Accelerated BSN

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

Nursing careers are known for being rewarding and in demand. Being able to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day is definitely appealing, but that doesn’t make it easy. Nursing school is intentionally challenging to prepare graduates for the rigors of the profession. Learning to balance compassionate service with precise science takes hard work, hands-on training, and real-life practice. 

If you have your sights set on becoming a nurse, you’re probably curious about the road ahead. What do you learn in nursing school? What skills will you learn? What types of training can you expect? 

Whether you are fresh out of high school or considering a career change, there’s no better time to become a nurse. Our nursing program exists to prepare you for success in the field. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of what to expect from your nursing training at Bellarmine. 

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

There are several paths to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Some choose to devote two years to earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), but most healthcare employers agree that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the preferred credential for RNs.  

So , what can you expect to learn in a BSN program? The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), through The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, provides a framework for preparing individuals as members of the discipline of nursing, reflecting expectations acrossMthe trajectory of nursing education and applied experience (AACN, 2021). This includes:

Competency-Based Education
Community Education 
Nurse management and leadership 
Patient Education 
Clinical and scientific skills  
Ethics 
Decision-making 
Humanistic values

When it comes to exact curriculum, it will vary from school to school. To get a sense of what to expect, consider the following structure of the Bellarmine University traditional BSN program:

Year 1:

Students participate in general education requirements, and didactic learning (lectures and classwork). Students are offered introductory nursing classes as an elective. The Lansing School of Nursing at Bellarmine strives to engage first-year nursing students in the culture and activities available to all nursing students in our Bellarmine community.

Year 2:

Students participate in general education requirements, didactic learning (lectures and classwork). Students are offered introductory nursing classes as an elective. The Lansing School of Nursing at Bellarmine strives to engage sophomore nursing students in the culture and activities available to all nursing students.

Year 3:

Students begin core fundamental courses and start clinical rotations and simulations. Students continue clinicals and simulations in the second semester in addition to advanced nursing classes. 

Year 4:

In addition to completing additional advanced nursing courses, students complete several clinicals (including a professional nursing course with a leadership clinical rotation with a nurse leader in a hospital setting) and prepare for the  NCLEX exam. 

“I often say a BSN degree is like a golden ticket – you can work in hospitals, schools, private companies, or elsewhere.”

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

Exact course names and curriculums will vary by program, but to give you a taste of the types of classes you’ll likely encounter in nursing school, here is a sampling of BSN courses offered at Bellarmine University Lansing School of Nursing: 

Intro to Nursing (Elective for freshman and sophomore students)
Nutrition 
Foundations of Nursing Concepts
Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Professional Nursing I, II and III with Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Leadership and Management 
Applied Pharmacology 
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing & Wellness Across the Lifespan 
Population Health I and II
Complex Nursing Care of Adults I and II
Nursing Care of Childbearing/Childrearing Families
Nursing Practice Immersion
Comprehensive Nursing Review
Nursing special topic electives are also available

As you can see, BSN students can expect to be exposed to a diverse range of subject matter. This training and exposure help prepare graduates to make an immediate impact upon entering the field. 

What skills are developed during nursing school?

Nurses have a unique role as healthcare providers. They are responsible for the majority of day-to-day patient care and communication, in addition to technical and administrative tasks. In the modern American healthcare system, nurses are also increasingly responsible for understanding the business side of nursing.  

To get a better idea of the actual skills taught in nursing school, we enlisted Bellarmine University Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Leslie Leffler, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. As a seasoned nurse and instructor, she has seen firsthand how the field has evolved in recent years.  

“A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a more advanced and comprehensive nursing education compared to other nursing programs. Here are the specific skills and knowledge areas that are typically taught in a BSN program:

Clinical Assessment
Medication Administration
Comprehensive Patient Care
Intravenous (IV) Therapy
Documentation
Patient Education
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Ethics and Legal Issues
Infection Control
Psychosocial Support
Cultural competence
Lan and Diagnostic Testing Interpretation
Teamwork
Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Leadership and Management Skills
Emergency Response

Palliative and End of Life Care
Community and Public Health

BSN programs typically have a longer duration and include additional coursework in areas such as nursing research, public health, and healthcare policy. Clinical experiences and practicum rotations are also an integral part of BSN programs, providing students with a broad range of clinical experiences to prepare them for diverse nursing roles. Graduates of BSN programs are often well-positioned for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles in healthcare.”

