Jennifer Robinson works — and studies — from the comfort of her home office in Marion. She is a utilization review nurse with Catawba Valley Medical Center and a student in App State’s online RN to BSN program.
By Jan Todd
BOONE, N.C. — Jennifer Robinson works — and studies — from the comfort of her home office in Marion. She is a utilization review nurse with Catawba Valley Medical Center and a student in Appalachian State University’s online RN to BSN program.
The App State Online program is designed for students, like Robinson, who already have a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in applied science to earn their Bachelor of Science in nursing. Robinson earned her associate degree from Western Piedmont Community College.
She planned to pursue her BSN for many years but said it never seemed like the right time. As an obstetrics nurse at Mission Hospital in Asheville for 22 years, she worked in labor and delivery and then in a high-risk predelivery care unit.
“Being with patients during such an important time in their lives and getting to celebrate with them was one of the most rewarding times ever,” Robinson said. “The bond a nurse develops with obstetric patients is phenomenal.”
In 2018, Robinson decided to take a break from direct patient care. She began working from her home as a utilization review nurse — assessing the appropriate level of care for patients and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team of physicians, care managers and payers to ensure patients are receiving necessary care.
A BSN is required for Robinson’s job, and she said App State’s RN to BSN program was a convenient option for her. The faculty are encouraging and offer assistance as needed, she added.
“I enjoy the critical thinking aspects of my job and believe a BSN will open the door to new opportunities.”
Jennifer Robinson
Jennifer Robinson