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The Sinclair School of Nursing's online program is making
it possible for advance practice nurses to work in rural
areas where the nearest doctor might be 20 miles away. Photo
courtesy of MU Publications and Alumni Communication
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Online
Education Keeps Nurses in Their Communities
By Jennifer Faddis
Registered nurses with at least a bachelor's
degree will have better job prospects than those without one,
according to the U.S. Department
of Labor. Also, advanced practice specialties will be in high
demand, particularly in medically underserved rural areas. Now,
RNs will no longer have to leave their communities or their jobs
to further their education. The University of Missouri-Columbia's
Sinclair School of Nursing
offers an online RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program
for nurses with associate degrees. All master's areas of study
also are now available online.
“Online
education impacts the quality and level of practice and gives
nurses a chance to move up in their current positions without
taking them away from their communities,” said Roxanne McDaniel,
associate dean of nursing.
In the past, nurses would have to move to Columbia to advance their education. Now, students from anywhere in the nation can learn and keep their jobs. The RN to BSN program can be completed in 12 to 15 months with one or two visits to campus per semester.
“The nurses who work toward a bachelor's degree have improved critical thinking skills and tend to be more holistic in their care. They have more leadership skills and their knowledge enhances the quality of care in their communities,” McDaniel said. “It expands their toolboxes.”
The online master's program has been expanded to include all areas of study. The areas include nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, educator and leadership options. The programs take two years to complete.
“This program puts advance practice nurses in rural areas where the nearest doctor might be at least 20 miles away. So, advance practice nurses, who are desperately needed in rural communities, could create positions for themselves while serving the area in which they live,” McDaniel said.
Nurses who earn advanced degrees also often complete health education projects to satisfy class requirements. These programs, according to McDaniel, benefit their communities.
“Rural communities normally would not get health education programs or the other benefits from having a nurse complete a practicum in the area. Many of these programs continue and are sustained in the community long after the course has been completed,” McDaniel said. 
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Last Update:
November 15, 2007
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