As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, many individuals are considering a career in nursing. States like Texas have seen the demand for nurses triple from 2019 to 2022, creating employment opportunities for qualified personnel. If you are one of them, you might be curious about what degree will set you up for the best professional opportunities. While aspirants have several nursing programs available, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can provide a strong foundation for your career.
Read on to discover the benefits of pursuing a BSN degree and how it can help you achieve your professional goals.
- Higher Earning Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2021, registered nurses (RNs) make a median of $77k a year, and professionals with a BSN degree can qualify for better wages, which is why it’s becoming increasingly popular to earn a BSN online.
Wonder why RNs with a BSN degree earn more than RNs? There are a few reasons. First, BSN programs typically offer more in-depth training and education than other nursing programs. Thus, BSN graduates are more desirable to employers.
Second, many healthcare organizations seek to achieve the Magnet designation, which recognizes hospitals with exceptional nursing care. One of the requirements for Magnet status is a high percentage of BSN-educated nurses. As a result, hospitals may offer higher salaries or bonuses to attract maximum BSN graduates. Also, with the high demand for nurses in Texas, you can secure a high-paying job.
Many nurses do not pursue a BSN degree because they fall short of time. You may not face this issue thanks to the emergence of online BSN degree programs. Online education helps remove geographical barriers and allows you to work and study with a flexible schedule. For example, you can enroll in one of the best BSN online programs in Texas without being present in the same state.
- Career Advancement Opportunities
With a BSN degree, you will be ready to take on more challenging positions in the nursing profession. For example, you could become a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, or a nurse-midwife, among many other in-demand positions. These roles will give you more autonomy and responsibility in patient care than in regular nursing jobs while helping you earn more.
Pursuing a BSN degree can also prepare you for leadership roles in nursing. Depending on your passion and skills, you may take charge as a nurse manager or clinical coordinator, lead and mentor other nurses, and positively impact your organization and community.
- Job Security
When choosing a career, job security is one of the first things that comes to mind. Pursuing a BSN degree in nursing can provide just that. As healthcare organizations recognize the value of BSN-educated nurses, they are more likely to retain and invest in them, resulting in greater job stability. In today’s unstable job market, having a career you can count on is essential.
Furthermore, a BSN degree gives nurses credibility and sets them apart from those with an associate degree or diploma. Healthcare employers value education and recognize the unique skills and knowledge that BSN-prepared nurses bring. This translates into increased job security, better job prospects, and the potential for career advancement.
- Better Understanding Of Healthcare Policies And Regulations
For nurses, having a solid grasp of healthcare policies and regulations is crucial. It allows them to provide safe and effective patient care while complying with the law. A BSN degree program typically includes coursework on healthcare policy and regulations, covering topics such as healthcare reform, patient rights, and legal and ethical issues in nursing practice. With this knowledge, nurses can confidently navigate complex healthcare policies and regulations. It will be helpful for people aspiring to be locum tenens nurse practitioners.
Nurses can use their expertise to identify areas where they can influence policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels. They can advocate for policies that promote patient safety, nursing excellence, and healthcare equity.
- Improved Outcomes For Patients
The nursing profession is becoming increasingly complex. As a result, nurse leaders emphasize the need for more BSN nurses in all clinical settings. The reason behind this push is that research has shown a clear link between nursing education and the quality of patient outcomes.
A study showed hospitals with a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses have better patient outcomes, including lower rates of pressure ulcers, post-surgical mortality, and hospital-acquired infections. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) also acknowledges that having nursing staff with a bachelor’s degree results in quality patient care.
As healthcare continues to evolve, it is more important than ever for nurses to have the education and training necessary to meet the profession’s demands. Pursuing a BSN degree prepares nurses for the current challenges of patient care and equips them with the knowledge and skills to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
- Acquiring Communication Skills
Nurses must be able to communicate clearly and empathetically with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. Good communication helps build trust, fosters collaboration, and ensures everyone involved in a patient’s care is on the same page. BSN programs place a strong emphasis on developing these skills in their students.
Students learn about communication techniques and strategies, such as active listening, open-ended questioning, and empathetic responses. They also learn to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds and communication styles.
An increasing number of BSN programs include clinical rotations where students can apply and practice their communication skills in real-life situations. As a nurse, it is a great opportunity to learn from experienced nurses and receive constructive feedback on your communication skills.
- Diverse Career Options
While many nurses start their careers in hospitals, BSN-educated nurses can choose from various clinical and non-traditional settings. These diverse career options allow you to find a career that fits your interests, schedule, and lifestyle.
For instance, if you prefer a flexible work environment, you may explore working as a telehealth nurse or as a travel nurse. Likewise, you can work in an outpatient clinic or a doctor’s office if you want a regular schedule. You can even venture into non-clinical roles like working in healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, or insurance companies.
Conclusion
Earning a BSN degree is an excellent investment in your nursing career. Whether you are a new nursing student or a seasoned RN looking to advance your skills, a BSN degree offers numerous benefits. By pursuing a BSN degree, you can position yourself for success in a rapidly evolving healthcare industry and positively impact the lives of patients and their families.