Professional values in nursing

According to the AACN, BSN-level nurses are expected to understand and embody the following professional values for nursing practice: 

Altruism: deep and authentic concern for the welfare and well-being of others  
Autonomy: the right to self-determination on the behalf of patients  
Human dignity: respect for the inherent worth and unique individuality of all people and populations  
Integrity: acting in accordance with the accepted code of ethics and standard of practice for professional nurses 
Social justice: acting in accordance with fair treatment of all people, regardless of economic status, race, ethnicity, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation

What else should you know about nursing school?

For those who are interested in becoming a nurse because they have a genuine passion for helping others but are apprehensive about the science and math requirements, take note. According to Dr. Lindsay, you shouldn’t write yourself off right away. She recommends seeking out resources and mentorship and seeing if you can improve in your weaker subject areas.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of sacrifice, a lot to learn, but it’s the best decision you could ever make. You get to help people, advocate for patients, connect them with resources, and improve the quality of their lives,” Dr. Lindsay shares. “I often say a BSN degree is like a golden ticket – you can work in hospitals, schools, private companies, or elsewhere.”

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

You now have a much better understanding of what you learn in nursing school. If this information has you excited at the prospect of pursuing this rewarding profession, take the next step. Your skills and compassion are needed now more than ever!  

Learn more by visiting our traditional Lansing School of Nursing BSN program page. Or, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, take advantage of our Lansing School of Nursing Accelerated BSN track. 

Reference: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Essentials-2021.pdf

Accelerated BSN

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

Nursing careers are known for being rewarding and in demand. Being able to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day is definitely appealing, but that doesn’t make it easy. Nursing school is intentionally challenging to prepare graduates for the rigors of the profession. Learning to balance compassionate service with precise science takes hard work, hands-on training, and real-life practice. 

If you have your sights set on becoming a nurse, you’re probably curious about the road ahead. What do you learn in nursing school? What skills will you learn? What types of training can you expect? 

Whether you are fresh out of high school or considering a career change, there’s no better time to become a nurse. Our nursing program exists to prepare you for success in the field. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of what to expect from your nursing training at Bellarmine. 

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

There are several paths to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Some choose to devote two years to earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), but most healthcare employers agree that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the preferred credential for RNs.  

So , what can you expect to learn in a BSN program? The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), through The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, provides a framework for preparing individuals as members of the discipline of nursing, reflecting expectations acrossMthe trajectory of nursing education and applied experience (AACN, 2021). This includes:

Competency-Based Education
Community Education 
Nurse management and leadership 
Patient Education 
Clinical and scientific skills  
Ethics 
Decision-making 
Humanistic values

When it comes to exact curriculum, it will vary from school to school. To get a sense of what to expect, consider the following structure of the Bellarmine University traditional BSN program:

Year 1:

Students participate in general education requirements, and didactic learning (lectures and classwork). Students are offered introductory nursing classes as an elective. The Lansing School of Nursing at Bellarmine strives to engage first-year nursing students in the culture and activities available to all nursing students in our Bellarmine community.

Year 2:

Students participate in general education requirements, didactic learning (lectures and classwork). Students are offered introductory nursing classes as an elective. The Lansing School of Nursing at Bellarmine strives to engage sophomore nursing students in the culture and activities available to all nursing students.

Year 3:

Students begin core fundamental courses and start clinical rotations and simulations. Students continue clinicals and simulations in the second semester in addition to advanced nursing classes. 

Year 4:

In addition to completing additional advanced nursing courses, students complete several clinicals (including a professional nursing course with a leadership clinical rotation with a nurse leader in a hospital setting) and prepare for the  NCLEX exam. 

“I often say a BSN degree is like a golden ticket – you can work in hospitals, schools, private companies, or elsewhere.”

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

Exact course names and curriculums will vary by program, but to give you a taste of the types of classes you’ll likely encounter in nursing school, here is a sampling of BSN courses offered at Bellarmine University Lansing School of Nursing: 

Intro to Nursing (Elective for freshman and sophomore students)
Nutrition 
Foundations of Nursing Concepts
Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Professional Nursing I, II and III with Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Leadership and Management 
Applied Pharmacology 
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing & Wellness Across the Lifespan 
Population Health I and II
Complex Nursing Care of Adults I and II
Nursing Care of Childbearing/Childrearing Families
Nursing Practice Immersion
Comprehensive Nursing Review
Nursing special topic electives are also available

As you can see, BSN students can expect to be exposed to a diverse range of subject matter. This training and exposure help prepare graduates to make an immediate impact upon entering the field. 

What skills are developed during nursing school?

Nurses have a unique role as healthcare providers. They are responsible for the majority of day-to-day patient care and communication, in addition to technical and administrative tasks. In the modern American healthcare system, nurses are also increasingly responsible for understanding the business side of nursing.  

