Almost all nursing programs offer a standardized BSN curriculum that will train medical students to become caring and competent professionals.
BSN Programs
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) sets the curriculum framework for nursing degree programs. Nursing degree curriculums should focus on the hard sciences, such as biology and chemistry, and the soft sciences, such as math and psychology. Liberal arts classes will develop the innovative and intellectual capacities needed for critical thinking and responsible professionalism. There are unique programs available, such as accelerated RN to BSN programs for working RNs. RN to BSN and MSN programs (please see: Top 10 Best Online RN to BSN Programs) allow students to obtain both degrees at the same time. These two programs will offer distinct classes.
The Basic Curriculum
BSN programs typically start out with classes that review the foundations of nursing care, nursing science basics and the professional roles of nurses. This last course will introduce students to the interrelated roles that nurses play as leaders, researchers and practitioners. Classes will focus on clinical judgment, critical thinking and professional skills. Theory-based nursing courses will focus on the values, concepts and behaviors necessary for professional nursing practice. Ethics classes instill values and responsibilities through illustrating the importance of professional accountability and transparency. Technology classes will expose students to standard software, like patient-centered health care management programs, and emerging technologies, such as data analytics and health care informatics.
The Advanced Curriculum
The third and fourth years of the BSN program will involve challenging and fascinating classes, such as pathophysiology and pharmacology. Many nursing students elect to study specialized topics, such as psychiatric, obstetrical, pediatric and community nursing. Some students prefer to study leadership to become nurse supervisors and team leaders. Other nurses who want to become administrators may learn about health care policies, public health nursing and health care economics. There are also classes available regarding nursing statistics, disease prevention and quality improvement programs. A key focus of all these classes is the relationships between health care technology, quality control and patient safety practices.
BSN Program Outcomes
BSN programs integrate concepts from the arts and sciences to promote applied nursing skills that will ensure quality and dependable care. These programs are designed to help graduates manage complex nursing situations and heavy case loads. Students are taught how to apply leadership skills and decision-making models to a variety of nursing practices. Students will be prepared to translate the principles of patient safety and quality improvement into their daily tasks and routines. BSN programs also help students to understand health policies, engage in professional communication and translate current research into nursing practices. Finally, students will be trained in the latest health care IT information and patient care management technologies. In order to graduate, they must be able to demonstrate the critical thinking and clinical skills necessary for the delivery of competent and compassionate care to all patients.
Due to strict regulations and high standards, almost every BSN curriculum will be similar. To learn more, visit the website of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
