Student Spotlight: Meet RN to BSN Student Lauren Jones
Lauren Jones is advancing her nursing career through UVA’s RN-to-BSN hybrid program at UVA Northern Virginia. A proud UVA alum, she has returned to her alma mater to continue her education and pursue her goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. We spoke with Lauren about her path to nursing, what she loves most about the program, and where she hopes to go next.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself, the program you’re in, and that path that led you here?
A: I did my undergraduate degree at UVA and finished my four years right when COVID hit in 2020. I had wanted to do pre-med my whole life, but then COVID hit, and I spent some time reflecting and re-evaluating. I realized that pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner made the most sense for me. At first, I didn’t know how to restart since I had already completed most of my pre-med classes. I decided to go to community college to get my Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree, and then I moved up to DC and started working at Children’s National. I always wanted to continue my education, and I needed to finish my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This program has been super helpful that I can now work while finishing my BSN, so I don’t have to do four more years of school before starting work. Eventually, I want to get my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree as well. While I was in my ASN program, someone told me about the UVA RN-to-BSN hybrid program, and it felt perfect. I already knew and loved UVA, so it made sense to me. Once I finish, I’ll be a double Hoo in a way.
Q: What has been the best part of the RN-to-BSN program, and what makes it stand out?
A: This might sound nerdy, but I genuinely missed learning. I missed being able to sit down on my days off and learn. The program has been so warm and welcoming and it’s much different from the traditional nursing school experience, which can sometimes feel intense. The professors are so supportive and understanding of full-time students and it’s a great environment conducive to growth and learning, which has been really cool.
Q: What has been your favorite class so far?
A: I really like Pathophysiology because I love the medical stuff– I love anatomy, physiology, and learning the why and how certain things happen in the body. My specific interest eventually, at least what I’m learning towards right now given where I work, will be in pediatric cardiac NP. I like getting to do a deeper dive and really think and ask questions. The other day in class, I was thinking about why something works the way it does, and then I got to sit down with the professor during lunch and talk about it. It’s cool to have one-on-one mentoring. Sometimes in big lecture classes, you don’t have that same experience. There’s 11 students in that class and I can ask any questions I need or talk to her about anything that I am curious about and it’s really cool.
Q: How has this program shaped your future goals, and would you recommend it to others?
A: I would absolutely recommend it. Everyone has been so kind and supportive. It was a really hard transition to decide to not pursue medical school and to do the nurse practitioner route instead. At first, it felt very intangible to be able to go back and start all over. However, this program has made it possible to start fresh at a school I already knew and felt connected to, and it has given me hope towards my future goals.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: In five years, hopefully I’ll have my BSN. If I’m doing the math right, that should line up with when I finish my DNP, which is about three years long. I hope to be completing my DNP and becoming a nurse practitioner. I also hope to still be at Children’s National– I love the organization and the learning opportunities there, so I see myself growing with them while finishing school.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering the RN-to-BSN program?
A: With any program, make sure you have a plan as far as time management. It’s not overwhelming, but it is time that you have to fit into an already busy schedule. It’s your choice how much you want to delve into it, but there’s so much there to learn and fully commit yourself to. Figuring out a schedule and time management is key.
Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself that classmates might not know?
A: I can ride a unicycle! I started in seventh grade when I got a unicycle for my birthday.
Q: Do you have a favorite spot in the DMV area for a study break?
A: I love the DC Public Library. It’s nice to get out of my house while studying – I believe that your home environment and study environment should be separate to promote a healthy lifestyle and habits. The library is a happy space full of people who love learning.
Q: What has been the best part of your experience at UVA | Northern Virginia?
A: I was shocked by how beautiful the campus is. It’s really nice– the study rooms are great, free snacks are available, there is a cafeteria, coffee, a meditation room, all around the corner from where we have class. There’s anything you could possibly need to have a productive environment to learn and study which is great.