Today, both the nursing profession and some employers require registered nurses (RNs) to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to improve safety and prepare for future healthcare challenges. RN programs teach essential nursing skills that focus on nursing theory and clinical practice, while the BSN program expands on these.
Pursuing a BSN degree introduces nurses to topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety and quality within the health care system, he saidElizabeth Christman, DNP, RN, CNE, a clinical faculty member ofcare programsan der Southern New Hampshire University.
What is a BSN Nursing Degree?
BSN is short for Bachelor of Science in Nursing and refers to a person who has earned their bachelor's degree in nursing. It often precedes the master's degree in nursing(MSN) program, which is available to BSN nurses who want to further their careers.
Earning a BSN allows you to improve your nursing skills and stand out when looking for a job, and according to Nurse Journal, it can also improve youremployment opportunities. According to a 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey, the average job opening rate was approx.76 %for BSN candidates. Looking at the BSN graduates four to six months later, the offer rate rises to 93%.
Earning a BSN is the way to unlock another option in your nursing education – your MSN. Earning an MSN can lead to the possibility of higher paying jobsJournal for nurses, in roles such as Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs), Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Consultants. As you decide to progress through the different levels of nursing, you may find that you can specialize in the areas of nursing that interest you most.
How long does it take to become a BSN?
You can earn a BSN in a 4-year bachelor's degree, or you can earn your ADN in a 2-3-year associate degree and choose to continue your education after starting as an RN. RN to BSN programs help nurses earn a bachelor's degree and bridge the gap between an ADN and a BSN.
Regardlesslevel of nursing carecandidates must pass the NCLEX-RN© licensing exam.
It's true that it takes less time to earn an RN license than a BSN program, but if you're already a registered nurse, you can complete an RN to BSN program in just two years without hurting your career by having to put your hours on hold or limit your hours, Christ said. Completing your BSN online also gives you more flexibility as you don't have to spend time commuting to classes at set times each week. Instead, you can solve tasks each week belowtimes that work for you.
"One of the strengths of being an RN student pursuing a BSN is that you can work full-time as a nurse while you advance your education. It provides a very affordable option," she said.
Can I become an RN without a BSN?
care islargest health professionin the United States and offers many career opportunities for registered nurses (RNs) to practice in hospitals, clinics and private practice, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The minimum requirementsto become a nurseis that you attended a state-approved nursing school and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)—a standardized exam that all state nursing boards use to authorize candidates for entry-level nursing practice. Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) before beginning a BSN program allows you to enter the profession more quickly.
However, RNs find that a BSN can provide even more opportunities for career growth and satisfaction beyond the RN license.
- I 2011 offentliggjorde Institute of Medicine (IOM) sin rapport, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.80 %i 2020.
- In 2017, after 14 years of lobbying, New York State passed its BSN in 10 law. Thatthe state now demandsAll registered nurses must earn a BSN within 10 years of receiving an initial RN license. The driving force behind the law is "the result of a growing body of research that additional education leads to better patient outcomes." New Jersey is also currently working to implement a “BSN in 10 Act,” according to the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA PDF Source).
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) requires that at least two-thirds of nurses have a high school diploma or higher in nursing. From 2021,56 %of nurses have a BSN or higher — a record high — and a 7% increase over 2010, according to the AACN.- The IOM report calling for increasing the number of graduate nurses has created more opportunities to explore while pursuing a BSN, according to aAACN message. 88 new entry-level BSN programs opened across the country and enrollment increased 76%, according to the AACN.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) requires that at least two-thirds of nurses have a high school diploma or higher in nursing. From 2021,The complexity of health care and the need for strong leadership will require nurses to hone their management and research skills in the coming years, Christman said.
So,What degree do you actually need to become a nurse?It depends on your professional goals.
"As a BSN, you have more options than your RN peers. You can advance to a leadership position, enter nursing school, work in public health and focus on community health education, or even advancehire a nurseor a nursing degree,” Christ said.
What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?
Whether you are an RN practitioner with or without a BSN, your primary focus is patient care. According to the American Nurses Association, this includes performing physical examinations and taking medical histories, providing health counseling and/or education, administering medications and other treatments, and coordinating care with other health professionals (Well).
