Self-care for nurses isn’t about luxury or perfection. It’s about finding realistic ways to recover, protect your well-being, and sustain yourself in a profession and avoid nurse burnout before it sets in. 

Below are 50 practical self-care ideas designed for working nurses, with a focus on realistic ways to recharge and reduce burnout.

Physical Self-Care Ideas for Nurses

Your body is your most essential tool at work. These ideas focus on restoring energy, reducing physical strain, and supporting recovery.

1. Prioritize sleep, even if it means saying no to extra commitments
   
2. Stretch before and after shifts to reduce muscle tension
   
3. Take short walks outside on days off to reset your nervous system
   
4. Stay hydrated during shifts, even when it’s busy
   
5. Meal prep simple, nourishing foods for workdays
   
6. Schedule regular massages or bodywork, if accessible
   
7. Practice gentle yoga or mobility exercises
   
8. Invest in supportive footwear designed for long shifts
   
9. Take power naps when your schedule allows
   
10. Try breathing exercises to calm your body after stressful moments

Emotional and Mental Self-Care for Nurses

Nursing often requires emotional strength without much space to process it. These ideas support emotional regulation and mental health.

11. Journal about difficult shifts to process emotions
    
12. Talk with peers who understand the realities of nursing and can offer mutual support
    
13. Set boundaries around work-related conversations on days off
    
14. Practice mindfulness or meditation, even for five minutes
    
15. Limit doom-scrolling after work to protect your mental energy
    
16. Seek professional counseling or therapy when needed
    
17. Listen to music that helps you decompress after shifts
    
18. Name compassion fatigue when you feel it; it’s not a personal failure
    
19. Practice self-compassion during high-stress periods
    
20. Allow yourself to feel pride in the work you do

Self-Care During and Between Shifts

Self-care doesn’t always happen on days off. These ideas fit into real workdays.

21. Take your breaks when possible and protect them
    
22. Step outside for fresh air during longer shifts
    
23. Pack snacks that support steady energy levels
    
24. Use during intense moments
    
25. Create a calming post-shift routine
    
26. Change out of scrubs as soon as you get home
    
27. Keep a comforting item in your work bag
    
28. Hydrate and refuel as needed during or after shifts to support recovery
    
29. Recognize when work conditions are contributing to stress and seek appropriate support
    
30. Ask for help when you need it

Social and Relationship Self-Care

Connection matters, especially in emotionally demanding professions.

31. Spend time with people who recharge you
    
32. Say no to social obligations when you need rest
    
33. Connect with other nurses and peers outside of work
    
34. Plan low-effort social activities on days off
    
35. Maintain relationships outside healthcare
    
36. Set clear work-life boundaries
    
37. Laugh often; humor is a powerful stress reliever
    
38. Share meals with people you care about
    
39. Stay connected even during busy seasons
    
40. Protect your emotional bandwidth

Long-Term Self-Care and Burnout Prevention

Sustainable nursing careers require proactive care, not just recovery.

41. Reflect on what drains you most at work
    
42. Identify what brings meaning to your role
    
43. Explore continuing education or new specialties
    
44. Consider schedule changes if possible
    
45. Take PTO before burnout forces it
    
46. Revisit your professional goals regularly
    
47. Advocate for yourself in the workplace
    
48. Practice saying no without guilt
    
49. Celebrate milestones in your nursing career
    
50. Remember that your well-being matters as much as your patients’

Why Self-Care Matters for Nurses

Nursing is built on showing up for others, often in high-pressure, emotionally charged situations. Over time, that constant demand can take a real toll, especially when rest and recovery are treated as optional instead of necessary.

Self-care helps nurses reduce burnout, protect patient safety, and stay connected to the purpose behind their work. When nurses are supported and well-resourced, they’re better able to focus, respond, and provide the level of care their patients deserve. Just as importantly, self-care helps preserve your own well-being, so the work you do remains sustainable over the long term.

Supporting nurses means recognizing that well-being and professional growth go hand in hand. At �������������, we’re committed to helping nurses build sustainable careers through flexible nursing programs designed to support both personal and professional goals. If you’re considering your next step in nursing, explore the pathways that align with where you are now, and where you want to go.

Ready to connect with us?

Nursing is one of the most versatile, stable, and respected roles in healthcare, offering professional growth, job security, and the chance to make a meaningful difference daily.

Why Choose an RN Over Other Healthcare Careers?

Strong income and steady demand
Registered nurses as of 2024, and the role is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, generating about 197,200 openings annually.

