Idaho participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact which means that Idaho's 10,820 RNs can work in 24 states with their Idaho license. According to the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN), nine out of ten Idaho RNs pass the NCLEX on their first try compared to the US average of 80 percent of RNs. Like other states, more Idaho RNs work in hospitals than at any other healthcare facility. A significant number of Idaho RNs work in physician offices and clinics, home health and hospice, and nursing homes, as well.
According to the IBN, admissions to RN programs increased by 45 percent in one year while graduations increased by 14 percent. Even so, will that be enough? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says another 581,500 RNs will be needed nationally by 2018. As health care becomes increasingly complex, many RNs are discovering that obtaining their BSN degrees allows them to move into areas that can maximize their education and talents. With many online programs available, getting a BSN degree has never been easier.
Schools to Consider
- Brigham Young University - Idaho (Rexburg). Students may complete the RN to BSN program at BYU in three to six semesters through online learning or campus attendance. Clinical hours may be arranged with prior notice near the student's home. There are nine clinical affiliates in Idaho available to BYU students.
- Boise State University This is an online learning program with flexible scheduling. A five module orientation to online learning prepares students for distance learning. Courses for RN to BSN students include nursing research; policy, power, and voice; and nurse as collaborator, advocate and resource manager.
- Idaho State University (Pocatello). Students must take at least one nursing course per semester and should complete the program within two years of admittance. Applications are accepted three times per year. Courses include evidence-based nursing practice; socialization into professional nursing; and leadership in the community, which has a nine-hour practicum.
