BSN Condition of Employment FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
BSN Degree Within Five Years of Hire Condition of Employment
Who does the Condition of Employment for Completing a BSN degree within five years impact?
RNs hired at UVA Health University Medical Center since 2013 with as Associates Degree or Diploma in Nursing have committed to completing their BSN degree within five years of hire, as outlined as a condition of employment in their offer letter.
When is my RN to BSN/MSN degree completion deadline?
Your RN to BSN/MSN degree completion deadline is 5 years from your date of hire as a RN or date of transition to a Clinician 1.
Why am I required to obtain my BSN degree?
The growth and development of our UVA Health University Medical Center RNs is a high priority. We continue to pursue our goal of maintaining an 80%+ BSN workforce to align with best practices, as the literature shows better patient outcomes with higher percentages of BSN prepared RNs, and it aligns with our commitment to lifelong learning.
What was the Covid-Relation Extension and how does it impact me?
If you were employed as a UVA RN as of March 1, 2021, and have the requirement of completing a BSN degree (or higher) within five years of hire, you automatically received an 18-month extension due to the unforeseen and unique challenges of the Covid pandemic.
When should I make a plan to achieve my BSN degrees?
Newly hired clinicians should begin establishing a plan at 6 months of hire in accordance with the policy Educational Requirements for Registered Nurss. You are expected to select a program of study and document a curriculum timeline using the Academic Progression Milestone Tool. This supports you in completing a BSN degree within the 5-year requirement.
Does a MSN degree count towards meeting this requirement?
Yes, a master’s degree in nursing will fulfill this requirement as well, but it must be completed by your deadline.
How do I show that I am making progress towards achieving my BSN degree?
Use the Academic Progression Milestone Tool to map out classes, credits, applications and enrollments to ensure that you will complete your BSN degree within the required timeframe. It is encouraged to use academic counselors if available to you, to help lay out a plan following the academic program. Be sure to consider work schedules and academic program start dates, as each program is unique. Confirm or update this tool with your progress.
You will be expected to provide proof of academic progression with evidence of course completion to your Manager/ANM during your check-ins – occurring twice a year at a minimum.
This Milestone Tool documents the agreed upon steps and expectations necessary to complete your BSN degree within the time requirement between you and your Manager/ANM. If these expectations are not met to support your BSN degree requirement within 5 years, you are subject to progressive counseling per HR Policy 701 Employee Standards of Performance and Conduct.
Is this part of my annual performance appraisal?
Yes. Each year you will establish a professional development goal which will be "Academic Progression" until you achieve your BSN degree. If you do not complete your BSN degree by the 5-year deadline, you will receive a "Does not meet" for Accountability until it is achieved.
What happens if I miss a milestone?
Update your Academic Progression Milestone Tool and discuss your progress and revised timeline with your Manager/ANM. If your projected graduation date is past your deadline, you are subject to progressive counseling per HR Policy 701 Employee Standards of Performance and Conduct. Your Manager/ANM may make discretionary decisions based on approved leaves of absence through the approval process of nursing leadership.
I need to take a leave of absence and it will interfere with my established Milestone timeline. What do I do?
Update your Academic Progression Milestone Tool and discuss your progress and timeline with your manager. If your projected graduation date is past your deadline, your Manager/ANM will discuss with Employee Relations and it may be reviewed by nursing leadership for approval. Approved leaves of absence, as reviewed with Employee Relations, and in accordance with the policy Leaves of Absence, will be given consideration in this process.
What happens if I do not complete my BSN degree by my contract deadline?
Not meeting the necessary milestones to achieve your BSN degree may result in termination of your employment per the condition of employment in the offer letter at time of hire. Failure to achieve your BSN degree within the deadline will follow HR Policy 701 Employee Standards of Performance and Conduct.
What if I plan to retire in the next several years?
All RNs are expected to be compliant with this condition of employment that the RN agreed to at time of hire in their offer letter.
Is there tuition assistance available?
Yes, eligible employees may utilize the HR Education Benefits program to cover tuition costs up to $5250 per calendar year. The HR UVA Education Benefits Program webpage provides information and resources. For specific questions, please contact HR.
What assistance can I expect from my Manager/ANM?
You will meet with your Manager/ANM at a minimum of twice a year to review your plans and progress. These will occur during the Annual Performance Appraisal and at the mid-year point. You may discuss how classes or the enrollment process is going, as well as work scheduling opportunities. You will document your check-ins with your Manager/ANM using the Milestone Tool each time you meet. This document will then be uploaded into your Workday profile for tracking purposes. You may meet more regularly at the discretion of you and/or your Manager/ANM.
Will I receive reminders about my deadline?
You will receive annual reminders as you approach your 5 year deadline through Workday.
I achieved my BSN degree. Now what?
Celebrate! Congratulations on achieving your BSN degree! You must now update your profile in Workday in order to initiate Human Resource’s verification of your degree.
Can I request a copy of my offer letter from HR?
Yes, if you have questions about the requirements spelled out in your offer letter, please reach out to the HR Solution Center.
My offer letter said I have 4 years to complete my BSN degree. Why is it 5 years?
After evaluating various elements, it was decided to extend it to five years for all Associate Degree Nurses hired August 2016 to January 2018.
Updated: April 2024