The Washington D.C. Action Coalition is a driving force of change in the field of nursing. Adhering to the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) nursing objectives, the Action Coalition is dedicated to increasing the number of BSN-educated RNs in Washington D.C. to ensure the highest quality patient care.
The District of Columbia Action Coalition Status Report, published in 2013, reveals that there has been progress toward establishing the policies necessary to achieve these goals, including the creation of seamless, flexible, and affordable RN to BSN programs. Along with this, the District of Columbia Nurses Association (DCNA) states that working RNs should expect employer support through financial assistance and be encouraged to continue their education.
Responding to this call, Washington D.C. employers, such as MedStar Washington Hospital, are providing assistance for RNs committed to returning to school. MedStar, for instance, offers tuition assistance to both part- and full-time RNs looking to enroll in RN to BSN programs.
The District of Columbia Nurses Association notes that higher degrees, such as BSN degrees, offer RNs the opportunity to apply for higher paying nursing positions, such as clinical specialist, nursing manager, and nurse educator. Below is just a few examples of the career opportunities that were open to BSN-educated RNs in February 2015:
- Practice Manager – NOVA SurgiCare, PC
- Patient Care Manager – Washington Hospital Center
- Clinical Specialist – Hologic, Washington D.C.
- Registered Nurse II Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Specialist – Department of Veteran Affairs
RN to BSN Programs in Washington D.C.
RN to BSN programs are designed to allow RNs to continue their education without missing a beat in their professional lives. For this reason, most programs are available partially or completely online. This online format allows RNs to advance their education, all while continuing the balance between their work, family, and school lives.
To enroll in these programs, RNs will need to meet the generally-accepted Washington D.C. RN to BSN admissions requirements:
- Applicant must hold an Associate Degree in Nursing
- Applicant must have achieved 3.0 GPA in ADN program
- Applicant must possess Washington D.C. RN License
Washington D.C. Board of Nursing-Approved Professional Nursing Programs, many of which offer ADN to BSN programs, are available both online and at campus locations.
RN to BSN Program Structure and Components
The RN to BSN programs will build on RNs previous ADN coursework through nursing courses that cover:
- Health Policy, Quality, and Political Processes
- Nursing Leadership
- Concepts in Population Health
- Research for Health Professionals
- Epidemiology and Community Health
- Patient Safety and Health Care Quality
- Nursing Advancement
- Genetics for Health Care Providers
- Nurse Coaching
Clinical hours will generally be minimal or nonexistant, and RNs will be able to complete them close to home at chosen clinical hospitals, including, but not limited to, the following:
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
- George Washington University Hospital
Employer Support for RNs Enrolling in RN to BSN Programs
To help RNs return to school, many hospitals are offering assistance and incentive programs for RNs. The following list represents just a few examples of the many assistance programs offered in Washington, D.C.
MedStar Washington Hospital
MedStar Washington Hospital has three locations in Washington D.C., including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, and Medstar Washington Hospital Center. This hospital offers monumental benefits, including education assistance through tuition assistance to part- and full-time employees.
George Washington University Hospital
The George Washington University Hospital is an innovative leader in nursing education, offering nursing positions in all types of fields. In this, the hospital is dedicated to nursing excellence, and will provide up to $3,000 in tuition assistance at any accredited university per year to employees, or 100% tuition assistance to selected employees at their associated university.
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Nationally-ranked general and surgical hospital, this hospital has over 240 beds and over 11,000 admissions per year. Sibley believes that nursing is a long journey, and for that journey, they provide complete and total support to employed RNs. From the graduate nursing program to the Professional Advancement Clinical Excellence (PACE) program, Sibley is dedicated to nursing growth. Along with this, Sibley provides an online RN to BSN program, educational assistance, and reimbursement pay.
St. John Providence Hospital
This hospital was named one of the “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” by the Michigan Business and Professional Association. With diverse opportunities for employed RNs, St. John helps RNs achieve their goals by offering tuition assistance up to $1,600 per year for full-time employees.