Managing the Unexpected: Stressors and Solutions for Challenges Experienced by RN-BSN Students During an Unprecedented Global Pandemic

. These are extraordinary and stressful times for the nursing profession. The year 2020 brought the world the Coronavirus and the resulting pandemic. Nurses worldwide served as infantry, working on the frontlines fighting the pandemic as essential workers. Many have been, and still are, working long hours, that include mandatory overtime. They have generously provided their time and expertise to serve their communities, employers, patients, and families. A large contingent of registered nurses (RNs) were also attending classes in online accelerated programs (OAPs) to earn their Baccalaureate in Nursing. Doing so was a choice by some, but for others, it was and is an employer mandate. Attending school as a working RN is a stressful event by itself, but during an active pandemic it can be overwhelming. The purpose of this curricular innovation was to identify student challenges, and if possible, make adjustments in coursework that might decrease their stress while improving their success in completing their education.

Managing the Unexpected: Stressors and Solutions for Challenges Experienced by RN-BSN Students During an Unprecedented Global Pandemic Presentation