Variety in where and how you work
From hospitals to clinics, schools to telehealth roles, RNs fill many environments. To see just how many paths are open to you, take a look at this list of 18 BSN Nursing Careers to Consider.

A career you can grow with
Nursing offers clear progression from charge nurse to educator, , certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or leadership roles, often without leaving the healthcare setting you love.

3 Key Benefits of Becoming an RN

• Job stability in any economy – Consistent demand for skilled nurses equals reliable career opportunities.
  
• Competitive pay for meaningful work – A salary that reflects the responsibility and expertise required.
  
• Flexibility and mobility – Work full-time, part-time, or per diem, and move between specialties or locations as your goals evolve.
  

What Being an RN Really Involves

RNs aren’t just caregivers, they’re . They assess patients, create care plans, coordinate with other professionals, and deliver direct treatment and patient education. That fusion of technical skill and human connection is what makes nursing both demanding and deeply rewarding. Read more about what to expect in your first year as a nurse.

FAQ

Do I need a science background to get started?
Nope! Just enroll in an accredited ASN or BSN program and build the clinical and critical thinking skills.

How long to become an RN?
With our ASN or Accelerated BSN programs, you could be ready for licensure in as little as 20 months. Learn more about the benefits of an accelerated BSN program.

Will I make a difference right away?
Absolutely. Nursing students contribute directly during clinicals, building skills and confidence from day one, not to mention all the friends you’ll make along the way. When you are a student nurse, you become a part of the nursing culture and instantly have a camaraderie with other nurses.

Myths ������������� Nursing, Busted

• Myth: Nurses only carry out doctor’s orders.
  Truth: RNs make independent judgments within their scope and often lead care coordination efforts that improve patient outcomes.
  
• Myth: It takes decades to see career rewards.
  Truth: Nurses benefit early with solid pay and clear, rewarding pathways. Curious how doing more can pay off? Check out our breakdown of the costs and benefits of an ASN degree.
  

Related Reads from Joyce

• Considering career paths? See Explaining the Differences Between RN and BSN.
  
• Curious about the value of a BSN? Read Top 10 Reasons You Need Your BSN Degree.
  
• Want the fastest entry point? Explore What to Consider ������������� an Accelerated BSN Program.
  
• Looking to grow your credentials? Learn about the RN to BSN Completion Program—online, flexible, and just over a year.
  
• First year jitters? Get solid prep with What to Expect in Your First Year as a Nurse.
  

Take the next step toward your nursing career. Ready to become an RN in just 20 months? Explore our ASN or Accelerated BSN programs today.

We designed our RN to BSN program with working nurses in mind — it’s online and flexible so you can balance school, home, and work. This program will build on your prior nursing education and practice with classes on nursing ethics, healthcare management, advanced nursing practice, and more.

Here are 10 reasons why you should earn your BSN at Joyce.

1. Our RN to BSN Program is Only 4 Semesters

Your time is valuable, so we designed an accelerated RN to BSN pathway that only takes four semesters, or just over one year, to complete. That makes this one of the fastest ways to grow your nursing career. Joyce’s online RN to BSN program is 120 credit hours, consisting of 51 credits and 45 practicum hours, adding to the 69 hours of transfer credit previously earned in your ASN program. We build on your prior education, so you can fast-track your nursing career growth.

2. Our RN to BSN Coursework is 100% Online

We created an online RN to BSN program that you can complete on your schedule and at your convenience. ������������� is staffed with seasoned nurse faculty, so we recognize what it takes to balance work, school, and family.

Our RN to BSN coursework is asynchronous, which means that you can complete weekly assignments when it’s convenient for you. Our online format also means that you have a digital library, virtual tutoring, student services support, and IT help at your fingertips. Students in this program are not required to travel to campus for any training, enabling qualified out-of-state students to complete the program in their location.

3. Our RN to BSN Program Focuses on Holistic Nursing Practice

You already know that nursing is about much more than administering medications. Our RN to BSN degree integrates practice standards set by the American Holistic Nurses Association that promotes a well-rounded, client-centered nursing philosophy.

For �������������, holistic nursing means that we consider the client as a whole person. Patients have social, cultural, and spiritual lives that extend beyond the walls of any healthcare facility. We teach communication, cultural sensitivity, evidence-based practice, client education, complementary therapies, and how to collaborate with the whole healthcare team, and we find that well-rounded nurses exceed expectations for bedside manner and client care.

