Will DC have an adequate number of RNs in the future? Not according to the US Health Resources and Services Administration, which predicts the District of Columbia and 44 states will have a shortage of nurses by 2020.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice recommends that about 60 percent of RNs should hold a BSN or higher in order to meet the ever-increasing needs of today's healthcare institutions. However, only about 37 percent of RNs have earned a BSN degree. Today's RN to BSN programs are tailored to the working nurse and are more convenient than you might think.
Schools to Consider
- Howard University. Students may complete Howard's RN to BSN track in one year of full-time study; part-time study is also available. The program begins with the summer session. Courses include health assessment across the lifespan; nursing research; interdisciplinary healthcare ethics; and health policy and economics. The 32 units of nursing must be completed at Howard.
- University of the District of Columbia. Students must be practicing RNs. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Classes are small and include legal issues and health policy; nursing research; and urban community health issues theory and practicum.
- Trinity Washington University. Students may progress through Trinity's RN to BSN program on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses include policy and politics in nursing; nursing research and evidence-based practice; community and public health nursing; and an individualized capstone project. Students must complete at least 32 credits at Trinity.
