The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says about 16,800 RNs worked in Nevada during 2010, making them an important part of Nevada's health care workforce. A report by the University of Nevada School of Medicine says that 90,000 Nevadans (nearly eight percent) were employed in the healthcare sector in 2011. A report by the High Sierra Area Health Education Center about the nursing workforce in Nevada found that western states will suffer a critical shortage of RNs in coming years. The RN shortage in Nevada is projected to be 28 percent by 2020.
The number of new RNs cannot keep pace with the rapidly growing population in the state. Around the nation, factors such as too few faculty and insufficient clinical sites mean that many qualified applicants to RN programs are turned away each year. However, the growth of online RN to BSN programs means that already licensed RNs with clinical experience may attain their BSN degrees at their convenience.
Schools to consider
Nevada State College (Henderson). This online RN to BSN program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Courses include nursing informatics; nursing research methods; nursing leadership in the 21st century; and chemical principals of pharmacology.
Great Basin College (Elko). RNs can complete their BSN degrees online with GBC either full-time or part-time. Direct clinical practice is not required, although some practicum time is required and can be arranged at a location convenient to the student. The program prepares RNs for research and theory-based practice roles as leaders and change agents.
University of Nevada (Reno). UN's Orvis School of Nursing's RN to BSN program is online and can be taken at the student's convenience. Clinical experiences are community-based and can be scheduled in the student's local area. Classes include theory and practicum in community and population health and in dimensions of health and wellness.