4. Our RN to BSN Doesn’t Require a Traditional Pre-Licensure Clinical

There’s no need to send qualified RNs through traditional supervised clinical rotations to obtain their BSN. At Joyce, we create the opportunity for RN to BSN students to dive into specialized work with hands-on practicum experience. BSN practicums are immersive ways for nursing students to bring theoretical knowledge into their nursing practices.

5. Every Project is Practical and Designed for Portfolio Development

We designed the Joyce RN to BSN degree to hone your nursing instincts at every step and build your portfolio for future job applications. Coursework at Joyce is practice-focused and offers real-world applications. You can be sure that everything you learn is relevant to your career. When applying for jobs at the end of your BSN program, you can look back on every project and tell an interviewer how it has strengthened your nursing and critical thinking skills.

6. You’ll Learn From Seasoned Faculty with a Variety of Specialties

Just because our RN to BSN program is online doesn’t mean that you’re on your own. Joyce’s faculty members have all worked in the nursing profession, representing a wide variety of professional and educational experience. Our faculty makes themselves available to mentor students and empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. We also have faculty advisors available who can help you develop your career, network, and land the right job. At Joyce, we have your back.

7. The Curriculum is Founded on a High Standard of Excellence

On top of our institutional and programmatic accreditation, we structured the RN to BSN program to meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education guidelines. These guidelines are designed as a framework that pushes nurses beyond the basics and into a higher realm of critical thinking and client care.

8. Our RN to BSN is Current to the Changing Healthcare Industry

Evidence-based practice is always shifting to reflect scientific developments. Because Joyce’s curriculum is designed for working nurses, we keep up to date on current nursing practice, including healthcare research and trends. In this way, we prepare our RN to BSN students to lead the nursing field and shape it in positive ways.

9. Our RN to BSN Has High Job Placement Rates

A Joyce BSN is a great move for your career, and most BSN nursing graduates who pass the NCLEX find employment within six months of graduating. A Joyce degree will challenge you to meet high standards of excellence and provide you with marketable skills designed to prepare you for the workforce. Our career services team is to assist you as you all along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions ������������� RN to BSN Programs

Where Will You Complete Your Practicum?

Practicums get students out of the virtual classroom and into the community. Clinical practice experiences take place in local-to-you healthcare facilities and may include interviews, observation, and research. During your practicum, you’ll collaborate with preceptors and faculty mentors. This can open the door for future job placements and gives insight into nursing management.

What Is the RN to BSN Curriculum?

Our curriculum builds on your prior nursing education and will raise you to the next level of professionalism and expertise. RN to BSN courses focus on professional development, research, advanced nursing practice, ethics, collaboration across professions, nursing management, and more.

What Can BSN Nurses Do That ASN Nurses Can’t?

Our RN to BSN program prepares students to fill advanced specialist roles after graduation, which ASN-prepared RNs rarely get the opportunity to do. BSN nurses typically have better job placement, more leadership opportunities, more career options, and increased earning potential. Because many healthcare facilities prefer to hire nurses with BSNs over an ASN, a Joyce BSN may open up your career prospects and your potential for a rewarding healthcare career.

Start Your RN to BSN Journey Today

�������������’s RN to BSN completion program can fast-track your growth in a little over one year. We designed our flexible, online format to give you control over your career, and our focus on projects with real-world applications will prepare you for nursing excellence.

Ready to get started? Talk to an admissions advisor today.

This is where the accreditation comes in.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education () is an accrediting institution that sets a high standard of excellence for nursing degree programs. Nursing employers trust (and hire!) graduates from CCNE accredited nursing programs, and students can trust them, too. Joyce’s CCNE accredited BSN programs meet or exceed rigorous qualification standards for curriculum, faculty, student support, and more.

What is CCNE Accreditation?

CCNE accreditation means that a nursing program meets high standards and is committed to continual improvement. Think of CCNE accreditation as a seal of approval from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (), which establishes guidelines and standards for nursing education across America. CCNE accredited programs have been vetted as quality nursing programs that will set students up for success during and after school.

The Benefits of CCNE Accreditation

CCNE accreditation is a great way to make sure that your program meets a high standard of education. It’s important to choose a CCNE accredited program because it indicates to your future employers that you have a quality nursing education. If you’re looking into how to get a BSN degree, consider looking for a CCNE accredited program like Joyce’s.

Because CCNE is a national accreditation and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, attending a CCNE accredited nursing program makes you eligible for federal financial aid.