To get a better idea of the actual skills taught in nursing school, we enlisted Bellarmine University Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Leslie Leffler, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. As a seasoned nurse and instructor, she has seen firsthand how the field has evolved in recent years.  

“A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a more advanced and comprehensive nursing education compared to other nursing programs. Here are the specific skills and knowledge areas that are typically taught in a BSN program:

Clinical Assessment
Medication Administration
Comprehensive Patient Care
Intravenous (IV) Therapy
Documentation
Patient Education
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Ethics and Legal Issues
Infection Control
Psychosocial Support
Cultural competence
Lan and Diagnostic Testing Interpretation
Teamwork
Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Leadership and Management Skills
Emergency Response

Palliative and End of Life Care
Community and Public Health

BSN programs typically have a longer duration and include additional coursework in areas such as nursing research, public health, and healthcare policy. Clinical experiences and practicum rotations are also an integral part of BSN programs, providing students with a broad range of clinical experiences to prepare them for diverse nursing roles. Graduates of BSN programs are often well-positioned for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles in healthcare.”

Professional values in nursing

According to the AACN, BSN-level nurses are expected to understand and embody the following professional values for nursing practice: 

Altruism: deep and authentic concern for the welfare and well-being of others  
Autonomy: the right to self-determination on the behalf of patients  
Human dignity: respect for the inherent worth and unique individuality of all people and populations  
Integrity: acting in accordance with the accepted code of ethics and standard of practice for professional nurses 
Social justice: acting in accordance with fair treatment of all people, regardless of economic status, race, ethnicity, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation

What else should you know about nursing school?

For those who are interested in becoming a nurse because they have a genuine passion for helping others but are apprehensive about the science and math requirements, take note. According to Dr. Lindsay, you shouldn’t write yourself off right away. She recommends seeking out resources and mentorship and seeing if you can improve in your weaker subject areas.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of sacrifice, a lot to learn, but it’s the best decision you could ever make. You get to help people, advocate for patients, connect them with resources, and improve the quality of their lives,” Dr. Lindsay shares. “I often say a BSN degree is like a golden ticket – you can work in hospitals, schools, private companies, or elsewhere.”

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

You now have a much better understanding of what you learn in nursing school. If this information has you excited at the prospect of pursuing this rewarding profession, take the next step. Your skills and compassion are needed now more than ever!  

Learn more by visiting our traditional Lansing School of Nursing BSN program page. Or, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, take advantage of our Lansing School of Nursing Accelerated BSN track. 

Reference: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Essentials-2021.pdf

Accelerated BSN

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

Nursing careers are known for being rewarding and in demand. Being able to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day is definitely appealing, but that doesn’t make it easy. Nursing school is intentionally challenging to prepare graduates for the rigors of the profession. Learning to balance compassionate service with precise science takes hard work, hands-on training, and real-life practice. 

If you have your sights set on becoming a nurse, you’re probably curious about the road ahead. What do you learn in nursing school? What skills will you learn? What types of training can you expect? 

Whether you are fresh out of high school or considering a career change, there’s no better time to become a nurse. Our nursing program exists to prepare you for success in the field. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of what to expect from your nursing training at Bellarmine. 

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

There are several paths to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Some choose to devote two years to earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), but most healthcare employers agree that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the preferred credential for RNs.  

So , what can you expect to learn in a BSN program? The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), through The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, provides a framework for preparing individuals as members of the discipline of nursing, reflecting expectations acrossMthe trajectory of nursing education and applied experience (AACN, 2021). This includes:

Competency-Based Education
Community Education 
Nurse management and leadership 
Patient Education 
Clinical and scientific skills  
Ethics 
Decision-making 
Humanistic values

When it comes to exact curriculum, it will vary from school to school. To get a sense of what to expect, consider the following structure of the Bellarmine University traditional BSN program:

Year 1:

Students participate in general education requirements, and didactic learning (lectures and classwork). Students are offered introductory nursing classes as an elective. The Lansing School of Nursing at Bellarmine strives to engage first-year nursing students in the culture and activities available to all nursing students in our Bellarmine community.

Year 2:

Students participate in general education requirements, didactic learning (lectures and classwork). Students are offered introductory nursing classes as an elective. The Lansing School of Nursing at Bellarmine strives to engage sophomore nursing students in the culture and activities available to all nursing students.

Year 3:

Students begin core fundamental courses and start clinical rotations and simulations. Students continue clinicals and simulations in the second semester in addition to advanced nursing classes. 

Year 4:

In addition to completing additional advanced nursing courses, students complete several clinicals (including a professional nursing course with a leadership clinical rotation with a nurse leader in a hospital setting) and prepare for the  NCLEX exam. 

“I often say a BSN degree is like a golden ticket – you can work in hospitals, schools, private companies, or elsewhere.”

