Bachelors of Science in Nursing Interview: Amy Messer BSN, RN

A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a broad degree with many career paths to consider. One such path is a Nurse Paralegal, or a Legal Nurse Consultant. A Nurse Paralegal is a nurse who applies their unique skill-set and medical knowledge to assist a legal team.

Nurse paralegal Amy Messer, BSN, RN started her career as a charge nurse and supervisor for a long-term care facility. She then transitioned to acute care nursing as a staff nurse. Currently, she works as a nurse paralegal at a law firm that specializes in medical malpractice cases. In this interview, Amy offers valuable information about her education and career to help aspiring BSN students learn more about the profession and the wide variety of career options that are available to them.

  1. What position do you currently hold? Can you tell us about your key responsibilities?
  2. Can you describe your typical work-day?
  3. Why did you decide to become a nurse and pursue a BSN?
  4. What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
  5. What is your least favorite part about being a nurse?
  6. What factors should a prospective BSN student look for when selecting a school?
  7. Do you think nursing education adequately prepares students to pass their nursing board exams?
  8. What kinds of technology are incorporated into the nursing curriculum?
  9. Online, blended nursing programs such as LPN to BSN bridge programs are becoming more popular. What do you know about these programs? Can you see any benefits from receiving part of your nursing education online?
  10. What is one piece of advice you would give a BSN student just starting out in the field?

1. What position do you currently hold? Can you tell us about your key responsibilities?

I currently work as a nurse paralegal. As a nurse paralegal, I work in a medical malpractice law firm. Some of my key responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the intake of new clients
  • Serving as a liaison with other medical professionals the firm may hire
  • Providing relevant medical research
  • Ordering and preparing medical records
  • Transcribing medical records into chronologies

2. Can you describe your typical work-day?

The best part of my job is that it varies day to day. I generally work in an office setting Monday through Friday, 9-5. I generally spend a large part of my day researching cases and doing a lot of writing. I always save a portion of my day for corresponding with clients and other medical professionals. Occasionally I attend depositions, mediations, and trials, which take me out of the office.

3. Why did you decide to become a nurse and pursue a BSN?

I became a nurse because I like to interact with others and my love for science. I felt nursing allowed me the flexibility to pursue a broad range of career options and a BSN opened more doors. I’ve held several different positions ranging from bedside nursing, to management, and now I’m in the legal field. Most bachelor’s degrees are not as versatile.

4. What is your favorite part about being a nurse?

I learn something new everyday! Every position I’ve held has helped prepare me for the next.

5. What is your least favorite part about being a nurse?

It depends on the position held. Nursing can be emotionally challenging at times. Paperwork can also be very extensive and time consuming.

6. What factors should a prospective BSN student look for when selecting a school?

Find the right fit for you. Everyone has different needs. I chose a school that had small class sizes. Look into programs beforehand so you have an accurate understanding of their requirements and expectations.

7. Do you think nursing education adequately prepares students to pass their nursing board exams?

Nursing schools give you back what you put in. I studied hard for four years—and it paid off when I took the boards and passed the first time. It is definitely not a test you can cram for.

8. What kinds of technology are incorporated into the nursing curriculum?

Internet access is a must as most programs have an online aspect to them. Most programs require a basic computer course to ensure basic literacy.

9. Online, blended nursing programs such as LPN to BSN bridge programs are becoming more popular. What do you know about these programs? Can you see any benefits from receiving part of your nursing education online?

Although I am not familiar with LPN to BSN programs, I have taken many of my classes online. I travelled abroad for a semester and completed my coursework online. The great benefit of online instruction is being able to pace yourself. This can be a real benefit for those who work or have children.

10. What is one piece of advice you would give a BSN student just starting out in the field?

Don’t let school consume your whole life. Take the time to take care of yourself and to enjoy other things in life. Well-rounded individuals not only make great students, but great nurses.

LPN to BSN College Programs

LPN to BSN nursing programs are designed to offer fast track completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) plus registered nurse (RN) training. Below are the top fully accredited online colleges that offer LPN to BSN degrees and other bridge programs. By clicking on links below, you can request information from each school about its tuition, classes, and programs.

Indiana State University – Indiana State University offers undergraduate and graduate courses, degrees, and professional development programs. Programs offered include more than 80 undergraduate majors, 90 graduate programs, and bridge programs like the LPN to BSN. Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States.

The College Network – The College Network has partnered with Indiana State University to offer an LPN to BSN undergraduate degree program through a convenient format of independent study and online learning. The College Network works with you to make previously earned credits (and possibly your nursing experience) count toward your new degree.

Other Nursing Degrees

Liberty University – Liberty University offers over 229 programs in many in-demand fields like their RN to BSN degree. The school allows students to transfer as many credits as possible towards their degree completion plan. Liberty ensures that students do not have to repeat equivalent courses from other accredited institutions. Experience financial support staff is available to help students find scholarships.

Kaplan University – Kaplan University offers a learning experience that is both customized and flexible. With more than 200 degrees and programs like the RN to BSN or RN to MSN, you can receive real-world knowledge and skills that are essential in today's competitive job market. Kaplan University considers accepting transfer credit from accredited postsecondary institutions, various certification exams, and military training and experience.

University of Phoenix – University of Phoenix's students study at more than 200 locations around the world, as well as through online programs. Online classes allow students to attend classes when it's convenient for them when pursuing degrees like an MSN or PhD in Nursing. University of Phoenix has hundreds of partnerships with two-year institutions to help students transition from an associate's degree to a bachelor’s degree.

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