Another benefit of choosing a CCNE accredited nursing program like Joyce’s BSN program is that it will prepare you for the NCLEX, which is the test all nursing students have to pass in order to become nurses . In fact, nurses in some states aren’t even allowed to take the NCLEX if they don’t attend a CCNE or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited nursing program.

Comparing CCNE vs. ACEN Accreditation

Both CCNE and ACEN accreditation are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. So what’s the difference between CCNE and ACEN accreditation? ACEN accredited programs can include all kinds of nursing programs, from LPN diplomas to DNP degrees and everything in between. The CCNE only accredits BSN and MSN programs, with a tighter focus on continual improvement.

Neither CCNE nor ACEN accreditation is inherently better than the other, and both will indicate to future employers that you’ve received a quality nursing education. You can also earn a BSN from both CCNE and ACEN accredited programs.

Some hospitals require their nurses hold a BSN degree or higher and nurses who graduate from Joyce’s CCNE accredited 3-year BSN program and online MSN program are well-prepared to fill those high-demand nursing roles.

CCNE Accreditation Process and Requirements

The CCNE accreditation process is rigorous — not every nursing program that applies is approved. CCNE accreditation is designed to hold programs and institutions accountable to their students, faculty, and the communities they serve.

The process begins with a letter of intent to the CCNE stating that the nursing program would like to be assessed. After that, CCNE officials will schedule an on-site evaluation, during which they’ll go over up to 90 pages of information about the program, institution, faculty, student outcomes, curriculum, syllabi, that the nursing faculty and administration have written and provided to the CCNE accreditors. The evaluators also meet with and interview students, faculty, alumni, and relevant community members.

Programs that meet the CCNE accreditation requirements and pass the evaluation are awarded accredited status. CCNE accreditation standards include:

• High levels of faculty proficiency
• Up-to-date curriculum
• Graduation requirements
• Institutional efficiency
• Student support

CCNE accreditation is good for five years, after which programs have to submit continuing improvement reports to stay accredited. �������������’s BSN program underwent their accreditation and approval in 2023, which means that this program will be CCNE accredited until 2028, when the accreditation process will take place again. You want to make sure that the nursing program you choose maintains high standards so that it will stay CCNE accredited during your graduation year and beyond.

Getting and staying accredited is no small feat, and we’re proud of our CCNE accredited BSN, aBSN, and RN-BSN programs.

How does CCNE Accreditation Impact �������������’s BSN Program?

CCNE “ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.” Excellence in education has always been a value at �������������, which is why earning CCNE accreditation further emphasizes our dedication to quality curriculum within our BSN and MSN programs.

Because employers only hire graduates from accredited nursing schools, our accredited status makes it easier for Joyce nurses to get great jobs. This further increases the value of a ������������� education. Our CCNE accreditation also contributes to Joyce’s rank among the top nursing schools in the US in 2023.

The CCNE has high standards for BSN programs called CCNE BSN essentials. These standards focus on innovative nursing education based around the CCNE BSN essentials. Our curriculum is designed to teach nurses how to research and stay at the cutting edge of nursing care. CCNE BSN essentials establish a clear purpose, which aligns with Joyce’s BSN program targeted goals and learning outcomes. The �������������’s BSN, aBSN, and RN-BSN programs meet standards set by the AACN – the governing body over CCNE.

Why Choose �������������’s CCNE Accredited BSN Programs

CCNE BSN programs at Joyce

�������������’s programs are all designed by and for nurses, with speed and flexibility in mind. Our CCNE accredited RN to BSN program is only four semesters long and has flexible online options to accommodate working professionals, because you shouldn’t have to put your career on pause to deepen your nursing practice.

Our CCNE accredited Accelerated BSN program can be completed in as few as 20 months and a majority of the coursework is online and flexible. This is a great fast track to enter the nursing field if you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Joyce’s CCNE accredited BSN program is the perfect choice if you don’t have prior college experience because there are no college-level prerequisites required prior to enrollment, and you can practice in just three years. You’ll learn everything you need to know about nursing through blended online and in-person courses while also completing all of your general education courses at the same time.

Benefits of a Joyce Education

������������� is committed to excellence and continual innovation through our CCNE accreditation. Joyce’s professors are masters and doctorate-prepared and highly qualified, and many have decades of wisdom and clinical experience under their belts.

Our curriculum’s focus on research prevents our nurses from ever getting stuck in outdated nursing methods. Joyce BSN graduates are prepared to shape the nursing field as leaders. Our curriculum also emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing, which is a philosophy of healing a whole person, not just their body.

