title: The RN-BSN bridge course: transitioning the re-entry learner.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although most RN-to-BSN programs offer bridge courses, little can be found in the literature about common course objectives, content, or outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article details course objectives, course content, course implementation, and preliminary outcomes of a primarily distance learning RN-to-BSN bridge course at a northern California university.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preliminary outcome assessments suggested greater than expected increases in role and campus socialization, as well as computer literacy, as a result of RN-to-BSN bridge course implementation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The RN-to-BSN bridge course can successfully be used to transition the re-entry student and may be the link allowing RN-to-BSN students to effectively face the concurrent challenges of role socialization and computer literacy while mastering course content and course objectives.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, California State University, Chico, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Huston
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shovein
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Damazo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002140:California; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012951:Socialization; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires