RN to BSN alumna fosters community care through online program

Meet Isabelle Walker, an alumna from the University of Illinois Chicago’s online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Ever since she was young, Isabelle knew she wanted to help people; Today, she works as an ICU nurse.

As a working nurse, the online RN-BSN program offered Isabelle the flexibility to study part-time while working full-time. Reflecting on her experience at UIC, Isabelle shares the power of community centered coursework on improving patient care.

Learn more about Isabelle’s experience with the online RN to BSN program, and how her coursework taught her to better advocate for patients.

Can you provide a brief overview of your background?

I started off at Oakton Community College, pursuing my associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). I chose nursing because I always played nurse when I was younger and knew I wanted to help people. During this time, I also cared for my grandpa, which helped me develop my skills. I worked as a CNA and learned a lot from the home healthcare nurses who cared for him.

After graduating with my ADN, I started working as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) at Ascension Saint Francis Hospital, specifically in the ICU. I enjoyed the ICU environment more than I expected, appreciating the teamwork and the critical thinking required. It was a challenging but rewarding experience. I then applied for an ICU nurse position at St. Francis and made the role transition from PCT to RN. While working there, I enrolled at UIC to get my BSN. The online program made it convenient to balance work and school. I have been working as a nurse at St. Francis for two years.

Reflecting on your experience in the online RN-BSN program, which course resonated with you the most, and why?

The course I liked the most focused on population health, which was NURS 352: Population Focused Nursing Care. It was a project-based course where we had to create a large paper centered on our community. We assessed our neighborhood, inventorying elements like gyms, food stores, health centers, and community centers. The project involved evaluating what the community offers, identifying areas for improvement, and examining issues like the transportation system. This deep dive into the neighborhood made me more aware of my surroundings and how various factors tie together to impact the health and well-being of the community.

Can you share a work project or challenge where your education from the online RN-BSN program impacted your success?

The community engagement course, Population Focused Nursing Care, was particularly relevant given our patient population in the ICU at St. Francis, which includes many nursing home patients and individuals experiencing homelessness. These patients often need assistance from social workers and help finding resources. The course was beneficial in teaching us how to advocate for our patients, identify their needs, and ask the right questions. It emphasized the importance of collaborating with social workers and being aware of community resources, such as food pantries. This deeper understanding helped us provide more comprehensive care and find the necessary support for our patients.

What advice would you offer to nurses who are considering enrolling in the program?

I would definitely recommend joining the program. I really enjoyed it and found it manageable to work full-time while studying part-time. I really enjoyed the ability to go at your own pace, whether you want to enroll part-time or full-time. If in the future I want to do a master’s, I would look at what UIC offers.

The instructors are very supportive and willing to help, and there are plenty of resources available through the UIC library and other support services. Many of my classmates followed a similar path, so it’s feasible to balance work and the program.