At Joyce, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art technology in our Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation, and you’ll also make great connections with industry nurses through clinical rotations.

Because we offer several degree programs, students who wish to continue their education, become nursing leaders, or become nursing educators can ladder their degrees and earn a CCNE accredited Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Joyce as well.

How CCNE Accreditation Can Help Your Career

Graduating from a CCNE accredited BSN program ensures that you’ll get a quality education and signals your expertise to future employers. At a CCNE accredited nursing program like Joyce’s, students will benefit from qualified instructors, an updated curriculum, student support, ample NCLEX preparation, and more. To learn more about how a CCNE accredited BSN from Joyce can jumpstart your nursing career, contact an admissions advisor today.

From positions in clinics and hospitals to classrooms and helicopters, BSN-prepared nurses have the opportunities to work in all types of industries. Once you earn your BSN and qualify as an RN, there are an array of opportunities for things you can do with a BSN degree. Here’s a non-comprehensive list of 18 nursing career paths you can take to put your nursing education into practice.

“T��� .” was created by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), These essentials are the educational foundation for all professional nurses-in-training and the core of our instruction.

Designed to prepare students to become a registered nurse, the AACN BSN Essentials prepares students with the skills and knowledge they need throughout their nursing education. �������������’s online BSN, aBSN, and RN to BSN degree completion programs feature courses in nursing that are founded in the AACN BSN Essentials to help you succeed in various clinical and management positions.

Legislators have taken this recommendation to heart, and several states have played with the idea of a ‘BSN in 10’ law, which would require all new nurses to undergo an RN to BSN program degree completion, like Joyce’s, within ten years of employment. This is now the law in New York, and other states may follow suit.

Nurses don’t need a BSN to qualify and do quality work, and a good ASN program can launch your nursing (RN) career in just 20 months. However, attaining higher licensure, like a BSN degree, is becoming increasingly important to hospitals. Even before ‘BSN in 10’ becomes the law in most states, some hospitals are making BSN degrees mandatory for nurses. Many hospitals hire ASN prepared nurses with the agreement that they will get their BSNs within a set amount of time.

Here’s why so many hospitals already require their nurses to have a BSN.

4 Reasons Hospitals Require BSN Degrees

1. BSN Nurses Have Better Patient Outcomes

, Future of Nursing, asserts that nurses who earn their BSN degree are faster and better prepared to rescue patients. This research led to their recommendation that 80 percent of the nurse workforce be qualified at the BSN level or higher by 2020.

Similar and with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that nurses with their BSN had:

• Lower surgical patient mortality rates
• Better cardiac arrest patient outcomes
• Lower failure to rescue rates
• More accurate diagnosis and evaluation skills

Based on the data, one can surmise that BSN nurses are safer. In a field where safety is the name of the game, this shapes hiring trends. According to the , in 2022, a bachelor’s degree was required for 49.1 percent of registered nurses.

RN to BSN degree completion programs should tell you from the start that the education alone won’t improve your nursing skills — well-trained Associates (ASN) RNs know everything they need to get the job done. There’s always room for improvement, and bachelor’s level training can help you develop the background knowledge necessary to improve patient outcomes.

Joyce’s BSN programs, including the 3-year BSN program, accelerated BSN and RN to BSN program, will help you think as a nurse and how you analyze various client situations. BSN training makes better nurses and, from a hospital administration perspective, better nursing staff.

Related Resources: The Future of Nursing Report for BSNs

2. BSN Nurses Are More Qualified for Management

Just about every nursing management role requires a BSN degree or higher. In fact, hospitals that want to be recognized as the gold standard in nursing (often referred to as ) must have BSN-prepared nurses in all management positions.

The way many hospitals see it, hiring only BSN nurses allows them to promote managerial staff internally. Most hospitals would rather not hire externally for nurse manager roles, and requiring all nursing staff to have a BSN means that the hospital has a large, qualified pool of potential managers from which to promote.

Joyce’s BSN degree is designed to equip you with all the right nursing management and leadership skills. All of our BSN students take a course on Nursing Leadership and Management Systems. This class will grow your capacity for teamwork, collaboration, and interdisciplinary partnerships. A Joyce BSN will prepare you for leadership opportunities, making you a more hireable job candidate.

