With an ever-growing need for nurses in the United States, there are more reasons than ever why to gain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Not only can it make you feel more empowered, but you will have a greater ability to pick the right career path for you.
If you have a passion for helping others and want to provide the best level of care possible, choosing the RN to BSN route can be the perfect way to meet your long-term objectives and goals. Here are the top five advantages of gaining a BSN degree.
More Opportunities
It’s very simple – having a BSN degree behind you can give you more employment opportunities. With a wide variety of nursing jobs (management roles in particular) requiring all applicants to possess a BSN at the least, a bachelor’s degree is recognized as an essential requirement for various nursing careers. Many institutions recognize the value of educated nursing staff, with many, if not all roles needing a BSN degree to be accepted. With the practice becoming more common, you will want to be eligible for as many roles as possible, therefore, having a BSN degree can make a huge difference and help you work up the career ladder.
Leadership Positions
No matter what type of role you go into, we all have to start somewhere. With many career paths requiring you to start at the bottom of the ladder, it’s only natural for you to want to succeed and progress through the ranks. With a BSN degree being a mandatory requirement for many higher-level nursing staff roles, it’s important that you earn your BSN as soon as possible. If you like the idea of being a leader, having a BSN degree can better your chances of securing nursingmanagerial positions.
Gaining Valuable Skills
There are various skills and techniques that you will learn throughout your BSN degree, which you can use to your advantage in the working world. Possessing the right knowledge is essential, especially where people’s lives are concerned. There have been several studies conducted on nursing care which have investigated the various benefits that a BSN degree can bring. These include lower patient mortality rates as well as lower failure-to-rescue rates. What’s more, throughout your degree, you will learn research and evaluation skills that can set you apart from other candidates. The evidence proves that earning your BSN degree will make you become better at your job as a nurse.
Increase in Salary
When analyzing the average salaries of an RN compared to a nurse who has a baccalaureate degree, it’s likely that you will receive a raise from the moment you get your BSN. However, this is not always the case. For example, if you choose to stay in your current field after you have completed your program, you may not see an increase in your pay (this will depend on the hospital you work at). If you don’t see an increase in your salary, you need to remember that you will be eligible for higher-paying roles which should give you the incentive to attain your BSN. While you may not see your salary increase overnight, higher-paying roles such as a nurse anesthetist and a nurse practitioner can help open the door to more opportunities and more pay.
Study at Your Own Pace
One of the main benefits of completing an RN to BSN degree online is that you can work at your own pace. With many of us working longer hours than ever, trying to factor in education to your busy routine can be challenging. However, studying online can give you the flexibility and freedom you need to flourish in your education. What’s more, choosing to do an online RN to BSN program means that there are no lecture programs, meaning you can study from the comfort of your own home. Also, you will get a success coach who can help guide you through your coursework.
To progress through your nursing career, it’s essential that you attain your BSN degree. With the healthcare industry changing daily, the need for educated nurses is more prominent than ever. Setting yourself apart from other candidates and having a high level of education behind you can make a huge difference and help you secure your dream role. Before you pick your RN to BSN degree, it’s always best to do your research into the course requirements and gain an overview of what is expected of you.
