patients! They are actually sick!” Just as you cannot burn a candle at both ends, you cannot care for patients to the best of your ability if you are exhausted and burnt out.

Self-care does not need to be a long, elaborate process. It can be as simple as sitting down to enjoy a hot cup of tea, a short walk or stretch, mindfulness exercises, writing in a journal, or practicing a skin care regimen that leaves you feeling refreshed and hydrated. Some facilities are creating programs to teach self-care to nurses, as it often does not come naturally, especially for seasoned nurses.

Create a Stress-Reduction Strategy

Be proactive and plan to reduce stress to keep it from growing out of control. This goes hand in hand with self-care, which can include setting up a “mental health” break. You may want to schedule monthly massages or mani/pedis, yoga classes, dinner nights with friends, or even a quick weekend trip to somewhere fun.

Make sure you balance your schedule. Many nurses feel guilty if their unit is short on staff, so they stay for a second shift or sign up for overtime. The danger of overextending can cause nurses to become stressed, overworked, or tired, leaving them prone to making more medical errors. These feelings can also lead to burnout.

Seek Help

Help may come in the form of medication, therapy, a support group, mentorship, a workplace ally, a professional organization, or further education. Each person will need something different. Perhaps you feel anxious about a particular procedure — a colleague can give you helpful tips and tricks. Maybe you struggle with work-life balance and how to switch on and off. A mentor, workplace ally, or therapist might be able to provide guidance. Whatever your condition, it is crucial that you seek help the moment you recognize something is wrong. Be sure to contact your own healthcare provider and manager for resources.

Nursing is a high-stress job of constantly caring for those in need whose lives might depend on your care. You may feel pressure to perform at your best all the time. Combine this with a stressful, understaffed workplace where bullying occurs, and it is no wonder that nurses have a high rate of work-related anxiety and depression. Reflect on your own emotions and examine any physical symptoms you may be experiencing. Develop a plan of action to protect yourself from anxiety and depression so you can enjoy a sustainable career in nursing.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• Minority Nurse: Depression in Nurses: The Unspoken Epidemic
• ONS Voice: Practice These Five Self-Care Strategies in Less Than Five Minutes
• Science Alert: There’s a Simple Writing Task You Can Do to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
• MJH Life Sciences: Using the THRIVE Programs to Teach Self-Care to Oncology Nurses
• AMN Healthcare: Rise in Healthcare Overtime Threatens Patient Safety and Nurse Turnover
• American Mobile: Overcoming Anxiety: Tips for New Nurses
• Nurse.org: Nurse Bullying: Stand Up and Speak Out

Deciding to return to school is a major personal and professional milestone, so naturally, you want to be sure the program you choose will serve your best interests in the long term. Selecting an accredited Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program assures the overall integrity of the curriculum, the preparedness of graduates, and their ability to find success in the field.

What Is Accreditation?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation is “a means of conducting nongovernmental, peer evaluation of educational institutions and programs.” Accrediting bodies oversee the process, conducting on-site evaluations and ongoing monitoring to ensure quality standards are achieved and that students obtain a fundamental level of knowledge that leads to ongoing professional success.

Two accrediting bodies oversee nursing programs at the national level: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is a branch of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). “Programs with CCNE or ACEN accreditation demonstrate that they prepare nursing graduates with the competency standards set by the profession,” says Robert Rosseter, chief communications officer for AACN.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s online RN to BSN program is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. CCNE’s Standards for Accreditation document lists five purposes of accreditation for degree programs, including holding programs accountable, evaluating program caliber and success, assessing the extent to which programs meet accreditation benchmarks, identifying programs that meet standards, and fostering continuous improvement.

Accreditation is a voluntary process and is awarded to a program based on its:

• Mission and goals
• Availability of resources, including academic support for students
• Quality of the curriculum
• Effectiveness in meeting key outcomes such as the percentage of graduates who obtain licensure, certification, and employment

Are There Other Types of Accreditation?

There are a few types of accreditation, so it is crucial to understand the differences.

• Regional vs. national. Regional accreditation is generally awarded to public schools and universities, while national accreditation is for institutions offering vocational or career-focused degrees.
• Institutional vs. specialized. Institutional accreditation is granted to an entire school or university, while specialized status applies to a specific degree program.

What Are the Benefits of Accreditation?

There are several benefits to enrolling in an accredited nursing program.

