If you’re an RN with an ADN, you may wonder if it’s really worth it to go back to school for a BSN. You’ve already passed the NCLEX-RN and have years of experience under your belt. Shouldn’t that be enough?

In 2022, 2 million nurses entered the workforce with a BSN, making it . So experience alone might not be enough to keep you competitive in this job market. But beyond staying competitive, evidence shows that having a BSN can enhance your nursing practice.

From increased critical thinking skills to improved patient outcomes, the results don’t lie — more education creates better nurses. And better nurses can demand higher pay and more opportunities.

Building On Your ADN: What More Do You Learn With a BSN?

Your ADN program focused on teaching you basic clinical skills to prepare you for direct patient care. A BSN is a little different — it builds on the practical foundation of an ADN with coursework in critical thinking, leadership, communication, informational technology, and public health.

According to Courtney Reinisch, Family Nurse Practitioner and Professor at ĚÇĐÄvlog’s School of Nursing, a BSN helps nurses develop a global perspective, allowing them to understand the cultural, social, political and economic factors that affect their patients.

“They’re not just considering individuals, but entire populations and communities,” says Dr. Reinisch. “They’re thinking of families, communities, and social determinants of health.”

That isn’t just feel-good fluff, it results in better patient outcomes. had 24% greater odds of surviving an in-hospital cardiac arrest, 24.6% lower odds of mortality, and a 7.8% decrease in length of stay.

A BSN Makes Nurses More Marketable

Critical thinking and leadership skills along with improved patient outcomes have made BSN-prepared nurses highly desirable in the job market.

• The Institute of Medicine has called for to hold at least a bachelor’s degree by 2020.
• 28% of hospitals require new hires to have a bachelor’s degree and 72% of employers “” BSN-holding nurses.
• As of 2022, held a BSN or higher.

In order to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing healthcare job market, it really helps to have a bachelor’s degree.

A BSN Unlocks Future Opportunities

If you desire to move beyond bedside care, a BSN unlocks opportunities in administration, research, and leadership. You could even use it for non-clinical careers, like pharmaceutical or medical device sales, legal nurse consulting, and more.

A BSN is also a stepping stone to higher-level nursing professions such as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife, which require at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Choosing an RN-to-BSN Program

As a working nurse, it’s important to choose an accredited RN-to-BSN program that allows flexibility for working students, as well as opportunities for hands-on experience and career development.

The RN-to-BSN program at ĚÇĐÄvlog is designed with your schedule as a working nurse in mind. Classes are 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to complete your coursework on your own time.

Through a partnership with the West Orange Health Department, students also gain hands-on experience while serving people in need.

Founded in 2016, Montclair’s RN-to-BSN program is small and tight knit. “The students get to know each other and build their own community,” says Reinisch. “We include opportunities for students to build connections that result in networking opportunities. We’ve had students recruit each other for job opportunities they think classmates would be a great fit for.”

Professor Courtney Reinisch (right) prepares COVID-19 vaccinations for homebound residents in West Orange with Mark Rodrigues (left) and Theresa Migliaccio (middle), two graduates of Montclair’s RN-to-BSN program.

Affording a BSN Degree

Due to the increased demand for BSN-qualified nurses, some employers may pay for RNs to earn their bachelor’s degree.

As a public institution, ĚÇĐÄvlog is one of the most affordable options in New Jersey.

Pursuing higher education doesn’t have to break the bank, and there are plenty of options to help you pay for college.

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or take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

Story by Staff Content Producer Jayda Brown.

As part of the pilot initiative, School of Nursing faculty and students have held 28 screenings serving more than 250 community members. The communities being served are those where the most prominent health disparities exist, and in which residents have high morbidity or mortality risk from heart disease. Taking place in community spaces as well as on the University campus, the most recent screening was held on April 28 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Orange.

“Our goal is to reduce and prevent cardiac disease by offering free screenings at local events to identify persons at risk, provide preventive education and refer at-risk individuals to affordable, appropriate follow-up care,” says School of Nursing Dean Janice Smolowitz. “We are grateful for this opportunity to address health inequities, while preparing our student nurses with crucial experiential learning in local communities.”

Associate Nursing Professor Mary Elizabeth Duffy manages the screenings and sees the benefit of being directly in the community. “The screenings provide hands-on, community-based training to our nursing students … It is wonderful to see our School of Nursing faculty and students working together to provide this service to educate community members about their risk for heart disease and the measures they can take to prevent it.”

