Why Pursue A Bachelor’s In Nursing? 10 Reasons Why You Should Get A BSN Degree

Health News
Written by Arnab Dey
June 2, 2023

Obtaining a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing is a pathway to becoming a registered nurse.

However, putting in the extra effort and time to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Science in Nursing qualification gets you a lot of benefits. BSN-educated nurses enjoy higher salaries, increased employment opportunities, and greater potential for career progression.

In fact, a lot of public health agencies, along with acute care hospitals, now require BSN qualifications for nursing positions.

While ADN and diploma programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, a BSN program requires four years of study or less if you choose one of the online accelerated BSN programs which are available for qualified applicants.

Contents

Here Are The Top 10 Benefits Of Earning A Degree IN BSN:

1. Higher Earning Potential

According to Payscale, RNs with BSNs earn an annual salary of around $86,520, compared to $72,000 for those with ADNs. Nursing diploma holders have a median annual salary of $65,000, as reported by the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey.

2. Expanded Job Opportunities:

The highest-paying BSN positions are either supervisory or leadership roles. For instance, an RN director may earn close to $92,000 per year, while a manager of the clinical nurse could make approx $87,000. Additionally, specialized roles such as nurse educators can earn an average of $77,000 annually. Certain nursing specialties, including critical care, surgical nursing, and emergency room nursing, also offer higher salaries.

3. Career Growth:

Holding a BSN opens up opportunities for nurses to specialize in fields such as pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, palliative as well as hospice care. Nurses with BSNs can also transition into leadership roles, including educators, managers, and researchers, reducing their clinical hours and expanding their scope of responsibilities.

4. Advanced Skills And Knowledge:

While ADN and diploma programs make students ready for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs, the BSN curriculum provides a wider knowledge base and in-depth expertise. BSN coursework covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, in addition to specialty areas.

5. Enhanced Job Qualification:

A 2020 survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) revealed that over 41% of healthcare sectors need new hires for holding BSNs. Some states, like New York, have even implemented legislation mandating that nursing diploma and ADN holders earn a BSN within a specified timeframe. BSN qualifications are often required for positions in mental health, critical care, public health as well as outpatient care.

6. Quality Patient Care:

Research cited by the AACN indicates a positive correlation between nursing education and the type of patient care. They advocate for the BSN to become the least-required degree for RNs, as studies depict that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to lesser medication errors, improved patient results, and reduced mortality rates.

7. Demand arrived from Magnet Hospitals:

Magnet status, awarded by the Magnet Recognition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, signifies healthcare organizations with highly trained and adept nursing staff. Magnet hospitals prioritize improved outcomes in patient health by aligning all nursing objectives, providing continuous education and professional growth, along with supporting nurses in delivering optimal care.

8. Future Requirements:

A 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended increasing the rate of nurses with BSNs to 80% by the end of 2020 to meet evolving healthcare demands. Although the target was not fully achieved, there has been a steady increase in the number of RNs with BSN degrees. Campaign for Action reports that around 56% of RNs, at present, hold degrees in BSNs or equivalent.

9. Program Availability And Length:

Most BSN programs need no more than four years of full-time courses, encompassing 120 credits of clinical rotations and coursework. Accredited online programs offer a similar curriculum, with classes delivered virtually. Distance learners also complete in-person clinical hours, mirroring the traditional BSN experience.

10. Pathway to Receiving Higher Education:

A BSN is capable of serving as a stepping stone to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. BSN to MSN programs typically require a registered nurse license, a 3.0 to 3.5 GPA, recommendation letters, an updated resume, along with a statement of purpose. These programs can be completed in 2 to 3 years and include specialty tracks focusing on evidence-dependent practices, health evaluation, as well as patient care.

Conclusion

Considering the many advantages, pursuing a BSN degree is a worthwhile investment. BSN-educated nurses not only enjoy increased earning potential and employment opportunities but also possess advanced knowledge and expertise, contribute to better patient care, and meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.

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