Why a BSN Benefits You
Registered nurses are the largest category of employees in the health care industry. Despite this statistic, a nursing shortage has emerged and is predicted to become critical in the coming years.
A nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is still in demand. In fact, some states and associations have been working for the past ten years on developing strategies to ensure a minimum 66 percent of all registered nurses hold a BSN by 2010.
Health care facilities are currently taking a different view on business operations. These facilities are cognizant of their fiscal bottom lines and they struggle to provide treatment to a large aging segment of the population, while remaining financially viable.
A substantial change in the health care industry is the increasing reliance on highly educated nurses who are capable of accepting more responsibility to handle matters and make decisions once solely the domain of managers and administrators. This reduces the need for management and administrative personnel and the typically high salaries these professionals command.
Another factor is that health care facilities are implementing higher standards to improve their reputations and, to ensure criterion is met, nurses with a BSN are a necessity.
All of the above health care reforms reflect directly on the nursing field. A wealth of career opportunities is rapidly becoming available due to these transformations and this trend will continue into the foreseeable future.
There are three methods of obtaining a BSN:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
- A RN to BSN Degree Program
- A LPN to BSN Degree Program
The four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing is likely the best choice if you do not have a nursing background, although some Associate’s Degree credits from other disciplines may be transferrable. RNs and LPNs must typically have a specified amount of nursing experience to be eligible for the bridge BSN programs. An extra bonus for LPNs and RNs pursing a BSN is the possibility your employer may assist with tuition costs.
A BSN can be acquired through a traditional university or via online programs at prestigious accredited universities. Online programs have the advantage of allowing you the flexibility to continue working while you earn your BSN.
Regardless of which program you enter to obtain your BSN, the end result is enhanced employability, higher wages, a myriad of career options and the possibility of further upgrading your education to procure a Master’s Degree or specialize as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
Predominant career options as a BSN include:
- Intensive Care Unit Nurse
- Psychiatric Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
- Coronary and Cardiac Unit Nurse
- Emergency Room Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
- Charge Nurse
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Case Management Director
- Ambulatory Surgery Manager
- Risk Manager
- Nurse Educator
- Clinical Researcher
Committing to earn your BSN can take your career to new levels and enable you to fulfill the reason you became a nurse: to provide excellent medical treatment and enrich the quality of life of patients suffering from health issues.