“With the tremendous dearth of skilled nurses, ĚÇĐÄvlog is taking concrete steps to accomplish two important goals: providing care for patients today, and training the future nursing workforce in New Jersey,” says Michael Schmidt, executive director and chief executive officer of The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey. “The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey is proud to partner with ĚÇĐÄvlog to support this innovative pilot initiative.”

Montclair collaborated with the West Orange Health Department to inform constituents of the screenings. Individuals were able to have their blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk
factors tested and have confidential healthcare conversations. They also received referrals to healthcare providers, along with follow-up after the event.

Building community

For Arielle Falcone ’23, who completed the pre-licensure Master of Science in Nursing in January, the screening event provided another opportunity to help others. “I am always grateful for volunteer opportunities, especially when it is directly beneficial and we can connect individuals with critical health resources.”

Falcone, who started her career working in research, neurology and computational psychiatry, enrolled in Montclair’s Nursing program because she wanted to have a direct impact on patient care. “During the pandemic, I felt I could do much more for the health of others and knew it was time for me to pursue nursing.” She is now licensed as a registered nurse in New Jersey and New York and works on an inpatient oncology unit, bone marrow transplant, at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Emily Woznick ’23, another recent graduate of the pre-licensure Master of Science in Nursing program, said the experience helped prepare her to be efficient in managing a large volume of patients and to navigate how to communicate and take care of a patient who doesn’t speak the same language. “It was terrific to be able to get the community experience,” she says. “This added practice to serve those in the community, especially those who may rely on it as their only check-up, was very rewarding.”

For students and faculty, the opportunity to serve is paramount.

“With joy and humility, we partner with our communities to educate and give access to healthcare,” shares Associate Nursing Professor Yanick Joseph. “As nurse educators, we pass on the legacy to our students by building community and doing selflessly the work required to maintain the social contract we inspire to enforce in all we do – to infuse active hope and collective healing.”

Associate Nursing Professor Mary Elizabeth Duffy (right) prepares for the screening at Holy Trinity Church in West Orange with Professor Courtney Reinisch.

Arielle Falcone ’23 MSN shares information on cardiovascular health and community resources with a screening participant.

Emily Woznick ’23 MSN (left) and Associate Professor Yanick Joseph (right) take a fingerstick sample to test for cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Assistant Professor Patty McGaughey (standing) talks with School of Nursing students before a cardiac risk screening held on the Montclair campus.

Story by Director of Development Communications Laura Iandiorio. Photos by Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa.

As part of the School of Nursing’s observation of National Nurses Week and National Nurses Month, the University held a traditional pinning ceremony, a rite of passage held on May 5 that marks the transition from student nurse to professional nurse. The graduates celebrated with family, friends and faculty, a formal event that paid tribute to their journey.

“You have seen us grow, from being scared to wake a patient up for morning vitals, to administering meds with confidence,” DeRienzo, who served as student speaker, told the gathering.

The School of Nursing recognized the Class of 2023 with a formal pinning ceremony, a traditional rite of passage for graduating nurses. Celebrating their achievements, from left, are Aisha Shabbir, Aleida Smack, Jenna Khansa and Madison Lawton.

The American Nurses Association chose for 2023 the theme “You Make a Difference.” Faculty speaker Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez, herself a graduate of Montclair’s nursing programs, tweaked the phrase, telling the nursing graduates, “You make the difference.”

“We encounter people at all stages of life. At any given time, there is a nurse watching as one individual takes their first breath, while another nurse watches someone take their last breath. In both instances and everything in between, our impact is felt,” Gonzalez said.

Last year, the School of Nursing held its pinning ceremony live on ±·µţ°ä’s The Today Show as part of the program’s Nurses Week. While this year’s ceremony wasn’t seen by millions, it was memorable for the family and friends of the 53 graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

“Some of you have had your blood pressure taken more times than you would like to admit, or remember, and others have had to sit through physical assessments and patient education. You complain of a headache and now you have to play 20 questions with your student nurse,” Gonzalez joked.

Photo Gallery

Every graduate was presented with a stole adorned with the nursing pin. Yaakov Diner, who earned his Master of Science in Nursing, receives his pin from his wife, Tamara Leah Diner.

Sisters Melanie, left, and Jazmin Carvajal are overcome with emotions as they pinned each other. They earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

David Mansaray, who earned his Master of Science in Nursing, is honored at the pinning ceremony by his daughter and cousin.

Clinical Specialist Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez delivers faculty remarks. She is a graduate of Montclair’s nursing programs, earning degrees in the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing programs. “We have watched you all blossom from people who were hesitant to enter a patient’s room to nurses in training who create and implement a plan of care,” she told this year’s graduates.

