How I Completed My BSc Nursing Degree Online While Working Full-Time as a Nurse (and You Can Too!)
My Journey to Earning a BSc Nursing Degree Online
Balancing full-time work as a nurse with pursuing a degree might sound impossible, but I’m here to tell you it’s achievable. As someone who started my nursing career in Ghana with a diploma in nursing, completing my BSc Nursing degree online at the University of Suffolk has been one of the most fulfilling milestones of my life.
This blog post will share my journey, the challenges I faced, how I managed my time, and how I secured a 70% scholarship to make my education more affordable. If you’re a diploma nurse considering upgrading your qualifications—especially if you’re interested in working in the US—this post is for you.
Why I Chose the University of Suffolk Online Program
✅ Flexibility for Working Professionals
The University of Suffolk’s online nursing program offered the flexibility I needed. I could study at my own pace, which was crucial for balancing my job and coursework.
🎓 Reputation and Accreditation
I was drawn to the university’s excellent reputation and accredited nursing program. This ensured my degree would be internationally recognized and enhance my career prospects, including potential BSN equivalency in the US.
💰 Cost-Effective Education with Scholarship Opportunities
I was fortunate to secure a 70% scholarship through Unicaf, significantly reducing the financial burden of my degree. Without this scholarship, pursuing higher education while working full-time would have been much more challenging.
📌 You can also qualify for a scholarship! Click here to explore your options:
👉 Apply Now.
The Challenges of Combining Full-Time Work and Online Studies
Balancing work and studies was undoubtedly challenging. However, with good time management, it’s definitely possible. Here’s what worked for me:
📅 Dedicated Study Schedule
I set aside 2-3 hours every evening after my shifts for coursework. While I didn’t always stick to the plan 100%, it gave me structure and kept me on track.
📖 Utilizing Off Days
My days off were dedicated to catching up on assignments and further reading.
⏳ Prioritizing Tasks
I learned to prioritize assignments based on deadlines and complexity. This became essential after missing a deadline that impacted my grade—lesson learned!
Adapting to Online Learning
Transitioning from traditional classroom learning to an online platform was a learning curve. However, embracing technology made it easier.
💡 My go-to tools for staying organized:
Google Calendar (for scheduling coursework deadlines)
Google Docs & Drive (for storing assignments)
Online discussion forums (for networking and support)
Managing Stress and Staying Healthy
Balancing work, studies, and personal life was tough, but I found ways to manage stress and stay motivated:
✅ Watching movies (to unwind)
✅ Talking to friends (for social support)
✅ Taking short walks (to clear my mind)
✅ Maintaining a healthy diet & staying hydrated
The Benefits of Completing My BSc Online
🎓 Career Advancement – I’m now eligible for higher-paying nursing roles that require a bachelor’s qualification.
⚖ Work-Life Balance – Studying online allowed me to continue working full-time without interruptions.
🌍 Networking Opportunities – Despite being an online student, I connected with peers from around the world—especially Nigerian colleagues on WhatsApp. These relationships have been invaluable for sharing knowledge and experiences.
US BSN Equivalency – This degree can be evaluated for BSN equivalency in the US, opening doors for potential career opportunities abroad.
📌 Want to advance your nursing career? Start your journey today:
👉 Apply Here.
Tips for Nurses Considering an Online Degree Program
💡 Set Clear Goals – Understand why you want the degree and how it aligns with your career plans, including potential relocation to the US.
💰 Explore Scholarships – Research available scholarships and grants like Unicaf’s 70% scholarship to reduce costs.
🗓 Stay Organized – Use planners and apps to keep track of deadlines.
👩⚕️ Seek Support – Inform your family and friends about your studies so they can support your journey.
📚 Leverage Resources – Take full advantage of the university’s online library, discussion boards, and academic support services.
📅 Stay Consistent – Dedicate specific hours to study every week and stick to your schedule as much as possible.
Why You Should Consider the University of Suffolk’s Online Program
If you’re a diploma nurse looking to further your education while working, particularly if you’re interested in working in the US, this program might be perfect for you.
Here’s why:
✔ Flexible schedules tailored for working professionals
✔ Affordable tuition with scholarship opportunities
✔ Access to high-quality resources and global networking opportunities
✔ Potential for US BSN equivalency, opening career doors internationally
📌 Ready to take the next step? Click here to explore scholarships and enroll today:
👉 Apply Now.
My Final Thoughts
Completing my BSc Nursing degree online at the University of Suffolk has been a transformative experience. It taught me the value of discipline, time management, and self-care while proving that with the right support, anything is possible.
If you’re considering advancing your nursing career, whether in your current country or potentially in the US, I’m living proof that it’s possible.
❓ What’s your biggest challenge as a working nurse? Drop a comment below, and I’d be happy to help!
📌 Ready to make a positive change in your career? Apply for a scholarship and start your online BSc in Nursing today:
👉 Apply Here.