RNs with a BSN and an ADN can work together on the same medical team and perform similar roles.The difference is that BSN qualified nurses open themselves up to a wider career paththis may also include administrative positions requiring leadership skills in areas such as research, consultancy and educationBLS.
BSN vs. RN salary
Registered nurses earn an average salary of77.600 $in 2021, according to the BLS, with the caveat that those wages vary widely depending on whichtype of nurse, geography, type of institution and years of experience in addition to education.
Payscale's salary research has shown that it pays to push for higher education within the nursing field. The compensation platform reports that BSN graduates earn on average89.000 $each year while those with an ADN serve73.000 $.
This is according to a recent study by the AACN40 %of hospitals and other healthcare organizations require new hires to have a BSN, while more than 77% of employers prefer nurses with a BSNBachelor's degree.
What does a BSN nurse do?
Below are some examples of nursing jobs and their salaries that typically favor a BSN:
- head nurse: Nurses working in this leadership role oversee unit operations, oversee admissions and discharges, and supervise nursing and support staff activities. They may also be involved in direct care. The rate table shows the national average income for a nurse76.816 $, large employers can pay nurses more. For example, nurses in the Veterans Administration earn on average79.688 $each year.
- Military nurse: Nurses who practice in a branch of the US military treat service members and their families, monitor wounds, prescribe medications, and care for them before, during, and after surgery. In order to provide the best patient care and leadership, the US Army, US Navy, and US Air Force all require RNs to have a bachelor's degree to practice as registered nurses on active duty. In addition, the Veteran's Administration (VA), the nation's largest employer of RNs, also requires a bachelor's degree as a minimum educational requirement to be promoted beyond an entry-level role, according to the AACN. Depending on experience, military nurses can serve between$58,000 and $103,000, according to a rate survey carried out in 2018.
- Nurse case manager: In this role, nurses oversee patients' health care needs and act as caregivers. A Nurse Case Manager works with both patients and their providers to develop a comprehensive plan of care. He or she also communicates with the patient's health insurance company to determine eligibility for specific treatments or programs. The national median salary for a Nurse Case Manager is75.775 $, according to rate.
- Telemedicine nurse:The role of telemedicine nurseis to assess and help patients remotely. While telemedicine has raised concerns about its effectiveness, one student testifiedJIMR Medical Informaticsdemonstrated the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of telemedicine care services. The national average salary for a telemedicine nurse is57.500 $, according to rate.
There is strong evidence that a BSN provides graduates with the skills and training they need to grow as clinicians and make a significant impact in the nursing profession.
Learn more about SNHUsRN to BSN degree: Find out what courses you'll take, what skills you'll learn, and how to request information about the program.
Krysten Godfrey Maddocks '11 is a writer and marketing/communications professional. connect with herLinkedIn.
FAQs
What is a BSN? Is there a difference between an RN and a BSN? ›
BSN means bachelor of science in nursing, ADN means associate degree in nursing, and RN means registered nurse. BSN is a diploma from a 4-year program: A person with a BSN has graduated from a four-year nursing program at a college, university, or nursing school.
What is the difference between BSN and RN BSN? ›Any registered nurse with or without a BSN has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam and obtained nursing licensure. The distinguishing difference between a BSN nurse and an RN is that BSNs hold a bachelor's degree in nursing while RNs have an associate degree.
What can a BSN do that an RN Cannot? ›“As a BSN, you have more opportunities than your RN counterparts. You can step up to a leadership position, move into nursing education, work in public health and focus on health education within the community, or even go on to pursue a nurse practitioner or nurse administrator degree,” Christman said.
What is higher than a BSN? ›After earning your BSN and becoming a registered nurse, you can reach the next level in nursing by earning your master's degree.
Is BSN higher than NP? ›Registered nurses need a bachelor's degree in nursing, to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and to obtain a state licensure to get started in the medical field. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or higher.
Should I do RN or BSN first? ›Nurses in clinical practice tend to list their licensure first followed by degrees and then certifications. For example: RN, BSN, CCRN. Nurses who are academic educators list their academic degrees first followed by licensure and then certifications. For example: DNP, RN, CNE.