Gianna DeRienzo, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and served as president of the Student Nurses Association, received the “Clinical Excellence Award” from Pre-licensure Nursing Director Elizabeth Zweighaft. Awards also went to Catherine Munkittrick and Helena Van Vliet for “Academic Excellence in Nursing.” Layan Rhazi and Aisha Shabbir for “Spirit of Nursing” and Melissa Fede for “Clinical Excellence.”

Graduates recite the International Council of Nurses Pledge, committing to uphold the ethical and professional standards of nursing.

Family, faculty and friends celebrated the graduates’ achievements. Yasmeen Salman, who earned the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is photographed after the ceremony.

From L to R: Nursing faculty members Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez, Nastassia Davis, Harriet Sarkodie, Marnie Weiss, Courtney Reinisch, Sarah Kelly, Yanick Joseph, Rachel Lyons, Marybeth Duffy and Deb Brouwer.

A festival ending with balloons.

This year’s graduates of ĚÇĐÄvlog’s four-year bachelor’s in nursing program experienced a once-in-a-lifetime graduation moment on Wednesday, May 11: a special, live Pinning Ceremony on ±·µţ°ä’s as part of the program’s Nurses Week coverage.

The program’s 22 graduates, nursing faculty and Montclair President Jonathan Koppell appeared on the national broadcast, which is seen by more than three million people each morning.

Set against the backdrop of The Today Show Plaza in Rockefeller Center, the Red Hawks received their nursing pins in a ceremony befitting an extraordinary college experience – one that included them participating in the vaccine initiative – that took place amid a global pandemic.

But that wasn’t all the program had in store. As part of the event, students received special gifts including espresso machines and sneakers to wear on the job; and, to cap the unforgettable morning, event sponsor Johnson & Johnson honored the School of Nursing and its students with a $15,000 donation.

“Today was truly a special moment for our students, the School of Nursing, and for Montclair,” said Koppell. “This ceremony was a testament to all they have accomplished, and all they will continue to achieve as they enter the healthcare industry. We also want to thank Johnson & Johnson for their donation, and look forward to building a relationship that gives future nurses the opportunity to learn and thrive at our University.”

Graduating students from the BSN program at ĚÇĐÄvlog during the pinning ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

“This is a dream come true”

As part of the broadcast, three members of the Class of 2022 – Aminata Coundoul, Carin Adler and Alexander Ng – were featured in a pre-ceremony story, shot on campus in the weeks leading up to the event.

In the piece, the trio shared why they wanted to pursue nursing, their chosen specialties after graduation and how the pandemic has brought them closer together as a class and only strengthened their determination to become nurses.

“To be part of something like this was incredible,” said Ng. “We have come so far as a class and been through so much together, we have become like a family. To share our story and show the world who we are and how far we have come, and do it on live TV in New York City, is a dream come true and an amazing experience I will never forget.”

“I could not be happier for our students, faculty and staff to have this moment on a national stage,” said School of Nursing Dean Janice Smolowitz. “What they have accomplished these past four years has been nothing short of remarkable. They deserve all of the accolades and attention they receive, and I have no doubt they will make an impact in the field from the minute they begin their careers.”

For more information on Montclair’s School of Nursing, visit montclair.edu/nursing.

Hosts from The Today Show joined President Koppell and Dean Smolowitz on stage for the special Pinning Ceremony. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Carin Adler, one of the students graduating from the BSN program, shakes hands with The Today Show host Hoda Kotb. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Hoda Kotb joined her Today Show co-hosts and the University in congratulating the graduating students. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Al Roker (in the hat) interviews a team from Johnson & Johnson about the donation they gave to the School of Nursing. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Dean Janice Smolowitz led the students in reciting the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

President Koppell commended the graduating nursing students for persevering through extraordinary circumstances to get their degrees. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

After reciting the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge, graduating students from the BSN program accepted pins from the School of Nursing faculty. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Alexander Ng was one of three students profiled for the special segment that aired on The Today Show. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Twenty-two students from the School of Nursing, including Aminata Coundoul, took part in the live pinning ceremony. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Associate Professor Courtney Reinisch is coordinating the School of Nursing’s response, adding COVID-19 hours into the senior practicum. “In order to return to our lives, we need to get the global population inoculated,” Reinisch says. “I thought this was a great opportunity for students and faculty to respond locally and give back to the community.”

Mark Rodrigues, left, sets up an Essex County vaccination station, while Theresa Migliaccio prepares to administer the Moderna vaccine.

