RN-BSN program at Finlandia under new leadership

Lori Sullivan, DNP, MSN, RN, takes reigns of university’s only online program

Finlandia University’s online RN-BSN program is now under new leadership as long-time nursing faculty member Lori Sullivan, DNP, MSN, RN, has been named director of the program. In her new role, Sullivan will continue the nursing program’s mission to prepare professional nurses dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual awareness and the practice of nursing.

“I am passionate about nursing and assisting nursing students to meet their professional and educational goals,” Sullivan said. “Leading this program will be a wonderful challenge and opportunity as we continue to grow our online RN-BSN program.”

About Lori Sullivan, DNP, MSN, RN

Sullivan has over 20 years of nursing experience, working in hospital and community settings before beginning her career in academia in 2007. She joined Finlandia University in 2009, teaching both on-campus and online.

“I’m looking forward to helping nurses meet the demand of the changing healthcare environment,” Sullivan said. “I believe that online coursework offers the needed flexibility that nurses require to balance educational goals with other work and family obligations.”

Sullivan earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Fort Hays State University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Graceland University with research interests in clinical reasoning development in nursing students. She is a member of the National League for Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing. Active in the community, she has participated in advisory boards, health fairs and events, community based committees and youth Christian education.

In addition to her role as RN-BSN Program Director, Sullivan is also the Assistant Chair of the Nursing Program and retains the title of Associate Professor of Nursing.

About Finlandia’s RN-BSN Program

Finlandia introduced the RN-BSN program in the early 2010s for associate degree nurses who are looking to advance their careers. At the time it was offered as a hybrid program, and over time it increased its online offerings. In 2016 the program became accredited to be offered fully online.

Later that year the program announced an innovative new pricing structure capping costs at $15,000, including all fees. That price point is considerably less than students will pay at many other institutions, especially considering the average student will likely need to take more than what most schools advertise as a minimum of 30 credits to earn their bachelor’s degree.

The Finlandia University RN-BSN online program is fully accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Finlandia has been an accredited nursing school continuously since the 1980s, with the BSN originally accredited in 2007. The accreditation was last renewed in 2011, and is good through 2022.