Nursing necessitates empathy and a great degree of skill to provide patients with the highest standard of healthcare. It is a demanding job that requires patience, good organizational skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
In the current climate – post-pandemic and with an aging population growing in size and access to healthcare coverage increasing – demand for advanced practice nurses is at an all-time high. While the shift has occurred rapidly across the globe, it was already underway before 2020 in many ways.
With demand for patient care outstripping the number of available professionals, nurse practitioners are striving to reach new heights in their careers by obtaining an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
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Benefits of Pursuing an Online BSN to DNP Program
Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program helps produce exceptional nurse leaders who are well-prepared to serve patients at a high level, translate research evidence to clinical practice, and improve patient outcomes.
However, those nurses who are already working as registered nurses and want to advance their careers without completing an additional bachelor’s degree can enroll in a BSN to DNP program. This program is a more time and cost-effective option.
Many institutes now offer online BSN to DNP programs that prepare graduates for advanced practice roles or leadership positions without sacrificing their jobs. Besides this, there are many others reasons for nurse practitioners to prefer an online BSN to DNP program over a traditional DNP degree. Let’s explore the top six benefits.
Lower Costs
Traditional degree programs come with various overhead expenses you may not be aware of. For instance, the power and maintenance of the building, property taxes, school supplies, security, faculty, and administration costs are just a few expenses covered by student fees.
On the other hand, when you go for an online degree program, these expenses do not apply. Online programs cost much less and are way more affordable than traditional ones. An online DNP program can save travel costs, course materials, and other related expenses.
Timely Completion of Coursework
Another great advantage of attending an online DNP program is that it lets you complete your coursework or degree at your preferred time. Nurses who earn DNP degrees are usually working professionals, not individuals with personal lives. Thus, many responsibilities can complicate attending campus classes.
In addition, unavoidable class dates and times can hinder the pursuit of a proper education. Similarly, other issues like work surprises, sick children, and other events may force you to miss lectures or potentially important supervised exercises, or even exams.
When choosing an online DNP program, you don’t need to worry about missing exams, classes, work, or family that may otherwise preclude attending in-person lessons. With an online DNP degree, you can complete the coursework as per your schedule and earn your degree on time.
With that, it is also important to go for an online program where you can watch, interact, read and listen to different content at your own pace, following the due dates for the course and assignments completion.
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Be Your Boss
The healthcare system has undergone many changes. One way is to give DNPs a large degree of autonomy. Several states permit DNPs to run their private clinics, and the trends in legislation suggest that it will become a nationwide norm.
In the same way, practicing nurses can now enjoy a lot more independence when earning a DNP degree online. Unlike traditional degree options, an online DNP degree model is designed for today’s practicing nurses with busy lives. Plus, while an online BSN to DNP degree is a significant time commitment, it also offers unique flexibility.
For instance, you can easily fit education around your busy schedule and manage your daily routine accordingly. You can take on a heavy course load at your convenience and work through it on your terms. This makes it easier to schedule time with kids, work and manage other elements of your daily life.
Personal Instruction with 24/7 Access
One of the great advantages of online learning is the opportunity for increased one-on-one instruction with your instructors or professors. With technology, it has become easier to collaborate and reach out to a teacher on the course material you may be struggling to understand—a benefit you may not get in a traditional classroom setting.
With tools like chat, email, and video conferencing, you can easily stay in direct contact with people who can help you the most while expanding your professional network. Likewise, online education involves cloud-based learning. While the documentation doesn’t sound all that exciting, having the convenience of accessing all your assignments, lessons, notes, transcripts, and projects 24/7 and digitally is very much an advantage.
Thus, leave the paperwork behind and avoid forgetting to bring your textbook to the class because, with an online DNP program, everything you need is just a few keystrokes away.
Strong Peer Environment
Another benefit of pursuing an online BSN to DNP program is that you learn in a community of people who share the same experiences and learn alongside you. This means that you can instantly discuss the taught concepts with your peers. In addition, you can work with a different group of professionals and brainstorm ideas to fulfill your targeted goals.
Learning in a collaborative learning space builds confidence through socializing and teamwork and expands your professional network. It helps you better grasp the ongoing industry trends and build the strong support of peers sharing the same passion and interest in the nursing industry.
Lastly, advancing your skills in a competitive and motivated peer environment allows you to give your best and push yourself even harder to be the best in the career you are aiming for.
Conclusion
An online BSN to DNP program has become the most sought-out learning model for nurse practitioners to elevate their skills and advance their careers. After all, the versatile degree prepares nurses to undertake many different roles.
Remember, enrolling in an online DNP program is cost-effective and flexible, and a sound investment for the future. It helps you earn a higher salary and enjoy better employment opportunities by completing your degree on time.