If management isn’t your thing but you’d still like to continually advance your career, a BSN degree can be a major stepping stone toward Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) positions, like a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). A BSN shows hospitals that hiring you is a good long-term investment because it indicates that you’re serious about your practice and want to continue to grow your skills. Hospitals like to hire nurses with the potential to rise in the ranks. This means that a Joyce BSN degree can impact your nursing practice by preparing you with skills that give you room to grow your career (and your salary) in the nursing field.

Related Resource: BSN Nursing Career Choices

3. BSN Nurses Have More Research Experience

At Joyce, research is part of every nursing program and career pathway. The best nursing programs establish that nursing is a constantly-evolving profession and familiarize their students with research processes, starting at the RN Associate’s degree level. Unfortunately, this wasn’t always an educational norm, which means that many current RNs with associates (ASN or ADN) education generally have less research experience.

Employers value nurses who know how to research the most relevant science on nursing practice and patient care, and the found that nurses with a BSN have better research and evaluation skills. In an effort to build a roster of knowledgeable, research-minded nursing staff, .

ASN-trained nurses, don’t lose hope. Joyce’s RN to BSN program provides ample research experience and creates an environment for licensed RNs to integrate advanced nursing knowledge into their work. It’s designed by and for working nurses, and can help you increase your skills, hireability, and salary in just over one year of flexible coursework.

Related Resource: What CCNE Accreditation Means for RN-BSN Students

4. Hospitals With BSN Nurses Are Prepared for Future Laws

So far , requiring new nurses to complete an RN to BSN degree program, but there’s a good chance that other states will follow. Many nursing employers are preparing for that day by implementing mandatory BSN policies now. The idea is that this way, they can avoid the bureaucratic nightmare of training or replacing their associate-level nurses when the legislation finally passes.

Most hospital administrators would rather be at the cutting edge of nursing than lagging behind and waiting for legislation that forces them to implement a standard. With or without ‘BSN in 10’ laws, having a high percentage of BSN-trained nurses is best for patient care and hospital outcomes.

At Joyce, we recognize that different students have different backgrounds and different needs. That’s why we’ve created so many pathways to earn a BSN degree. Whether or not you already have nursing or college experience, you can find a BSN program tailored to your needs at Joyce.

Related Resource: How to Get Your BSN Degree

Do Hospitals Prefer to Hire BSN Nurses?

In general, yes. Many hospitals will favor BSN-prepared nurses over associate-level nurses and some are moving toward making BSN degrees mandatory for all their nurses. This is because BSN nurses have better patient outcomes, are qualified for management positions, can use research to stay up-to-date in the dynamic nursing field, and they future-proof hospitals against possible ‘BSN in 10’ laws

There’s backlash to these mandatory BSN hospital policies, especially because rural communities and hospitals have less access to advanced nursing schools and highly-trained BSN nurses. ������������� helps bridge this gap by offering a completely online RN to BSN degree completion program for students in qualifying states.

Whether you’re just entering the nursing field or advancing your RN career, enrolling in one of our nursing programs can help you grow professionally and increase your hireability, especially as more hospitals require BSN-prepared nurses

Find out more about Joyce’s BSN, aBSN, and RN to BSN programs.

Want more information about BSN programs? Read the Top 10 Reasons You Need Your BSN Degree.

1. What Education Do I Need to Become a Registered Nurse?

Individuals pursuing a career in nursing must have a minimum of an Associate’s of Science in Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN board exam to become a registered nurse. ������������� offers four nursing programs that prepare students for RN licensure including a 20-month Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (aBSN), and a direct entry Master of Nursing degree (MSN). The aBSN and DE-MSN programs are accelerated and specifically designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. Students entering the field of nursing must earn at minimum an ASN to qualify for RN licensure, but Joyce also offers a advanced practice programs for students seeking a broader job market and better salary options.

Related Resource: BSN vs MSN: Which Degree is Right for You?

2. How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?

At �������������, it takes only five semesters to earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam, which is a minimum requirement in order to become eligible for an RN licensure. While an associate degree will enable you to become licensed, the showed that 65.2% of the RNs were prepared at the baccalaureate level or higher. Depending on the nursing degree you choose to pursue, it can take 20 months to four years of full-time study to become an RN.

Related Resource: 5 Reasons You Need Your BSN Degree

3. What Licensing Requirements are There to Becoming a Registered Nurse?

Professional registered nurse (RN) requirements for licensure can vary among . But all students must first graduate from an approved prelicensure nursing program and then pass the NCLEX-RN exam before they are eligible for licensure in any state. It’s important to complete your nursing degree at an accredited university.

