Studies have revealed a direct correlation between baccalaureate-educated nurses and lower patient mortality rates. In fact, BSN-educated RNs are known to experience 7.47 fewer deaths per 1000 patients than ADN-educated RNs.
Because of the significant positive effects BSN degrees have in the nursing industry, the Institute of Medicine released the report, “The Future of Nursing,” stating the recommendation that BSN-prepared nurses comprise 80% of all nurses by 2020. For this reason, many New Jersey nursing schools and hospitals are working to make fluid, flexible, and easily accessible RN to BSN programs widely available.
For instance, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City offers employed RNs professional development training through an associated RN to BSN program, and tuition reimbursement.
BSN-educated RNs have access to higher salaried jobs and report a higher level of job satisfaction. Examples of positions available to BSN-educated RNs in New Jersey as of February 2015 include:
- Perinatal Nurse Educator – CarePoint Health, Jersey City
- Nurse Educator Perioperative – Barnabas Health, Jersey City
- Nursing Supervisor – Children’s Specialized Hospital, New Brunswick
- Public Health Nurse – Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack
RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
RN to BSN programs are designed for RNs who are already licensed and working within the health care system. They are often available online to better accommodate nurses’ busy schedules.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in an RN to BSN program, New Jersey’s RNs will generally need to meet the following admissions criteria:
- Hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- Hold a Minimum of 2.0 GPA in ADN Program
- Hold an Active, Unencumbered License as a New Jersey Registered Professional Nurse
In addition to online programs, just a few of New Jersey’s RN-BSN campus-based programs are located in the following cities:
- Jersey City
- Mahwah
- Rutherford
Getting a BSN also serves as the foundation for RNs interested in moving on to MSN programs and advanced practice.
Components of RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey
RN to BSN programs in New Jersey are designed specifically to be flexible and to be a complement to the RN’s previous ADN education. To achieve those goals, RN to BSN programs in New Jersey are mostly or fully online, and they are a mixture of general studies and advanced nursing courses.
Below is a sample list of the RN to BSN nursing courses:
- Dimensions of Baccalaureate Nursing
- Primary Care: Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Ethical/Legal Issues in Health Care
- Health Care Policy and Politics
- Public Health & Disaster Management for RNs
- Leadership and Management for RNs
- Critique and Evaluation of Nursing Research
In RN-BSN programs in New Jersey, clinical hours are often shortened and placed at local, nearby facilities, such as the following:
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – New Brunswick
- AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center – Atlantic City
- Morristown Medical Center – Morristown
- Overlook Medical Center – Summit
New Jersey Hospitals that Facilitate RN to BSN Programs for Employees
With the significant positive benefits BSNs provide to RNs, facilities, and patients, many hospitals are providing tuition assistance to employed RNs. The following is a list of just a few of the hospitals in New Jersey providing such assistance.
Overlook Medical Center – Summit
U.S. News&World Report lists this hospital as one of the best hospitals in New Jersey. Along with this, the Professional Development Program at this Magnet-accredited hospital offers professional, working RNs paid tuition while finishing their BSN degree.
Hackensack University Medical Center – Hackensack
This hospital has achieved excellence in patient- and family-centered care, by allowing their nurses to complete continuous professional and personal development. This is recognized by Hackensack being one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation, as well as continuously Magnet designated since 1995. To keep their nurses on the cutting-edge of nursing care, Hackensack offers up to $4,250 in tuition reimbursement for full-time employed RNs.
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation – West Orange
The Kessler Institute strives to be a global leader in comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation services by proving its employees with access to research, education, and advocacy. In this, employed RNs are given tuition assistance, to return to school and advance their career and expertise.
Some other top hospitals in New Jersey offering tuition assistance include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Holy Name Medical Center – Teaneck
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Neptune
- Newark Beth Israel Medical Center – Newark