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

Exact course names and curriculums will vary by program, but to give you a taste of the types of classes you’ll likely encounter in nursing school, here is a sampling of BSN courses offered at Bellarmine University Lansing School of Nursing: 

Intro to Nursing (Elective for freshman and sophomore students)
Nutrition 
Foundations of Nursing Concepts
Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Professional Nursing I, II and III with Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Leadership and Management 
Applied Pharmacology 
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing & Wellness Across the Lifespan 
Population Health I and II
Complex Nursing Care of Adults I and II
Nursing Care of Childbearing/Childrearing Families
Nursing Practice Immersion
Comprehensive Nursing Review
Nursing special topic electives are also available

As you can see, BSN students can expect to be exposed to a diverse range of subject matter. This training and exposure help prepare graduates to make an immediate impact upon entering the field. 

What skills are developed during nursing school?

Nurses have a unique role as healthcare providers. They are responsible for the majority of day-to-day patient care and communication, in addition to technical and administrative tasks. In the modern American healthcare system, nurses are also increasingly responsible for understanding the business side of nursing.  

To get a better idea of the actual skills taught in nursing school, we enlisted Bellarmine University Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Leslie Leffler, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. As a seasoned nurse and instructor, she has seen firsthand how the field has evolved in recent years.  

“A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a more advanced and comprehensive nursing education compared to other nursing programs. Here are the specific skills and knowledge areas that are typically taught in a BSN program:

Clinical Assessment
Medication Administration
Comprehensive Patient Care
Intravenous (IV) Therapy
Documentation
Patient Education
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Ethics and Legal Issues
Infection Control
Psychosocial Support
Cultural competence
Lan and Diagnostic Testing Interpretation
Teamwork
Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Leadership and Management Skills
Emergency Response

Palliative and End of Life Care
Community and Public Health

BSN programs typically have a longer duration and include additional coursework in areas such as nursing research, public health, and healthcare policy. Clinical experiences and practicum rotations are also an integral part of BSN programs, providing students with a broad range of clinical experiences to prepare them for diverse nursing roles. Graduates of BSN programs are often well-positioned for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles in healthcare.”

Professional values in nursing

According to the AACN, BSN-level nurses are expected to understand and embody the following professional values for nursing practice: 

Altruism: deep and authentic concern for the welfare and well-being of others  
Autonomy: the right to self-determination on the behalf of patients  
Human dignity: respect for the inherent worth and unique individuality of all people and populations  
Integrity: acting in accordance with the accepted code of ethics and standard of practice for professional nurses 
Social justice: acting in accordance with fair treatment of all people, regardless of economic status, race, ethnicity, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation

What else should you know about nursing school?

For those who are interested in becoming a nurse because they have a genuine passion for helping others but are apprehensive about the science and math requirements, take note. According to Dr. Lindsay, you shouldn’t write yourself off right away. She recommends seeking out resources and mentorship and seeing if you can improve in your weaker subject areas.

“It’s a lot of work, a lot of sacrifice, a lot to learn, but it’s the best decision you could ever make. You get to help people, advocate for patients, connect them with resources, and improve the quality of their lives,” Dr. Lindsay shares. “I often say a BSN degree is like a golden ticket – you can work in hospitals, schools, private companies, or elsewhere.”

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

You now have a much better understanding of what you learn in nursing school. If this information has you excited at the prospect of pursuing this rewarding profession, take the next step. Your skills and compassion are needed now more than ever!  

Learn more by visiting our traditional Lansing School of Nursing BSN program page. Or, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, take advantage of our Lansing School of Nursing Accelerated BSN track. 

Reference: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Essentials-2021.pdf

The Bellarmine Blog

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

LATEST BLOG POSTS

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

Learn more about Bellarmine University.
Provide your student's info below and we will be in touch.

You May Also Be Interested In

Your Education Awaits

Financing Your Future is Easier Than it Seems

Helping You Succeed with a Robust College Experience

ABOUT BELLARMINE

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The Bellarmine Blog

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

LATEST BLOG POSTS

What Do You Learn in Nursing School? A Sneak Peek at the Training

Health Professions

What do you learn in nursing school? Breaking down the BSN

What are some BSN courses you can expect?

What skills are developed during nursing school?

What else should you know about nursing school?

Take the next step on your path to becoming a nurse

Learn more about Bellarmine University.Provide your student's info below and we will be in touch.

You May Also Be Interested In

Your Education Awaits

Financing Your Future is Easier Than it Seems

Helping You Succeed with a Robust College Experience

ABOUT BELLARMINE

Learn more about Bellarmine University.
Provide your student's info below and we will be in touch.