Online learning’s growth in popularity during the last decade has made this form of education mainstream rather than merely a trend.
Additionally, due to the constraints imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, virtual instruction suddenly became a significant part of many people’s lives.
Although it was initially challenging to transition to this new way of learning, eventually, the advantages of online learning became evident, and people began to prefer it over conventional classroom teaching.
Online learning has become an effective and accessible tool for nursing students to pursue their goals of becoming registered nurses or advancing their careers.
How do online nursing programs work?
New methodologies in both teaching techniques and presentation styles for actual nursing scenarios have made online courses notably more efficient.
However, when individuals contemplate obtaining an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing online, it is common to wonder how they will satisfy the in-person and practical elements of the program. Completing mandatory clinical hours at a hospital, clinic, or current workplace is necessary, while most foundational classes are available to study via the Internet.
Rockhurst University has the answer if you are a nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) qualification and are wondering what you can do with an MSN. The university’s online offerings emphasize Jesuit education ideals, such as knowledge, administration, and service. Its nursing programs provide students with a formative learning experience, challenging coursework, and ample research opportunities.
How online learning has benefitted the nursing profession
More flexibility
With online learning, students completely control when and how they receive their education. Working nurses can schedule their courses around their clinic hours and other life commitments instead of being forced to attend an in-person class. This way, they are learning at the most appropriate and optimal times.
Accessible online resources
Online learning has revolutionized how nurses secure and record educational resources. With online platforms, nurses can now easily access information from apps, textbooks, websites, and broadcasts anytime.
For example, nurses can subscribe to podcasts or online lessons providing information on numerous topics such as scientific research, patient health and safety, and more. The plethora of online resources available also provides a way to learn about updates in the nursing field and novel certifications that may be available.
Self-paced learning
The pace of online learning has dramatically altered how nurses pursue continuing education. E-learning allows nurses to study at their speed – a necessity for many nurses, given their hectic work schedules.
With self-paced learning, nurses can take their educational materials on the go and access them anytime. They can even pull up some class material to review during spare moments in the clinic.
Online learning empowers nurses to remain up to date on their continuing education even with time restraints and work commitments, ensuring they are knowledgeable about current topics and practices, which only enhances patient care.
More opportunities for participation
How seats are arranged in traditional classrooms can create a hierarchy regarding student engagement levels; typically, more interactive individuals will sit closer to the teacher.
However, virtual learning eliminates this phenomenon and offers enough space for all students to be involved. With online classes, options such as discussion boards and text messaging allow students to conveniently share their thoughts, allowing everyone to participate in discussions.
Comfortable learning environment
With easily reachable teachers via digital platforms, online learners can acquire class materials, connect with their classmates and receive comments and feedback in a secure and supportive atmosphere.
Nurses can continue progressing in their professions and caring for their patients while taking classes in a flexible and convenient learning environment. Online platforms that enable virtual relationships with their professors and classmates help create a nurturing atmosphere where students are comfortable asking questions and bringing up any issues they may have with the coursework.
Technology skills
Online education has revolutionized nursing by providing nurses with the broader technological know-how required to complete their digital courses. These skills can then be directly applied to nurses’ tasks, including utilizing PCs for data input, cataloging, recording, and correspondence.
Nurses can now use digital technology to access prescription data, cooperate with other medical services experts and discover resources to enhance patient care.
Lower costs
Reducing expenditures is one of the greatest advantages of e-learning for nurses. Online programs allow nurses to take classes and broaden their education at a much more affordable price than if they were to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university.
The savings come from avoiding purchasing textbooks, lab charges, and other related investments such as travel expenses. Moreover, web-based learning often permits students to study from the comfort of their homes, bypassing the need to pay for on-campus lodging and meals.
Final thoughts
The many benefits of online learning have allowed nurses more flexibility in their education, numerous options for choosing the right courses and programs for their career needs, and avenues to pursue advanced degrees.
Nurses can access resources and materials easily through online learning while working collaboratively through virtual networks. This greater access to education, resources, and professional development opportunities has enabled nurses to keep up with the latest trends and increase the quality of patient care they can administer.
Online learning has revolutionized nursing, allowing nurses to stay current and remain integral to healthcare today.
