“The day is coming when trained nurses will be required to possess a college education before being admitted to training.” — Susan B. Anthony, 1902
In earlier blog posts, we’ve already covered the differences between being an RN and an LPN but what if you want to take your education to the next level? With so many varying degrees and programs, why should you be interested in taking the next step and pursuing a BSN degree? Below we’ll break down some of the reasons why transitioning your RN into a BSN degree might be right for you.
You Can Earn Higher Pay with a BSN Degree
Most nurses are caring individuals who join the healthcare field for altruistic reasons like making a real difference in the lives of their patients. But on the practical side, higher compensation can mean a more comfortable future for themselves and their families. While earning a BSN degree requires more schooling and hard work, nurses who pursue higher education can stand to make significantly higher pay than with an RN degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for BSNs in the US is $75,000, compared with the $66,000 for RN’s.
Increased Job Availability
It’s no secret that the demand for nurses is on the rise. And with health insurance expanding and medical standards adapting to the future, the country is seeing a commensurate increase in the demand for nurses with a BSN degree. As the healthcare environment continues to evolve, organizations and their nurses need to meet the growing demands of the field. A report by the Institute of Medicine recommends that 80 percent of the nursing workforce be prepared at the baccalaureate level by 2020 to ensure that Americans continue to have access to high-quality healthcare.
Although the US doesn’t currently require a four-year BSN degree to practice nursing, global standards are rapidly changing. Businesses have a strong preference for hiring new nurses who graduated from a BSN program, with 78% of healthcare employers expressing a preference for hiring BSN program graduates, according to a 2013 report by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Better Care for Your Patients
Several studies have shown that the higher a nurse’s level of education, the better outcomes there are for patients. A 21-year study by the Journal of Nursing Administration found that patients cared for by nurses who had earned a BSN experienced significantly reduced inpatient stays, less complications, and higher survival rates. Nurses with BSNs also reported less difficulty managing complex patients and incorporating critical thinking into their daily practices.
The Flexibility to Pursue an RN-to-BSN Program
Goodwin College has designed our RN-to-BSN program around our students’ busy lifestyles. The RN-to-BSN curriculum can be completed part-time in 16 months or uniquely designed to meet a student’s specific needs. Graduates are prepared to practice in a variety of areas with knowledge and skills that are transferable to multiple settings. And the program can be taken online or in a hybrid format.
Students who have passed the National Council Licensure Exam and are licensed as RNs can continue to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing today!
Interested in learning more about Goodwin College? Learn more today, or check out all of our nursing programs to see why we’re a leader in healthcare education in CT! You can also interact with us on Facebook or Twitter!