Many nursing programs offer online coursework, paired with experiential learning components. The benefits of online learning in a nursing program include teaching self-discipline and accountability, providing a comfortable learning environment, and enabling greater flexibility and work-life balance.
Many nursing programs include online coursework alongside in-person labs and clinicals. The benefits of online learning include added flexibility when completing coursework, the interactivity of e-learning platforms, and access to materials.
Pacific Lutheran University’s (PLU) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program integrates online coursework and in-person hands-on opportunities to learn and practice skills in nursing simulation labs and clinical rotations. This approach allows students the flexibility to lay the foundation of professional practice online while still developing applied skills and clinical judgement through hands-on learning approximately three days a week.
How Does Online School Work in an ABSN Program?
Hybrid online nursing degree programs combine online coursework with in-person experiential learning to thoroughly prepare students for their future careers.
While much of PLU’s ABSN curriculum is accessible online, hands-on practice delivering care is essential to nursing education. That’s why, in addition to online coursework, you will travel to in-person nursing skills and simulation labs at our facility in Lynwood, Washington, just north of Seattle. During these labs, you will learn how to perform clinical care tasks, such as inserting IV lines, and practice working through patient care scenarios, such as allergic reactions and heart attacks.
You will complete a series of clinical rotations at nearby hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. You will also refine your nursing skills while providing patient care under supervision across various practice areas, including adult health, mental health, and community health.
Ultimately, we teach you the fundamentals and theories of nursing practice online. You apply this knowledge to build practical skills in your nursing labs, then bring it all together during nursing simulation and clinical rotations. This rigorous but flexible combination of coursework, labs, and clinicals will equip you to become a practice-ready nurse.
Top Benefits of Online Learning for Nursing Students
When you enroll in a hybrid online nursing degree program, you can expect the following benefits:
1. Learn in a Comfortable Environment
Online classes allow you to learn from the comfort of your home. Instead of sitting in a traditional classroom, you can create a comfortable space in your home tailored to your needs.
2. Access Course Materials as Often as Needed for Knowledge Retention
With online courses, you can access the learning materials at any time. If you feel stumped, you can easily review material. You can use the e-learning platform while preparing
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3. Increase Your Scheduling Flexibility
Online learning allows the flexibility to incorporate your coursework into your schedule. You can efficiently work around your personal schedule because you can access the e-learning platform anytime. This benefit helps you establish a work-life balance that enhances your comfort and your studies.
4. Engage With a Variety of Learning Methods
One advantage of online learning is its accessibility. Online courses utilize multiple learning modules to make material accessible. The e-learning platform features textbook readings, course instruction, informational videos, and graphics to improve engagement and learning retention.
5. Encourages Self-Discipline and Accountability
Because online learning allows you to choose when you work on assignments, you will develop self-discipline and hold yourself accountable to ensure you get the most out of your coursework. These skills are essential to nursing and will serve you throughout your career as you provide patient care.
6. Improves Critical Thinking
The cornerstone of nursing is the ability to lean on your critical thinking skills and make decisions quickly. Because online learning requires you to develop self-discipline and accountability, relying on the knowledge acquired through online courses can improve critical thinking skills, according to a study published in the Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks. You will enjoy autonomy in your studies that will support your capacity for critical thinking.
7. Learn to Collaborate in a Virtual Environment
Online learning helps develop valuable communication and teamwork skills in a virtual environment through discussion boards and other collaborative platforms. As you progress through the online coursework, you will work with classmates and interact with professors, allowing you to refine your communication skills and learn how to present a professional image in virtual settings.
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8. Better Engagement With the Learning Materials
The same study that evaluated the effectiveness of NCLEX-RN preparation in traditional textbooks vs. online learning materials discovered that students enrolled in online nursing classes were more engaged with the learning materials. Thanks to their interactive elements, online classes and materials promote active learning and lead to better student satisfaction.
Earn Your BSN With Pacific Lutheran University’s ABSN
PLU’s ABSN program incorporates online learning with in-person experiential learning to prepare students to become licensed, competent nurses. Our online coursework includes textbook readings, videos, patient case studies, active-learning guides, NCLEX-RN preparation materials, and discussion boards to help students maximize their educational experience. Students then gain hands-on experience through skills labs, simulation labs, and clinical rotations, and will graduate with real-world experience.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible for Pacific Lutheran University’s ABSN, where we prioritize student support and holistic, value-based education. Students who are not eligible for our ABSN program are invited to explore our other health care programs, including our traditional BSN program.
Contact an admission representative at PLU today to learn more about our ABSN program.