Among the nursing students is Theresa Migliaccio, a mother of five who balances family life with her classwork and weekend hours as a registered nurse at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Juggling it all during the pandemic has been difficult, she admits. “You definitely learn your resilience and your limitations.”

But taking on even more at the vaccination clinic has actually eased her stress. “It’s made the pandemic not as devastating because at least I feel I’m doing something to help.”

RN to BSN students Jinwon Woo and Danica Arcena at the Essex County site.

On a recent shift at the Essex County immunization center in West Orange, New Jersey, Migliaccio was teamed with Mark Rodrigues – both are RNs set to graduate this spring from Montclair State’s RN to BSN program. As they prepared their vaccination room, they precisely readied syringes, making sure not to waste a single drop of the vaccine.

Throughout the country, inoculating people has been hampered by vaccine shortages and a complicated registration process, but Essex County’s response has been a bright spot in the rollout. Inside the former Kmart store in West Orange, any thoughts of the challenges people may have had getting their appointment are forgotten as they receive their shots of hope, Migliaccio says. “They cry, they’re overwhelmed and they’re so thankful.”

RN to BSN student Valentina Valencia at the Essex County site.

Rodrigues, who worked as an electrician before a career change to nursing, says this process has taken him out of his pandemic comfort zone. “Occasionally you go out for your shopping, but everything is so methodical about how you spend your time outside,” he says.

At the vaccination center, Rodrigues has a system for the way he sets up equipment, organizing Band-Aids and alcohol wipes in groups of 10 to match the number of doses in each vial. “We want to be prepared so we can more fluidly deal with patients,” he says. Rodrigues has a gentle rapport to ease any anxiety people may be feeling. Often, they haven’t even realized they’ve been given the injection.

The coordinated efforts pay off as the classmates inoculated more than 100 people on their shift, about 10% of all the Moderna doses given that day. “It’s exceptionally rewarding,” Rodrigues says, “knowing we are putting people on track for getting back some sort of normalcy.”

Associate Professors Marybeth Duffy, left, and Courtney Reinisch.

Their experience illustrates how Montclair State’s nursing faculty and students are engaged in the campaign to inoculate against the virus. Essex County has five vaccination sites spread across the county and the School of Nursing is joining in the effort to vaccinate citizens by participating in a variety of roles.

Faculty members and students are also assisting senior citizens with vaccination registration at a senior apartment setting. When the on-site clinic opened, undergraduates assisted with temperature checks, social distancing and monitoring. Associate Professor Marybeth Duffy, who participated in this outreach, helped register community members for appointments and answered questions about the safety of the vaccines. “They need reassurance that taking the shot would be better than not,” she says.

The School of Nursing is continuously looking for ways to serve the community and plans to help vaccinate homebound residents in partnership with the West Orange Health Department. This faculty-undergraduate effort will include students assisting with making calls to individuals, registering and scheduling them for appointments and going to their homes.

Story by Staff Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehran

The Sodhani Family Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Somerset, NJ that was founded in 2000.

Ghandour currently works as a Nursing Assistant at Morristown Medical Center. His goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

When asked what this scholarship meant to him, Ghandour explained, “It has taught me that hard work never goes unnoticed! If you truly apply yourself and love what you do, you are able to achieve any goals you set for yourself.”

On a beautiful fall evening last night, with students in groups of twos and threes (all with masks) strolling across campus, Montclair State stole one more day from the coronavirus. In a small, but beautiful ceremony, graduates from the School of Nursing formally received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in the University’s Amphitheater.

The brilliant and wonderful School of Nursing faculty and staff were all out to celebrate with their graduates, and, in a wonderful innovation, each graduate was able to say a few words to the assembled guests as they crossed the platform. And what they said, each in their own way, was that this University had made an incredible difference in their lives. They were overflowing with gratitude for the support they had received, and the faculty were clearly genuinely proud of their students’ achievements.

As though on cue, the bells of the carillon rang from College Hall just as I said the closing words. Yesterday evening belonged to the students of Montclair State, not to the virus.

To see more photos, .

Lucero currently works as a Senior Nurse and Educator at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. He is an inductee to the International Honor Society of Nursing, Epsilon Rho Chapter. Lucero was also recognized for his dedication to PNANJ, where he serves as Assistant Treasurer and Membership Chair for their Essex County Subchapter.

His goal is to teach future nurses and increase student retention in nursing programs.

Lucero received support in his application for the scholarship award from various faculty members of the School of Nursing.

To learn more about the PNANJ, visit: