A Bachelor of Science in Nursing Offers Advanced Career Choices
When a Registered Nurse (RN) decides to further his or her education to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the decision is not usually based on wages. His or her purpose in earning a BSN is to obtain advanced knowledge that permits him or her to qualify for occupations reserved for nurses with a BSN.
RN to BSN Program
Typically, a Bachelor's Degree is a 4 year program. For RNs, however, the credits earned from their Associate's Degree are applicable to specialized RN to BSN Degree Programs. These programs were developed to shorten the length of time it takes to earn the BSN and avoid repetition of coursework covered in the Associate's Degree Program. Colleges offer RN to BSN courses in the evenings and on weekends or there are online programs that permit you to work at your pace according to your schedule. Generally, it takes between 1 and 3 years to complete a RN to BSN program, dependent on the pace at which you finish courses. (Learn how to effectively complete a BSN application).
BSN Career Opportunities
Once you have earned your BSN, you will discover greatly enhanced and diverse employment opportunities. In addition, it is easier for a BSN to obtain employment than a RN. This is mainly due to the leadership, communication and critical thinking curriculum in a BSN program, which is becoming increasing necessary in a technology-based and complex health care system.
The US health system is seeking divergent methods of providing healthcare. It is shifting from traditional hospitalization treatment to in-community healthcare. There are several reasons for this tactical maneuver, but the major motives are budget concerns, locating and retaining qualified staff and providing preventative medical attention that may assist in successfully treating patients at home, rather than in hospitals.
A nurse with a BSN has the capabilities and knowledge to work independently in the community, through providing primary care such as case management, treatment plans, disease prevention education, direction to health care resources, and healthy lifestyles promotion.
There is very little difference between a RN's and BSN's salary if the BSN remains in a nursing position with duties similar to a RN's. It is through advancement to the careers outlined below a BSN earns substantially higher salaries and benefits.
As a BSN, you are qualified for employment as a:
- Pediatric Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist
- School Nurse
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Medical and Health Services Administrator
- Physician's Office Manager
- Head of Nursing Staff
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Practitioner*
*Nurse practitioners must hold a BSN and complete a nurse practitioner program through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Nurse practitioner programs include acute care, adult, family, gerontological, pediatric and adult or family psychiatric and mental health.
BSN Employers
Hospitals employ approximately 155,000 BSNs. The largest employer is companies, which retain close to 1.175 million BSNs on staff. Other large scale employers include educational institutes, federal, state and local governments, franchises and school districts. Roughly, 40,000 BSNs are self-employed.
Some employers offer tuition assistance for RNs who wish to upgrade to BSNs. Many hospitals now require nurses with specific job descriptions (i.e. operating room, pediatric) hold a BSN. Additionally, several states have considered legislature mandating a BSN over the past years, although none have actually passed this requirement into law.
Conclusion
A RN to BSN program is well worth the time investment despite the sometimes arduous journey, juggling work, school, home and personal commitments. BSN qualifications provide you with unimagined job opportunities that, once experienced, will leave you grateful you earned a BSN.