What are BSN nurses called? ›BSN is an undergraduate degree which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Completing a BSN program is one way to start your career in nursing and obtain your RN license. While technically all BSN graduates are RNs—at least if they take the RN licensure exam and practice nursing—all RNs aren't BSNs.
Can you do anything with just a BSN? ›Graduates with a BSN can work as bedside nurses in medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices. They can also pursue careers as nurse educators, health policy nurses, nurse recruiters, nurse informaticists, forensic nurses, clinical research nurses, or nurse health coaches.
Should all nurses have a BSN? ›While several degree options that grant entry into the nursing profession exist, the BSN is the one that opens the most doors. That's because it goes beyond basic nursing knowledge, taking a deeper dive into health policy, research and evidence-based practice and leadership development.
What is the hardest class in BSN? ›Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
What is the lowest BSN salary? ›
- 10th Percentile: $59,450.
- 25th Percentile: $61,790.
- 75th Percentile: $97,580.
- 90th Percentile: $120,250.
- Projected job growth: 6.2%
The salary difference between RN vs BSN degrees is that those who hold a BSN degree are likely to make more than RN's who only have their associates degree. A BSN degree is favored over just an associates degree for many entry-level nursing jobs, therefore a BSN has more opportunities to make more money.
What is the highest rank in nursing? ›Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
Chief nursing officers are nursing administrators who work within the leadership team of a healthcare organization. They are considered the highest level of nursing leadership.
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
How do I put my BSN RN after my name? ›Note that the highest non- nursing degree is listed first followed by the highest nursing degree. A nurse who has a master's in a non- nursing field might choose Anne Peterson, MEd, BSN, RN. If you have a doctorate and a master's degree, omit your baccalaureate degree.
Are BSN nurses better nurses? ›We found that hospitals with a larger proportion of nurses with BSN qualifications have significantly lower risk-adjusted mortality for surgical patients, regardless of the specific pathway nurses take to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Does having a BSN matter? ›Graduates with a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing (ADN) can apply for registered nurse (RN) licenses, but spending the extra time to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can lead to advantages. BSN-holders can expect higher pay, more job opportunities, and career advancement.
Is BSN harder than ADN? ›ADN programs are also generally easier to get into than BSN programs and they are not as costly. There are many advantages to both ADNs and BSNs. To help decide which program might be right for you, consider cost, program length, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities.
What is the difference between LPN and BSN? ›LPNs provide basic patient care, such as changing wound dressings or bedpans. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing become RNs but are eligible for a broader range of positions, often with higher pay.
What LPN means? ›A licensed practical nurse (LPN), also known as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, works under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. The duties of an LPN include taking vitals, collecting samples, administering medications, and ensuring patient comfort.
What can you do with a nursing degree if you don t pass the NCLEX? ›
- Health educator.
- Medical transcriptionist.
- Home health aide.
- Nursing assistant.
- Medical assistant.
- Health coach.
- Research assistant.
- Medical records specialist.
Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses are registered nurses who provide a variety of services. These can include, Injections of dermal fillers and Botox neurotoxin. Photofacials.
Do L&D nurses deliver babies? ›Labor and delivery nurses, also known as “L&D nurses,” help deliver healthy babies and get mothers through the process of pregnancy safely.
What percentage of nurses hold a BSN? ›In April 2023, results from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey show that the percentage of RNs with a BSN or higher degree in the US workforce exceeded 70% for the first time (71.7%). Most nurses now enter the workforce with a BSN or entry-level master's degree (51.5%).
What is the advantage of having a BSN? ›As a BSN student, you can expect to learn and develop critical thinking skills, case management skills, leadership skills, communication skills, and more. This can help you provide better care on the job or prepare you for taking on more challenging roles in a medical setting.
What is the value of a BSN degree? ›A BSN in nursing is important because it supports better patient outcomes, meets changing industry demands, offers a path toward higher job security, provides higher earning potential, and opens career advancement opportunities. Additionally, a BSN may soon be mandated, so earning one will put you ahead of the curve.
What is the highest GPA for nursing? ›After acceptance into the nursing program, each student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for coursework in the nursing major to remain in the nursing program.
