Meet UIC’s Online RN to BSN Program Director

The demand for highly skilled, well-prepared nurses continues to grow. Many registered nurses are looking for the next step to advance their careers, strengthen their leadership abilities, and make a broader impact in healthcare. UIC’s Online RN to BSN program is designed with working nurses in mind, offering the flexibility, academic rigor, and real-world application needed to succeed.

At the center of the program is Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, who serves as Director of UIC’s Online RN to BSN degree program. With a background in public health and school nursing, plus more than a decade of teaching experience, Barrera brings her passion for equity, advocacy, and student support into every aspect of the curriculum. In recognition of her leadership, Gloria was honored as Nurse Influencer of the Year by ANA-Illinois, marking her as the first school nurse to receive this prestigious accolade for her policy and advocacy efforts. In this spotlight, she shares her vision for the program, the qualities every nurse needs today, and advice for RNs considering their BSN.

What Is Your Background in Nursing?

I have been a nursing instructor since 2013, teaching both online and in-person courses at several universities and developing online graduate courses. My clinical specialty is public health nursing, and I serve as a subject matter expert in school nursing, school health, and nursing advocacy.

I joined UIC’s Online RN to BSN program to help increase the pipeline of skilled, knowledgeable nurses ready to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. Nursing improves the health of individuals, families, and communities by addressing social determinants of health, reducing disparities, and providing evidence-based care. I’m proud to lead a program that offers a high-quality, fully online pathway for RNs to advance their education and leadership.

What Are Your Goals as Director of the Online RN to BSN Program?

One of my initial goals as Director was to enhance the curriculum to ensure it aligned with the latest AACN Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. We have now fully implemented those Essentials.

Shifting to competency-based education helps students reach their full potential, fosters collaboration, and encourages continuous learning to meet the evolving needs of healthcare. I also strive to integrate innovative teaching methods and expand access to resources that promote academic and professional success.

Our RN to BSN program is an early adopter of Canvas, and we’ll be fully transitioned by January 2026 to ensure compliance with ADA requirements. We’ve refreshed our courses to make them more user-friendly and easier to navigate.

Current Challenges Facing the Nursing Workforce

Nurses today are navigating unprecedented challenges, including burnout, staffing shortages, widening health inequities, and rapid technological change. The modern nurse must provide excellent clinical care while adapting to new care models, advocating for patients, and leading efforts to improve population health outcomes.

UIC’s Online RN to BSN program prepares nurses to meet these demands head-on. Through coursework grounded in informatics, advocacy, quality improvement, and equity-driven practice, students gain the tools to lead in diverse care settings and drive meaningful change. The curriculum bridges theory and practice through experiential learning, evidence-based projects, and community engagement. By empowering nurses to think critically, act ethically, and lead confidently, the program shapes the next generation of nurse leaders dedicated to delivering high-quality, equitable care.

What Sets UIC’s Online RN to BSN Degree Apart?

Our program is designed with the working registered nurse in mind. It is fully online, flexible, and built to accommodate the realities of professional and personal life, allowing nurses to advance their education without stepping away from the workforce.

Here’s what makes UIC’s Online RN to BSN program stand out:

• Competency-based curriculum: Rooted in national nursing standards and aligned with the latest AACN Essentials to meet evolving employer expectations.
• Expert faculty: Courses are taught by experienced nurse educators who bring both academic expertise and real-world clinical experience.
• Practical, career-focused learning: Students develop immediately applicable skills in leadership, advocacy, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
• Comprehensive support: Each student benefits from individualized academic advising and robust support services that prioritize accessibility and success.

As Director, I am committed to ensuring the curriculum remains innovative, inclusive, and responsive to today’s healthcare challenges. Our graduates leave prepared not only to advance their careers but to elevate the nursing profession and improve community health.

Advice for Nurses Considering UIC’s Online RN to BSN Program

Congratulations on taking the first step toward advancing your nursing career. I’m rooting for you!

Before applying, explore the curriculum and admission requirements to see how the program aligns with your goals. Success requires strong time management, organization, and commitment, but the flexibility of our program helps balance coursework with professional and personal life.

Think about ways to integrate your professional experience into your coursework; your real-world insights will enrich discussions, strengthen assignments, and help bridge theory and practice.

Our advising team and faculty are here to support you every step of the way. From orientation through graduation, you’ll have access to experienced educators, academic resources, and technical support to help you thrive. Make it a point to connect with your instructors and peers early; building those relationships enhances collaboration and makes the online learning experience more personal and rewarding.

Be prepared for a rigorous yet fulfilling journey that will strengthen your leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice skills. With dedication and curiosity, you’ll emerge as a confident, empowered nurse ready to take on new opportunities in healthcare.