what's a bachelor's degree in nursing?

Are you in the nursing field? Nurses have an important and hard job.  Whether you are taking vital signs, administering medication, helping a patient be comfortable or answering questions of family members, you are always busy. While you probably became a nurse because you wanted to help people, working in primary care can be stressful. Perhaps you've considered whether you should get your bachelor's in nursing so you might have the opportunity for higher pay and a greater variety of jobs. 

What is the Difference between an RN and BSN Degree?

As you probably know, to get an RN, you need to get an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and pass the NCLEX exam. Along with those requirements, a BSN requires more classes and practical training. 

What Courses are in a BSN Degree?

Part of the coursework for a BSN is designed to broaden a nurse's education and strengthen their ability to communicate with other people in the medical community, as well as with patients and the public.  Typical courses could be:

  • Psychology
  • Communication
  • Statistics
  • Composition
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Culture and Diversity

The BSN degree also contains courses which aim to extend and deepen your knowledge about the best medical practices.  Your coursework can include learning things in class as well as practical experience in clinical training. For example, you might take courses like:

  • Nursing Practices
  • Leading and Managing
  • Health Assessment
  • Community Health
  • Pathophysiology

Why Should You Get a BSN Degree?

Getting a new degree takes time and effort.  You may wonder whether it is worth it.  Here are some of reasons why you should seriously consider a BSN:

Research Shows BSNs Produce Better Nurses

The data shows clearly that outcomes are better for patients under BSN nurses.The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has summarized the data in a report "The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice" which discusses the studies which show that better education makes for better nursing practices.   

Medical Facilities Want to Hire BSN Trained Nurses

The desire to hire nurses with a BSN makes sense when you consider that more knowledge generally makes a person better equipped to handle different situations.  Research has caused agencies like the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to urge nurses to get more training. The IOM urges medical facilities to increase their percentage of BSNs to 80%.

More Job Opportunities with a BSN

Sometimes a person with and RN and a BSN do the same sorts of jobs in caring for patients, but a person with a BSN may have more opportunities to supervise other nurses and do a variety of other jobs. Here are some of the jobs a BSN may be able to do:

  • Work in public health to educate a community about health issues.
  • Be a nurse educator to prepare LPNs and RNs.
  • Work as an administrative manager in a hospital or clinic setting.
  • Take a position as Head nurse.
  • Work for the U.S.. Public Health Service.

More Job Openings for BSN

Because BSNs are trained to do more kinds of jobs, there may be many more jobs you qualify for if you get your Bachelor's in Nursing.  In addition, hospitals want to hire more BSNs in order to be chosen as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Becoming a Magnet Recognized Hospital helps a hospital in how it is ranked by news organizations, and it helps the hospital recruit top talent.

RN nurse median salaryChances for Increased Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics median pay for RNs is $65,470 a year, or $31.48 an hour.  The BLS doesn't break down differences in the salaries between RNs and BSNs, however, the fact is that a BSN gives you more opportunities for advancement and for a wider variety of jobs.  So getting your BSN may give you the opportunity to move to a higher salary.

A BSN Opens Up Other Opportunities

Getting your BSN gives you the key to many other doors of education and opportunity. A nurse who earns a BSN may be prepared to pursue educational programs for becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist or nurse midwife Some BSNs may prefer to obtain graduate degrees in order to work as faculty at a nursing college.  Each of these jobs offers a nurse the chance to have more independence and responsibility in their career. 

Accelerate Your Nursing Career with Our RN to BSN Program

Does becoming a BSN sound interesting to you? ECPI University’s College of Nursing offers an innovative online program which allows you to pursue your BSN while still taking care of your family and work responsibilities. Full-Time students could complete the BSN in as little as 45 weeks or choose a part-time program for a slower pace and more flexibility. Why wait?  Call ECPI University today and ask about earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Nursing TODAY!

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