• Proven quality standards. “Accreditation assures that the quality of teaching, student achievement, curricula, academic support, and other criteria meet certain standards of excellence and quality,” says Rosseter.
• Financial aid availability. Federal grants and loans — and occasionally state funding — are only available to students enrolled in accredited programs. Eligibility for employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement often requires accreditation as well.
• Career preparedness. Given the comprehensive nature of an accredited nursing program’s curriculum, students are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the changing healthcare landscape, operate at the top of their scope of practice, and contribute to improved outcomes by providing the latest in patient-centered care.
• Graduate pathway. Credits from an accredited nursing program are more readily accepted should students wish to pursue an advanced degree in the future.

Make It Count

Although choosing a nursing program can be overwhelming, taking the time to make an informed decision pays off. An accredited nursing program has a proven track record of preparing students for success in the workplace, ultimately paving the way to more job opportunities, better patient care, and the pursuit of advanced degrees.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Standards, Procedures & Guidelines
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation: About Accreditation
• Rosseter, R. (December 2019). Email interview.
• U.S. Department of Education: Overview of Accreditation in the United States

Although online degree programs have distinct advantages, such as no commute and the flexibility to complete schoolwork from virtually anywhere, returning adult students can initially experience some difficulties adapting. With approximately one-third of all currently enrolled students taking an online class, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, finding success in your online studies is critical — and possible — with these helpful tips.

What Are the Challenges of Online Learning?

If you are used to traditional classes, the online experience can look and feel a bit different. Some common challenges experienced by students relate to the following items:

• Technology. Online programs rely heavily on technology and require students to have a certain level of computer literacy and proficiency. Students who have not been exposed to this technology may have more of a learning curve in understanding online communication etiquette and navigating interfaces. To help students adapt more quickly, schools often have technical support readily available and resources to help familiarize them with the platform.
• Time management. While all students must effectively manage their time, it is a skill vital for those enrolled in an online RN to BSN program. Adult learners typically balance school alongside work, family, and other obligations, so remaining mindful of how you structure your time makes a significant difference. Implementing a time-blocking schedule can be an effective way to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Fewer in-person interactions. Without the need to regularly attend class, there are fewer in-person interactions. Some students prefer this setup and quickly acclimate. Others need more time to adjust. Email, chat rooms, and forums offered through the virtual learning platform will encompass the majority of your communication in an online program. Phone calls and video chats are another option for students who exchange contact information and seek more ways to connect.

What Are Some Tips for Online Success?

With a bit of preparation and planning, many students make a smooth transition to an online RN to BSN program. Consider trying these tips:

1. Read through the syllabus ASAP. The syllabus is your one-stop shop for the most vital course information. It tells you:
   • Your professor’s contact information and availability of office hours
   • Course description and any prerequisites or co-requisites
   • Required textbooks and resources
   • Policies and rules, including communication guidelines, assignment submission, and grading
   • Course calendar with assignment deadlines and exam dates
2. Take the time to review it thoroughly right away, mark down key dates, and ask for clarifications if needed.

2. Find your own rhythm. Now that you know the general timeline for the course, you can begin to find ways to incorporate it into your existing schedule. If you are a morning person, then starting your day reading or studying when you are most alert and refreshed makes sense. If you always have Fridays off of work, then that may be a better time to settle into in-depth studies. Keep tweaking your schedule until you find a rhythm that works for you.
3. Tune out. When it is time to study, you want to make sure every minute counts. Turn off all other unnecessary screens to minimize distractions. Although streaming your favorite show or podcast seems innocent enough, it frequently hampers your concentration and comprehension. White noise in the background is a reasonable alternative as it has been proven to increase cognitive performance and memory recall.
4. Connect with classmates. Even in the absence of face-to-face encounters, there is a tremendous amount of support your classmates can provide. After all, many of them will be in similar life phases and understand the challenges of pursuing a degree while balancing other responsibilities. Participate in live chats and forum discussions to get some conversations started. Consider forming study groups, either in-person or virtual, if the opportunity arises.
5. Speak up. If you have any problems or questions, speak up right away. The accelerated format of an online RN to BSN program leaves no room for delay, so ask early and often for clarification or further explanation. It will likely become second nature once you have a few courses under your belt.

On Your Way

An online RN to BSN program is an excellent option for adult learners interested in advancing their careers. Breaking away from the traditional degree pathway comes with its own challenges, though it is generally nothing you can’t overcome with a bit of planning. By committing to your goal and following these tips, you will be well on your way to successfully earning your degree.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Fort Kent online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

• Entrepreneur: Time Blocking Tips Top Experts and Scientists Use to Increase Productivity
• National Center for Education Statistics: Enrollment and Employees in Postsecondary Institutions, Fall 2017; and Financial Statistics and Academic Libraries, Fiscal Year 2017: First Look (Provisional Data)
• Scientific Reports: White Noise Enhances New-Word Learning in Healthy Adults