Earning a BSN Online While Living in a Rural Community

For many working nurses, advancing from an ADN to a BSN can feel out of reach, especially while balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. For nurses who live outside major metropolitan areas, access to a high-quality program can add another layer of complexity.

But for Stacey Hastie, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing wasn’t about leaving her community to find opportunity. It was about strengthening the care available right where she lives and works. After beginning her career in law enforcement and later transitioning to nursing, Stacey completed the University of Illinois Chicago’s Online RN to BSN program while working full-time and raising four children. In the spotlight below, Stacey shares her journey from balancing work and family to expanding her career opportunities and serving underserved populations close to home.

Selecting an Online RN to BSN Program That Supports Working Nurses

When I started looking into RN to BSN programs, I wanted something that was respected and well-reviewed. I saw that UIC’s Online RN to BSN program was highly ranked and had strong feedback from alums and current students. That mattered to me.

What really stood out was how streamlined the enrollment process felt. They told me exactly what was expected of me. As someone working full-time, raising four kids, and managing a household, I appreciated that clarity.

The program being entirely online was essential, allowing me to continue moving forward without stepping away from my responsibilities. I still had deadlines, but being able to work at my own pace and fit studying into my schedule made it manageable.

Balancing Work, Family, and an Online BSN Degree

Balancing four kids, a full-time nursing job, and school isn’t easy. But the structure of UIC’s RN to BSN degree made it possible. The instructors really work with you. They don’t hold your hand, but they have expectations of you, and they’re not going to let you fall to the wayside. I appreciated that accountability.

One of the most helpful strategies they shared was building a real schedule. They encouraged us to put our work hours in first, then block off study time. That helped me see that I could fit everything in, even when it felt overwhelming.

Expanding Career Opportunities with a BSN Degree

After earning my ADN, I started working at Memorial Hospital in Springfield. Right away, I was thrown into the role of charge nurse in a busy med-surg unit. That role required leadership and strong communication skills. UIC’s NURS 372: Leadership and Management course really helped me in that area. It strengthened my work with diverse populations and my leadership of other nurses.

Before earning my BSN degree, I felt like more doors were closed with just an ADN. After completing the program, I saw the difference between a two-year and a four-year nursing degree. I don’t think I could have gone straight into my current role as a psychiatric nurse with just an ADN. I’ve also seen that most job postings now prefer a BSN-prepared nurse. I’ve noticed higher pay associated with having the degree as well.

Building Skills to Better Serve Underserved Populations

One of the courses that stood out the most to me was NURS 352: Population Focused Nursing Care. We completed a community windshield project in which we researched a specific community, examined statistics, identified health needs, and discussed how community health nurses serve diverse populations.

In my ADN program, we didn’t do projects like that. This one was eye-opening. It helped me better understand underserved populations and the broader scope of healthcare. Now, working in psychiatric nursing, I see how that knowledge applies. In our area, there aren’t enough treatment facilities, clinics, or providers who want to work with specific populations. Some facilities have closed, leaving people with even fewer options.

UIC’s BSN degree helped me become more well-rounded. It helped me appreciate people from different backgrounds and diverse experiences. In healthcare, it can be easy to judge or make assumptions. The program helped me approach patients with more compassion and understanding.

Why Access to a Fully Online RN to BSN Program Matters for Local Communities

I’ve seen how important it is for nurses to stay in their communities. Many people complete their degrees and move to bigger cities. But communities outside major urban areas still need educated, experienced nurses. Access to a fully online RN to BSN program makes it possible to advance without relocating.

Nursing is constantly evolving. You’re always learning. You’re always evolving as populations change and new health challenges arise. Continuing education helps you become more well-rounded and better prepared to serve diverse populations. That benefits the entire community. I believe that when RNs further their education, it improves patient care outcomes, which are needed in rural communities. You see lower mortality rates and better patient health outcomes when nurses pursue higher education.

Advice for Nurses Considering an RN to BSN Program

If you’re thinking about furthering your education, definitely do it. UIC’s enrollment process was streamlined. They clearly outline what’s expected of you. You can take two classes at a time, and the time really does fly. When you think about the benefits of having your BSN degree, it’s well worth it.

I’m really proud to have graduated from UIC. I completed the RN to BSN program fully online while working and raising my family. It challenged me and helped me grow without leaving the community I care about.

Learn more about UIC’s Online RN to BSN program and how it supports working nurses across Illinois and beyond.