After graduating from an accredited nursing program, you must obtain an RN license in order to practice in your state of residence. Every state has their own licensing requirements, so it’s important to first assess the professional licensure requirements in the state you plan to practice before enrolling in an accredited nursing program. Once you pass the NCLEX, along with completing all other licensure requirements, you will receive your nursing license. This process will vary state to state.

Related Resource: How the NCLEX-RN Works

4. What is the Fastest Way to Become a Registered Nurse?

Compared to other nursing programs that typically last , Joyce’s ASN students can complete the program in as little as 5 semesters or 20 months. Nursing students may apply for licensure and sit for NCLEX-RN after successfully completing all pre-licensure courses and be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse.

Related Resource: 7 Differences Between an RN and BSN Degree

5. What is an Accredited Nursing Program?

Accreditation ensures that the program or school you plan to attend meets the quality standards required of the state board of nursing. When it comes to researching the best nursing programs, it’s important to first start by looking at programs that hold institutional and programmatic accreditation. There are two primary nursing accreditation bodies in the United States responsible for granting programmatic accreditation including the (ACEN), the (CCNE). Institutional accreditation, aka regional accreditation, is another important factor when choosing between nursing programs. While programmatic accreditation requires assessment of individual programs, institutional accreditation requires assessment of an institution’s organizational structures and is the primary form of accreditation for traditional colleges and universities.

Related Resource: What is an Accredited College?

6. How Do I Find My First Nurse Job?

Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your license, it’s time to find your first nursing job so you can practice as a nurse. The good news is that nurses are in high demand. The (BLS) estimates employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% in the next 10 years.

When looking for your first job, start with the Career Services department at the institution you graduated from. You can also tap into your Alumni network or connect with the contacts you made during clinical rotations to get an idea of job availabilities.

Related Resources: 6 Tips to Succeed at Your First Nursing Job

8. How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse?

At �������������, it takes only five semesters to earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX exam, which is required before being eligible for an RN license. While an associate degree serves as the minimum requirement, the showed that 65.2% of the RNs were prepared at the baccalaureate level or higher. Depending on the nursing degree and curriculum, it can take between two and four years of full-time study to become an RN.

Related Resource: 8 Benefits of a Holistic Nursing Education

9. What is the Fastest Way to Become a Registered Nurse?

Compared to other nursing programs that typically last 2-4 years, Joyce’s ASN students can complete the program in as little as 5 semesters or 20 months. Nursing students may apply for licensure and sit for NCLEX-RN after successfully completing all pre-licensure courses and be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse.

Related Resource: NCLEX Study Plan for Passing the Licensure Exam

1. Blended Learning Structure

This isn’t the traditional college experience. It’s better. Students entering a Nursing program or OTA program will undergo a blended approach to learning, combining online coursework with in-person skills development.

Depending on the program you choose, your in-person learning will often take place during your labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. Throughout your time at Joyce, our dedicated Cohort Coordinator will organize student learning teams to help you coordinate your in-person learning with your schedule. They’ll facilitate student appreciation, cohort meetups, and specialized events specific to our students. This means that while you may not be located near your fellow classmates, you’ll have the same opportunity to connect and begin building a meaningful and lasting peer network.

Joyce students are encouraged to participate in student council, regional and international clinical trips, and service projects that we organize for the community such as blood drives, to create and maintain peer connections that will last beyond your college experience.

Each in-person session is designed to advance your nursing or OTA skills. On campus, we apply hands-on skill development that reinforces information learned in your online classes, enabling you to make the most of your meaningful time. This hands-on training will ensure both a quality education and the confidence to enter the nursing field.

Distance students interested in enrolling in programs that require travel to the Draper Campus for skill development can learn more about travel requirements and how financial aid may be used to cover the cost of travel to cover expenses on the program page under residency requirements.

2. Campus Location

Our nursing program is based in Draper, Utah, conveniently close to both Trax and FrontRunner stations, and a ride down Interstate 15 from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Our facilities reflect a student-centric culture to set you up for success. With student lounges, private study rooms, and snack areas, we’re here to help make your learning experience impactful and affordable.

Rather than directing your tuition costs towards an elaborate ecosystem of buildings, our emphasis in campus life at Joyce is on student outcomes and clinical skills training. We keep labs and simulation class sizes small to guarantee personalized instruction, so that you graduate from your program ready to practice safe, quality care. You won’t blend in or fall behind. As a student in our healthcare program, you will have every opportunity to ensure that you achieve the standard of excellence our proud alumni have set.

