How Will a BSN Enhance My Nursing Career?
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I am often asked this question by Registered Nurses (RNs) and laypeople alike. Those outside of health care do not always understand the many different degrees nurses can earn, and the reasons why they choose a particular path in education. RNs who have clinical experience and already have earned an Associate's Degree or Diploma in Nursing may question what benefit there is to their future career in nursing.
From an academic perspective, a BSN program builds on knowledge and clinical skills an RN already possesses. Advancing your education with a BSN will further prepare you to care for patients who are more complex than ever before. The Institute of Medicine (2010) report examined challenges to nursing education, and presented recommendations for the future of nursing. One of these recommendations is that the number of BSN prepared nurses increase from 50% to 80% by the year 2020. As a result of this recommendation many health care institutions are encouraging nurses to complete a BSN degree within 5 years of being hired, and there are some who will not hire an RN without a BSN degree. From this perspective therefore it can be difficult for RNs without a BSN to secure a job, and more difficult to advance in their careers. Some organizations are also offering salary incentives and greater opportunities for advancement for RNs with a BSN degree.
From a financial perspective RNs with a BSN degree also have better earning potential. A report by Yox and Stokowski (2016) highlights salaries by degree, information you may find to encourage your decision to pursue a BSN degree. The authors reported that RNs with an Associate's degree annually earn $71,000, RNs with a Diploma earn $75,000, and RNs with a BSN degree earn $79,000 per year. Although the BSN degree will cost you money in the short term, clearly there is a financial benefit to advancing your education that will impact your earning potential for many more years ahead. In addition, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing ([AACN],2015) report that BSN prepared nurses are valued for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, all characteristics that Magnet Hospitals desire in their nurses. The AACN sees the continuation of education for a BSN as a link in promoting lifelong learning, and helping to prepare today's nurses for the unique demands they will face in practice in the 21st century. There are advantages for your career therefore, in future financial gains and opportunities to practice in a greater variety of settings!
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2015). The impact of education on nursing practice. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education.
Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. (2010). The future of nursing: Focus on Education. Retrieved from https://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing/Nursing%20Education%202010%20Brief.pdf.
Yox, S.B., & Stokowski, L.A. (2016). Medscape RN/LPN Salary Report 2016. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com.