A Core Course on Veterans' Health in an Online RN to BSN Program

The Joining Forces Initiative challenges nursing programs throughout the country to develop curriculum that address the unique healthcare issues facing veterans. This article describes how the RN to BSN program at American Public University System responded to the Joining Forces Initiative by developing the core curriculum course, Caring for Today’s Veterans. In this course, students have the opportunity to learn about veterans’ healthcare issues through reading, discussion, interviews, and visits within their local communities. Comments from students indicate they have a greater understanding of veterans’ healthcare needs and how they, as baccalaureate-prepared nurses, can help to meet those needs