Inside a UIC Online RN to BSN Student’s Work Week

Returning to school can feel challenging for many registered nurses when balancing full-time work, family, and personal commitments. The University of Illinois Chicago’s Online RN to BSN program is designed with that in mind, offering a flexible, fully online format that helps nurses advance their education without putting their lives on hold.

For registered nurse Joshua Deloach-Preston, UIC’s Online RN to BSN program has made it possible to keep learning while continuing the work he loves. After starting his career as an LPN and later earning his associate degree in nursing, Joshua spent years working in dialysis care and now serves as a care coordinator for a large insurance corporation. In this role, he helps seniors and individuals with physical disabilities receive the necessary services and care. Today, he’s pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing through UIC’s online program, all while working full-time, volunteering, and making time for family.

Why Joshua Chose UIC’s Online RN to BSN Program

For Joshua, choosing UIC came down to a combination of flexibility, reputation, and support. “I knew I wanted to continue my education, but I was also working full-time, so flexibility was a big thing for me,” he explained. “UIC’s online format really stood out, and I liked that it was a respected public university with a strong nursing program.”

He also appreciated how straightforward the admissions and onboarding process was. “From the beginning, it was very organized. The communication was great, and the advisors helped walk me through everything I needed. You know what specific coursework was needed, as well as the co-requisites that would have been required. That was a worry of mine for a long time, especially the further out I got from receiving my associate,” Joshua explained. “With the program accepting the coursework that I did back in 2010 and before, I appreciated that I didn’t have to start all over again.”

A Supportive and Well-Structured Online Experience

Joshua describes his experience in the RN to BSN program as “really great so far.”

“I appreciate that the expectations are clearly defined,” he said. “I don’t like when things are nebulous or unclear. The courses are organized at UIC, and you know exactly what’s due and when. You even get access to the syllabus and assignments a week before classes start, which helps me plan ahead. All the resources are also available online at no additional cost. You don’t have to purchase additional books, which is great.”

Even though the program is 100% online, Joshua says the faculty and advisors have been very accessible and supportive. “They stay in regular communication and quickly respond when I have questions. I’ve even met with professors over Zoom when I needed extra help. It really feels like everyone wants you to succeed.”

He’s also built meaningful connections with his classmates. “Every class starts with an icebreaker, and over time, I’ve started recognizing familiar names. Even though everyone works at their own pace, you still build that sense of community through discussions and group projects.”

A Typical Week in the Life of an Online RN to BSN Student

Joshua’s schedule is a balancing act, but one that works well thanks to the program’s flexibility.

“I mostly work from home Monday through Friday, but I also travel into the community to visit clients,” he said. “I also do volunteer activities for my church and, of course, have family obligations.”

Most of his coursework happens during the evenings and weekends. “The workload can sometimes be heavy, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s definitely manageable with proper planning,” Joshua said. “I usually do my reading in the car with an app that reads articles aloud, and then I complete most assignments after work or on weekends.”

This structured approach allows him to stay ahead of deadlines. “The courses give you a full prospectus for the eight-week session right up front,” he said. “I put every due date into my calendar to plan ahead. For example, this week I have two assignments due on Friday, which is also my anniversary. I knew that weeks ago, though, so I planned to finish early to enjoy the day.”

Nursing Courses and Projects That Made a Lasting Impact

One of Joshua’s favorite courses has been NURS 232: Concepts in Professional Nursing. “I’ve been a nurse for 17 years, and one of the first questions in that course was, ‘What is nursing?’ and ‘Is nursing a profession?’” he recalled. “At first, I thought the answers were obvious, but when I had to actually define them, it made me reflect deeply on what nursing means and why continued education is so important.”

He also found NURS 252: Population Focused Nursing Care particularly eye-opening. It explores concepts from public and community health and leadership to cultural and social determinants of health. “I didn’t have much experience in population health before,” he said. “It was challenging at first, but Professor Girardi was extremely helpful. She met with me several times to make sure I understood the material. By the end, it became one of my favorite courses.”

Top Skills Gained Through the RN to BSN Program

Through his coursework, Joshua says one of the most valuable skills he’s gained is learning to “look upstream.” This refers to understanding the root causes of health issues rather than just addressing symptoms.

“Oftentimes, we get into the habit as nurses of just treating whatever the problem is, whether that means giving medication or offering comfort and support,” he explained. “Those things are all important, but the idea of looking upstream means asking, what led to this? Is there something else that might need to be addressed, like a person’s social determinants of health?”

He added that this mindset has influenced his work as a care coordinator. “It’s expanded my thinking. When a patient goes through something, I try to stop and ask, am I just treating the problem, or is something else contributing to it? Maybe there’s a larger issue that needs attention,” he said.

Another key takeaway for him has been understanding the broader role of nurses within their communities. “The courses helped me see my impact beyond the healthcare organization I work for and look at how I can contribute to the community as a whole,” he said. “Even if I never work as a public health nurse, I can still apply those concepts in my everyday practice.”

Advice for Future RN to BSN Students

Joshua’s biggest piece of advice is simple: invest in yourself.

“It’s an investment of time and energy, and it requires sacrifice,” he said. “Many of us have family commitments or full-time jobs, but it’s worth it. I started in January and will finish at the end of the spring semester, and I don’t regret any of it.”

He encourages prospective students to do their research and to take the leap. “UIC’s Online RN to BSN program is great for busy nurses. You can continue learning and growing while managing everything else in your life. Invest in yourself, it’s definitely worth it.”