8 Tips to Help First-Time Online Students See Success

Learn how to get off to a good start in your BSN degree program.

Online courses are a great way to learn your way to a nursing degree.

The benefits of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online include the flexibility to attend class anywhere you have a computer and an internet connection. Earning an online degree gives you access to course materials 24 hours a day. And, choosing to earn your degree online gives you access to accredited colleges and universities you might not otherwise have access to.

Students new to online learning may at first feel nervous about taking courses online. That why advisors in Chamberlain University’s online nursing programs are available to provide learning and technical support from enrollment to graduation.

“The basics of the classroom experience, like the lecture format, syllabus and reading assignments, are all there. It’s just done on a computer,” said one senior advisor in Chamberlain’s RN to BSN degree program.

Here are eight tips for students who are embarking on their bachelor’s in nursing online and want to maximize their success.

1. Take the time to introduce yourself to your professor

An introduction is a great way to differentiate yourself from your classmates. It also shows your professionalism and opens up communication between you and your professor, which is critical in an online learning or hybrid learning environment.

2. Start early and often

Online classes have weekly assignments. Don’t put yourself in a tough position by putting off work until the end. Once you receive the assignment, review what you need to do to accomplish it and plan accordingly. Make sure to leave yourself enough time to complete the tasks effectively.

3. Measure twice, cut once (the power of planning)

Most online nursing school faculty members will provide a syllabus for the entire course on the first day. You can use a syllabus as a planning tool.

Take a few minutes during the first week to align your syllabus with your personal calendar, whether your calendar is pinned to a wall or in your phone. Start adding important dates from the syllabus. You can also take note of weeks that have additional reading assignments or topic papers due and build in extra time to accommodate them.

4. Work smarter and harder

If you are taking two or more online classes during an eight-week session, try to complete activities for both classes when you sign in to finish a task for one. By completing multiple tasks during the same homework session, you'll feel positive about your accomplishments and free up additional time later.

5. Ask for feedback and implement it

The instructors in your BSN degree program are there to ensure that you are completing assignments according to the grading criteria. They’ll leave comments about your work via the online platform for your class. Additionally, many classes have Q&A forums. These forums allow you and others to openly ask questions about the week’s work and get clear instruction from instructors. 

In both cases, once you get your feedback, use it! You can also relay your thoughts back to the instructor to see if you’re on the right track with the notes they provided.

6. Use your resources

Top nursing schools like Chamberlain University often provide students with access to digital libraries. If one is available to you, be sure to take advantage of it. There are countless journals, scholarly articles and databases you can use for research and other homework assignments.

Chamberlain’s Center for Academic Success offers resources such as workshops, tutoring and NCLEX prep. You may also have tutor and technical support chat or hotlines available to you. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

7. Lean on your support team

At Chamberlain, you’ll have a support team to guide you throughout your online education. Staff and faculty are there to assist with questions about enrollment, financing your education, student support services and more. Be sure to save the contact information for your admission representative and call or email them whenever you have a question.

8. Use a study buddy

If you’re taking online classes along with a friend or co-worker, be sure to pair up. Having a “study buddy” can be motivating and can help you stay on track. If you are taking classes on your own, reach out to a friend or family member for support. It’s a great way to keep yourself accountable.

Get Started in an Online BSN Degree Program

Tips like these are among the many ways Chamberlain helps support nurses who are earning degrees. Having a strong support system can make all the difference, and so can Chamberlain’s flexible nursing degree options.

You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Chamberlain’s online program or in a hybrid learning model that blends on-campus and online coursework. There’s also an RN to BSN online degree program, which you may be able to complete in one year if you are a full-time student.

You can find out more about Chamberlain’s online nursing programs here: Get Started Now.

Chamberlain advisors can help you explore nursing degrees so you can pick the one best suited to you and your career goals.  

With dynamic online classrooms and the ability to study from anywhere, Chamberlain’s online nursing programs can offer a convenient and accessible way to pursue your passion for healthcare.

Chamberlain University, an accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation provides assurance to the public and to prospective students that standards of quality have been met. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ccneaccreditation.org.

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By Chamberlain University