Check out our Campus Map to get directions to our physical campus in Draper, Utah.

3. Nursing Simulation Center

Campus life at Joyce will give you the competitive edge for job placement and advancement in the field of nursing. While much of our programs (ASN, BSN, aBSN, RN to BSN & MSN) are online, labs and clinicals are a vital part of your education. Our state-of-the-industry nursing simulation center offers high-fidelity robotic patients, life-like synthetic cadavers, and realistic hospital settings, all to establish your relevancy as a nursing professional.

Your immersive skills labs will take place in a safe, controlled environment so that you feel prepared for real-world nursing experience on day one. At Joyce, our efforts to support outcome-centered care make our graduates highly effective nursing and healthcare professionals.

You can read more about the Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation to understand how the realistic clinical atmosphere will contribute to your nursing education.

4. Library and Student Resource Center

Our students can expect learning support resources right where they need them. You’ll find all the study materials and spaces you need on campus, within walking distance of your classes, so you have a place to work free from distractions. When you’re at home, we also have an online library with a 24-hour helpline. Flexibility is integral to our programs so that as you begin the steps towards a career in nursing, you feel both welcomed and empowered.

Our Center for Teaching and Learning is equipped with expert tutors who will empower your education and help you develop the study skills and learning techniques to retain and apply the concepts you’ll need to master as you progress through your program.

An added bonus? Our student support also includes a team of Cohort Coordinators to guide our students in administrative needs. Whether you need help with arranging travel, study sessions, or team building exercises with your cohort, you’ll be connected with quality assistance to make your learning experience as impactful as possible.

Would you like to learn more about life on campus? Are you ready to enroll?

We’ve compiled a list of five books every future nurse should read before graduating. Not all of them are healthcare-focused, but each is a testament to the difficult-yet-fulfilling career that is nursing.

Technology and the digitization of healthcare has been both helpful and harmful to those in medicine. On one hand, we have faster processes, we’re working towards streamlined records, and vast possibilities for discovery lie ahead. On the other, patients are finding it difficult to pry their physician’s eyes away from the computer screen. More and more people are complaining of disparate, inaccurate records and inattentive healthcare professionals, leading to growing distrust between patient and provider. Author Dr. Robert Wachter carefully parses through the current challenges in our system and offers tangible suggestions for providers looking to strengthen healthcare in the midst of its digital revolution.

At this point you’ve likely received lessons from seasoned nurses on how to lead, but what about all those who interact with nurses on a daily basis? By collecting insights from leaders in other disciplines (ranging from philanthropy to academia to healthcare to government), editors Greer Glazer and Joyce J. Fitzpatrick have created an anthology of valuable outsider perspectives on nursing leadership. Nurse’s days are defined by interactions, and the amount of people you will interface with is vast, so why not get their perspectives on what makes a good nurse good?

Dr. Lisa Sanders was first known as the author of The New York Times Magazine’s monthly column “Diagnosis,” or the inspiration for the hit Fox TV series “House, M.D.” In this book, she gives us a collection of gripping cases to demonstrate how physicians solve diagnostic dilemmas. Despite significant technological advances in medicine, Dr. Sanders reminds us that the right diagnosis doesn’t always involve a computer; sometimes, the most powerful tools are listening to the details and conducting a thorough physical examination. The essays are just as thrilling as “House,” but instead of Hollywood plotlines and special effects, their potency comes from their study of the science behind the cases and the examination of what went wrong.

These true stories come from a range of people, from nurses-in-training to those who’ve been in the field for decades. They cover life and death, but it’s the stories about everything in between that will move you. From convalescent care to the emergency room, this book is a testament to the power and resilience of nurses everywhere. This one might make you cry — don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Speaking of crying, keep the tissues handy. Randy Pausch was a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon when he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. In the tradition of the last lecture, Pausch delivered his on September 18, 2007 and called it, “T��� Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” It was filmed, uploaded to YouTube, and after becoming a viral sensation, he decided to transcribe it into what became his final book. He passed away in July 2008, but left behind a moving legacy. You will face challenges as a nurse, some that will feel bigger than you can handle, but as Pausch states, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”

So head to the library or the bookstore (or Amazon if you don’t want to get off the couch) and check these out today. We guarantee these books will stay with you for a long time.

Do you have a favorite book that has helped you on your journey to becoming a nurse? Tell us! If you’re interested in learning more about Joyce’s Nursing or RN-BSN program, contact us for more information. We always love to hear from you!