Why is a BSN Degree So Valuable?
The United States’ nursing industry continues to grow and is currently one of the most coveted jobs in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 15% growth in demand for registered nurses within the next two years. In the future, there will be over 2 million nursing jobs throughout the country.
Registered nurses must get a college degree and licensure before practicing. In the past, many nurses went to school for two years to receive their Associate of Nursing Degree, ADN. Now, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends all nurses get their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, BSN, by 2020.
If you’re interested in the nursing field, read on to learn how a BSN will benefit you.
Improves Your Job Opportunities
Many states are following the lead of the IOM and making it a legal requirement for nurses to have their BSN by a certain date. Nurses with their BSN are more likely to get hired for entry-level positions at hospitals.
Administrators look at BSN nurses as better prepared to handle the unique responsibilities of urgent patient care. BSN nurses study for up to four years and dedicate at least a year of schooling to completing rotations. They study liberal arts and general science, in addition to core nursing work.
Leadership Roles
The additional coursework in a BSN degree program builds critical thinking and leadership skills. Therefore, BSN nurses are more likely to get hired for supervisory and management positions. For certain occupations such as nurse practitioners and midwives, a BSN is a basic requirement.
Advanced nursing occupations, including teaching and administration, require nurses to continue their education and a BSN is just the start of an exciting career.
Increases Salary
BSN nurses tend to earn higher salaries than ADN nurses, and their earnings steadily increase throughout their career.
Salary information from Payscale shows that BSN nurses make up to $30,000 more than ADN nurses.
BSN nurses are able to negotiate higher salaries based on their credentials. Medical facilities value their expertise and generously compensate them.
Nurses with years of experience in addition to a BSN command the highest salaries.
Better Patient Care
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported that 77% of healthcare facilities are hiring more BSN nurses. Baccalaureate nursing programs implement more practice settings for their students to receive hands-on training.
BSN students interact directly with patients and providers in healthcare environments. Students develop advanced clinical reasoning and psychomotor skills which enable them to offer a comprehensive patient care experience.
Students gain experience in direct and indirect care settings handling patients in acute care, critical care, long-term care, and other settings.
Getting a BSN Degree
Beckfield College provides BSN degree students with the education they need to excel in the nursing field. We offer several nursing programs including a practical nursing program. Many students opt for our flexible online RN to BSN degree track that allows working nurses to take courses to complete their BSN.
To learn more about our programs and start your journey to a BSN degree, visit our website.
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