What UIC’s RN to BSN Program Teaches About Nursing Leadership

After decades of working in pediatrics, the NICU, and adult nursing, Theresa Williams, a professor in UIC’s online RN to BSN program, has experienced many specialties and the challenges nurses face within them. Along the way, she discovered how much her early training shaped her adaptability and how important it is for nurses to keep learning, no matter where they are in their careers. 

In NURS 372: Leadership and Management in Nursing, Williams teaches students how to recognize their strengths, navigate knowledge gaps, and better understand what leadership in nursing looks like. Whether just starting out or preparing to move beyond bedside care, her course offers the tools and perspective to help nurses take the next step. 

Can you provide an overview of your background in nursing?  

I graduated with my BSN degree and spent 20 years working in pediatrics and the NICU. At the time, pediatric nursing was becoming more specialized in specific age groups or types of care. However, I had the opportunity to work in a wide range of specialties from transplant and post-op surgery to heart surgery, pediatric ICU, and cystic fibrosis. I could rotate through different areas and adapt my skills, which was a valuable experience. 

I believe this flexibility came from my foundational training in my basic nursing program. That strong foundation allowed me to adapt and thrive, regardless of specialty.  

Then, at 40, I had a disabled child, which shifted my perspective. I felt it wasn’t fair to parents to keep thinking of my own child’s wellness, so I left pediatrics. I moved into adult nursing and worked at Humana, focusing on data and tools. When I transitioned into adult nursing, I realized that adults are just big kids. They’re not all that different from pediatric patients in many ways, which was a surprising and eye-opening discovery. 

In fact, some of the children I cared for in pediatrics eventually grew up, and I had the privilege of caring for them again as adults. It was a full-circle moment for me. 

Creating Engaging Online Learning Experiences  

I have a master’s degree in creating online curriculum, so I have a solid understanding of how to best design and teach courses in an online environment. Over the years, I’ve made courses for students ranging from practical nursing students to master’s level nursing students. This experience has given me a deep understanding of what works best for online RN degree learning. 

In addition to that, I currently chair dissertations for PhD students, which gives me a unique perspective on what’s required for terminal degrees. This helps me see the bigger picture and understand the skills and knowledge students need to develop to succeed at the highest levels. 

Why is NURS 372: Leadership and Management in Nursing critical for students to learn?    

Many of my students are more experienced nurses who realize that they might not be able to continue providing bedside care forever. They’re looking for ways to expand their roles in nursing without necessarily stepping into leadership positions, but they lack computer experience and have never learned in an online environment. They need a lot of support. 

On the other hand, I also teach students who have just graduated from an ADN program. They’re not quite ready to step into leadership roles yet. In this course, I teach students what leadership in nursing looks like, how to respect and support their managers, and why experience matters. Many come away with a deeper appreciation of their workplace leaders and a clearer idea of what it takes to become one themselves. 

Helping Nurses Build the Skills They Need to Advance  

This course helps nurses recognize and address their individual knowledge gaps, which every nurse experiences, regardless of their role or background. Each student enters with different levels of experience. Some are already familiar with tools like spreadsheets from personal budgeting or previous roles, while others are new to these concepts. 

The course is designed to meet students where they are. It teaches them how to identify the areas where they need to grow and where to find the right resources and support. While an orientation might offer a general overview, nurses must understand their unique learning needs and how to address them effectively. 

The course equips students with the tools and confidence to progress in their current practice and prepare for future leadership opportunities by connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. 

Why Adaptability Is Essential in Today’s Nursing Field 

In today’s healthcare environment, stagnation is not an option. Things change daily, and students must use current evidence and understand how it applies to their practice. While knowledge and theories can last, applying that knowledge is what truly matters. Political changes and national laws significantly impact healthcare, and nurses need to recognize how these shifts affect the profession. 

Additionally, I stress that leadership is not one-size-fits-all. A leader’s personality and style can vary significantly from one individual to another, and nurses need to be able to work with different nursing leadership styles. It’s about learning how each leadership approach has its benefits and risks and how to minimize those risks while supporting the leader’s role. The course prepares students to adapt to various leadership scenarios and fosters resilience in navigating changes in the healthcare landscape. 

Advice for Prospective Students Considering UIC’s Online RN to BSN Program  

 UIC’s online RN to BSN program is a gateway to other career opportunities. Just a few years ago, employers required a BSN to get an interview. If they’re looking to advance in their careers, whether that’s through a master’s program or other higher-level opportunities, a BSN is essential. It helps nurses stand out in the interview process and opens doors to further education and career growth.