What is the easiest level of nursing? ›The easiest role you can have as a nurse is that of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). LPNs and LVNs work under registered nurses (RNs), providing basic nursing care.
What is the next level of nursing after RN? ›There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
What state pays RN the most? ›In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Who has the easiest BSN program? ›
- RN-to-BSN Capella University. ...
- BS - Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N.) Grand Canyon University. ...
- BS in Nursing (RN to BSN) Louisiana State University Alexandria. ...
- BS in Nursing Bay Path University.
Can Nurses Make Six Figures? Yes, you can 100% make six figures as a nurse. The disclaimer is that working in some states may make this easier than working in other states. Geographic location is a huge indicator of starting salary and can be a reason why some of you are not as close to others when looking at raw data.
What is a RN salary? › What is pharmacist salary? › How much does a BSN make in Florida per hour? ›How much does a BSN make in Florida? As of Apr 23, 2023, the average annual pay for the BSN jobs category in Florida is $77,142 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $37.09 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,483/week or $6,428/month.
Is it better to have a BSN or MSN? ›Do nurses with an MSN earn more? Nurses with an MSN can earn more than RNs with a BSN. That's partly because a nurse with an MSN is better positioned to work in management or become licensed as a nurse practitioner. As of 2021, the average annual salary for a nurse practitioner is $120,680.
What is a high GPA in nursing school? ›Generally, GPA requirements are different from one school to another, but on average, BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. At the same time, for an ADN program, the average GPA for admission ranges from 2.0. to 2.8.
Which is higher rank LPN or RN? ›RNs Have More Responsibilities & Can Provide Higher Levels of Patient Care. RNs have a broader scope of practice and require considerably more education to earn licensure. RNs can also work independently in most areas. LPNs, however, must work under a physician or an RN's supervision.
What is the lowest GPA for nursing? ›While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs out there that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean you'd receive a lesser nursing education with these programs.
Can I still be a nurse with a low GPA? ›Yes, it is possible to get into a nursing program with a 2.5 GPA. Many programs accept students with a lower GPA. It may take some extra work from you, though, especially if you are applying to a school that typically requires a higher GPA.
What are the 5 levels of nursing? ›
Benner (1984) also detailed the acquisition of nursing expertise and proposed five possible expertise levels: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Nurses at the novice stage are still in nursing school.
What is the hardest type of nurse? ›Possibly one of the most difficult nurse practitioner specialties, a critical care nurse practitioner has to learn to deal with life and death situations daily due to treating the most acutely ill or traumatized patients.
What type of nurse is most in demand? ›...
2. Registered nurse (RN)
| Education | ASN (required) or BSN (recommended) |
|---|---|
| Certifications | Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam |
There are four fields of nursing: adult nursing • children's nursing • learning disabilities nursing • mental health nursing.
Is BSN RN worth it? ›One of the first steps to becoming a nurse researcher is earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Although some research assignments or projects may require you to earn an advanced degree, the RN-to-BSN is worth it if you want to get started on the research path without jumping into a graduate nursing program.
How much do BSN make in Massachusetts? ›$77,776 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $131,951 is the 75th percentile.
Why do hospitals prefer BSN nurses? ›Many hospitals favor hiring nurses with a BSN because they can reach the IOM's recommendation without losing ADNs who are close to retirement age. If hospitals do hire nurses with an associate degree, they may require them to complete a BSN program within two to five years.
Why more BSN nurses are needed? ›Better Patient Outcomes
Patient care continues to become more and more complex, leading nursing leaders to push for more baccalaureate-educated nurses in clinical settings. That's because research supports the idea of education correlating with the quality of patient outcomes.
Nursing Student Statistics
From certificate programs to advanced nursing degrees like a master of science in nursing (MSN), education is a critical step in every nursing career path. 65.2% of RNs have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, while 1.4% have earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
The primary difference between the degrees is that an MSN provides nurses with more career options and opportunities to increase their annual salaries. While a BSN program teaches nurses how to provide quality patient care, registered nurses do not serve as primary care providers for patients.
Which nursing class is the hardest? ›
- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).