Nurses from All Children’s join USF Nursing RN to BS program

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has partnered with USF Nursing to help registered nurses earn their bachelor’s degree.

This summer five All Children’s nurses started the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

“This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to support our nurses to obtain their BSN and support our strategic goal of 80 percent direct care nurses with their BSN by 2020,” said Tina Spagnola, MSN, NE-BC, RN-BC, director of clinical education & research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

USF Nursing’s RN to BS program is an online program that allows registered nurses to work while completing the necessary requirements of a BS in Nursing. The program is available on a full or part-time basis and can be completed in as little as one year.

“The industry is moving towards hiring baccalaureate prepared nurses because the evidence shows advanced education impacts quality patient care outcomes,” said Leslie Lockett, MS, RNC, CNE, incoming RN to BS program director. “The RN to BS in nursing program allows working nurses to pursue their educational pathway and elevate their careers.”

Nurses registered in this program will be able to choose a career focused track, participate in experiential learning and evidence-based practice and study abroad. It also provides nurses with a seamless transition to furthering their education to a master’s, DNP or PhD.

“I am very excited to be a part of this program and I am very happy that USF partnered with All Children’s to make this program truly something that everyone can be a part of,” said Danielle Campbell, a NICU nurse at All Children’s.  “This has always been a goal for me. I want to give myself the best chance and ensure I can make the best career moves for me.”

Edgar Arellano, a PICU nurse at All Children’s, saw this as a great opportunity to further his education with the goal of earning his DNP in the future.

“Moving forward every hospital wants nurses to have a BSN,” he said. “I think this is a great initiative that All Children’s educational staff wants to help us further our education. I definitely want to continue my education to a DNP program and work in primary care, which is something I really enjoy.”

Story and photos by Jessica Samaniego, USF College of Nursing.