Nursing is a great profession, offering job security, flexibility, and an excellent salary. Nurses who obtain their BSN degrees have even more benefits. Nursing is becoming more complex, and hospitals and companies want nurses who have not just an RN degree, but a BSN degree. Continue reading to find out some of the benefits of getting a BSN.
Higher Salaries
Nurses might want to look into rn to bsn programs because nurses with their BSN enjoy a higher income than those with only an associate’s degree. Salaries also depend on other factors, such as the cost of living in an area, but research shows that the average annual salary of a nurse with a BSN is $87,000, while the salary of an RN is only $71,000.
Higher Employment Rates
Research shows that 41% of hospitals require a BSN for their nurses. A study by New York University shows that nurses with a BSN degree are more prepared than those with an associate’s degree. Earning a BSN makes a nurse more marketable as an overall candidate.
More Autonomy
Healthcare facilities outside of hospitals need nurses. BSN-prepared nurses have more autonomy in making decisions for patient care. Nurses who are able to make quick decisions can lower mortality rates and improve patient care.
BSN educations prepare nurses to accept more responsibilities and better manage healthcare technology. These nurses are better equipped to understand post-op and preventative care as well as make decisions regarding home health care. Because there is a shortage of nurses and an aging population, nurses who can make decisions independently are beneficial to the healthcare system.
Career Advancement
Achieving a BSN can open new job opportunities. Nurses with a BSN can take on leadership positions, become case managers, or work in a medical specialty job. Many BSN degrees allow a candidate to get certifications in different specialties, such as leadership, rehabilitation, or women’s health. These certifications enable the nurse to qualify for various job opportunities.
Salaries also depend on other factors, such as the cost of living in an area, but research shows that the average annual salary of a nurse with a BSN is $87,000, while the salary of an RN is only $71,000. You can even take a 9-month RN to BSN program online
More Opportunities for Practice
Over the last ten years, fewer patients were admitted to the hospital, and those who were admitted had shorter stays. This has led to nurses providing more outpatient care to patients. Nurses can obtain these skills through a BSN program.
BSN nurses can practice in home healthcare settings, community clinics, case management, and health maintenance organizations. They can work for insurance companies or in positions with corporate hospitals.
Better Prepared for Graduate School
Nurses tend to function as primary caregivers since they outnumber doctors three to one. Nurses who have their BSN are ready to go to graduate school to obtain their master’s or doctorate level degrees to be nurse practitioners.
Better for Patients
Many studies show that nurses with a BSN provide better care for patients than those with just an associate’s degree. Graduates are better prepared in 12 of 16 patient care areas concerning quality and safety. Hospitals with more nurses with a BSN had patients with lower mortality, fewer ulcers, and shorter hospital stays. Increased nursing autonomy and a more comprehensive education translate into better patient care.
Nurses will continue to be the backbone of hospitals and healthcare facilities everywhere, and a BSN can enable nurses to accomplish even more.
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