{"id":12143,"date":"2024-01-29T10:42:37","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T15:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=12143"},"modified":"2024-12-13T16:26:59","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T21:26:59","slug":"why-a-bsn-in-nursing-is-important-for-nurses-and-patients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/why-a-bsn-in-nursing-is-important-for-nurses-and-patients\/","title":{"rendered":"Why a BSN in Nursing is Important for Nurses and Patients"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the years, expectations of nurses have evolved to meet the demands of the industry. Healthcare employers are now seeking nursing candidates who can think critically, adapt to new research, lead teams to new heights, and provide a high quality of patient care. As such, more employers are seeking registered nurses with advanced education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).<\/p>\n

In fact, a BSN degree is becoming the standard in nursing education. While it\u2019s entirely possible to begin your nursing career with an associate degree, the majority of RNs today now hold a BSN or MSN in nursing. According to the latest National Nursing Workforce Survey<\/a>, almost 72 percent of nurses now hold their BSN degree or higher \u2013 the highest recorded in history. Many nurses (about 51 percent) enter the field with a BSN or MSN degree, while others go back to school for their BSN or master\u2019s after earning their initial RN licensure.<\/p>\n

It’s natural for nurses to question the importance of a bachelor\u2019s degree, in a time when an associate degree in Nursing is the standard requirement for launching a career. However, as the job market becomes more competitive and the demands of nursing evolve, earning a BSN in nursing will be incredibly impactful.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at some of the reasons why a BSN in nursing is so important, in 2024 and beyond.<\/p>\n

Why is a BSN degree important for nurses?<\/h2>\n

You can expand your career horizons.<\/h3>\n

A bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing is becoming the preferred degree for RNs today. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)<\/a>, roughly 70 percent of employers express a strong preference for BSN program graduates.<\/p>\n

Additionally, about 1 in 4 hospitals and other healthcare settings now require new nursing candidates to have a BSN degree before applying; many others encourage RNs to go back to school for their bachelor\u2019s during their career trajectory.<\/p>\n

It’s also worth noting that job prospects are very strong for BSN holders right after graduation. According to the same AACN study, the job placement rate is 96% for entry-level nurses holding a BSN\u2014compared to the 55% rate for bachelor\u2019s degree holders in all occupations.<\/p>\n

If you want to qualify for a number of nursing positions, including promotions as an already-licensed RN, a BSN degree will be an important step. Specifically for seasoned nurses who already have their associate degree, a BSN degree can make them eligible to pursue leadership roles as well as jobs that require advanced education (such as military nursing or federal agency positions).<\/p>\n

With career advancement also comes higher earning potential. As explained by Indeed<\/a>: \u201cWhile registered nurses with either an ADN or BSN may have similar starting salaries, the potential for advancement and higher pay is greater for those with a BSN.\u201d<\/p>\n

You will enhance your skills and, in turn, your quality of care.<\/h3>\n

Investing in a BSN can have a direct impact on your nursing success and competencies in patient care. While associate degree holders have an incredible set of skills, fundamental knowledge, and experience, BSN grads are seen as advanced in those skill sets.<\/p>\n

BSN programs dive deep into topics that will build on your experience and propel you forward. According to the AACN<\/a>, BSN degree programs offer an \u201cin-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities.\u201d This additional coursework, they continue, \u201cenhances the student\u2019s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence healthcare delivery.\u201d This, in turn, translates to their skills in the workforce.<\/p>\n

Research supports this, with hospitals reporting great patient outcomes from BSN nurses. In fact, nurses with a BSN degree generally report lower rates of patient mortality, shorter hospital stays among patients, and lower readmission rates than their non-BSN counterparts.<\/p>\n

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Are you an RN looking to advance your career potential? Download our free RN-to-BSN Get Started Guide<\/a>.<\/em><\/h3>\n

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Why is a BSN in Nursing important for patients and healthcare as a whole?<\/h2>\n

A BSN is important because it expands a nurse\u2019s skill set and offers in-depth knowledge that positions them to excel in their career. And this education reflects in their role, their patients, and on the healthcare system as a whole. When a nurse is successful in their career, others directly benefit from it. On one hand, patients benefit from nurses\u2019 advanced knowledge and practice. The added experience that BSN nurses have can contribute to excellent patient outcomes. This also is rewarding for hospitals and clinical facilities that employ BSN-educated nurses.<\/p>\n

According to studies over the years<\/a>, hospitals with higher proportions of BSN-educated nurses were generally connected to:<\/p>\n