5 Reasons Why Nurses Need to Pursue a BSN Degree
Nursing is more than just a profession; it’s a calling. It takes a special person with a caring heart, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to helping others to be a nurse. As healthcare continues to become complex, the role of nurses is evolving, and the demand for highly skilled and educated nurses is increasing. Opting for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can be a game-changer for nurses looking to advance their careers and make a difference in patients’ lives. In this article, we’ll explore 5 reasons nurses need to pursue a BSN degree and why it’s an excellent investment in your future.
1. Better Job Opportunities
Nursing is a highly competitive field, and having a BSN degree can give you a distinct advantage over other candidates. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations prefer to hire nurses with a BSN degree, as it demonstrates a higher level of education and dedication to the profession. A 2022 AACN survey found that 95% of BSN graduates secured employment within four to six months of completing their programs. It also found that 27% of hospitals and healthcare facilities now require a BSN from job candidates. Pursuing a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles with greater responsibilities, such as nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, or case manager.
Online learning is trending, and many nurses are taking advantage of the flexibility and convenience of online RN to BSN programs. Online learning allows you to effectively balance your work, family, and education commitments. CCNE accredited online RN to BSN programs are an excellent option for nurses looking to pursue their BSN degree. CCNE accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous academic and professional standards and that the education you receive will prepare you for a successful career as a nurse.
2. Improved Patient Outcomes
Nurses play a critical role in providing high-quality patient care, and pursuing a BSN degree can lead to improved patient outcomes. BSN-prepared nurses have the knowledge and skills to provide more effective health care, resulting in fewer medical errors. Additionally, they have a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system. They can better identify and address potential risks to patient safety.
One study found that for every 10% increase in the proportion of BSN nurses on a hospital unit, there was a corresponding 7% decrease in mortality rates. Another study found that patients that received greater than 80% of their care from BSN nurses had lower chances of readmission and a 1.9% shorter length of stay at the hospital. These findings suggest that BSN-prepared nurses are better equipped to provide safe and effective care, resulting in higher patient satisfaction.
3. Professional Development
Professional development is an essential aspect of nursing practice. Pursuing a BSN degree can offer numerous opportunities for nurses to expand their knowledge and skills. BSN programs cover a multitude of topics, including nursing leadership, healthcare policy, community health, and evidence-based practice. By focusing on these areas, BSN-prepared nurses are better equipped to stay current with healthcare trends and provide their patients with the highest quality of care.
Moreover, pursuing a BSN degree allows nurses to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, including new technologies, treatment modalities, and nursing practices. For example, the use of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare has snowballed in the last few years, and it is now being utilized in many ways to improve patient care. Nurses can use VR to simulate real-life medical scenarios, allowing them to practice their skills and gain experience in a safe and controlled environment.
Additionally, VR is being used in surgical planning and pre-operative training. Surgeons and surgical nurses use VR technology to create a 3D model of a patient’s anatomy, allowing them to plan their surgeries more accurately and precisely. They can also use VR to simulate surgical procedures, allowing them to practice their techniques before performing them on patients.
This ensures that as healthcare evolves and new technologies emerge, BSN-prepared nurses will be at the forefront of innovation, providing excellent care and improving patient outcomes.
4. Higher Earning Potential
Nurses with a BSN degree have the potential to earn higher salaries due to their advanced education and increased knowledge and skills. The coursework and clinical experiences in a BSN program prepare nurses for roles with more responsibility, such as leadership positions and specialized nursing roles. These roles often come with higher salaries and benefits. BSNs can expect to make an average of $13,000 more per year than registered nurses, subject to change based on specialty, region, and medical setting. BSN degrees can also be a stepping stone to pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, which can further increase earning potential.
Furthermore, many hospitals and healthcare organizations recognize the importance of BSN education and offer financial incentives for nurses to pursue this degree. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, which cover some or all of the cost of the BSN program. Other employers offer loan forgiveness programs. These programs provide financial assistance to nurses who have already completed their BSN degree but still have outstanding student debt.
5. Enhanced Professional Status
Earning a BSN degree can also enhance professional status within the nursing profession. Nurses with a BSN degree are often viewed as having a higher level of education and expertise, which can lead to more respect from colleagues and patients alike.
Furthermore, many healthcare organizations seek to achieve the Magnet Recognition Program designation, which recognizes them for their commitment to nursing excellence, leadership, and innovation. One of the requirements for Magnet recognition is having a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses on staff. Thus, pursuing a BSN degree can not only enhance a nurse’s professional status but also increase their employability in Magnet-designated healthcare organizations.
Moreover, earning a BSN degree may soon become a necessity. The BSN in 10 law, signed by the former governor of New York in 2017, mandates that all nurses in New York obtain a BSN within a decade of becoming licensed. Other states like Rhode Island and New Jersey are also considering similar legislation, emphasizing the significance of a BSN degree in nursing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing a BSN degree can lead to numerous benefits for nurses, including higher employment rates, more significant earning potential, enhanced professional status, and improved patient outcomes. With the constantly evolving healthcare industry, nurses need to stay current with the latest developments and advancements in their field, and a BSN degree can provide them with the knowledge and skills to do so. By investing in their education and professional development, nurses can advance their careers, provide better care to their patients, and contribute to the overall advancement of the nursing profession.
