An Alabama Board of Nursing survey reports that 75 percent of Alabama's 53,800 RNs were working full-time while 14 percent were working part-time. The two most commonly cited reasons for RNs not practicing were a need for flexible hours and a lack of desire to return to the workforce. The survey also revealed that three-quarters of Alabama RNs plan to work 10 years or more. Over half of Alabama RNs work in hospital settings. Other areas of concentration include outpatient centers or clinics, physician offices, and home health.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, over 580,000 additional RNs will be required by 2018. Schools of nursing across the nation are responding to that need by establishing creative programs to reach out to new student populations and to increase student capacity. One of the best things nurses can do for their careers is to obtain a BSN degree. Alabama has a variety of programs available to help nurses meet that goal.
Programs to consider:
- University of South Alabama (Mobile). This is a fully online, web-based program. Students can log in at any time to complete their interactive course work. Students may complete their clinical requirements in their home communities without coming to Mobile. The program can be completed in one year of full-time study; however, students may progress at their own pace.
- Auburn University at Montgomery (Auburn). Students may complete their BSN degrees in three semesters of full-time study with both traditional and online hybrid programs offered. An extensive orientation to online learning is provided. Clinical experiences and hours are independently structured to meet the needs of individual students.
- University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa). All the nursing courses are taught online in this program, and students will be able to complete their clinical activities near their homes in most cases. After completing core requirements, students can finish the program in as little as three semesters, full-time. Part-time programs can be arranged as well.
