Why You Should Get Your BSN Degree This Year

If you are a registered nurse and would like to climb up the career ladder, going back into education is not an easy decision to make. Many nurses who want to attain a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) don’t pursue their enrollment because of several factors, such as time, age, and finances. 

However, completing a BSN degree will not only increase your salary potential but help you to become a better nurse too. If you’re unsure of what route to go down, here are some of the best reasons why you should get your BSN degree this year.

A Great Springboard for a Flourishing Career

For those who want to jumpstart their career, it’s best to go back into education. While an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) may be the first option that springs to mind, the course has a primary focus on NCLEX preparation and nursing skill acquisition, whereas a BSN degree prepares you educationally for advanced nursing practice. To level up your career, it’s advised to choose a BSN degree over other courses available.

Gives You Credibility

With the nursing sector continuously advancing, there are always new methods and systems being discovered to treat patients better. Nurses are constantly up against barriers and face challenges which can help them become lifelong learners which will serve better patient care, as well as improve healthcare throughout the community. 

One of the main reasons why nurses undertake a BSN degree is to give them more credibility. It’s only natural that you will want to be taken seriously by employees, so going the extra mile and completing a BSN degree will help you stand out from the crowd, and show that you’re willing to work hard to reach your goals.

More Opportunities for Leadership Roles

Throughout a BSN degree, you will be given all sorts of training that can help prepare you for leadership and management positions within the nursing sector. To become a strong leader, there are various skills that you should possess, such as:

• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Listening skills

If you are interested in making a difference and like the idea of taking charge and overseeing others, gaining credentials such as a BSN degree will equip you with everything you need to know, and potentially make you part of the next generation of policymakers. 

Earlier is Better

While it’s never too late to learn something new, it’s advised to get your BSN degree as early as possible. As we enter a new year and decade, the last thing you should do is put your ambitions on the backburner. If you have a passion for nursing and want to make a positive difference, obtaining your BSN degree sooner rather than later is advised. For those who continue to delay their BSN degree, it’s likely that you will be left behind with many of the nursing workforce.

More Flexibility

If you are currently working as a nurse, you may be wondering how you will fit in your studies alongside employment. Thankfully, there are many online schools and providers who offer BSN degree courses, meaning you can fit your studies in between your work, family, and social life.

Having the flexibility to study at your own pace is what makes online learning so popular amongst nurses. Institutions like Carson Newman University provide programs in BSN nursing online that you may be interested in. Other benefits of online learning include:

• Flexible environment and schedule
• Lower debts and costs
• More choice of course topics
• Career advancement and hobbies
• Avoid the daily commute
• Access to course materials 24/7

Employee-Covered Tuition

While studying for your BSN online won’t cost as much as it would at a traditional nursing school, you may be able to cut the costs altogether. You may find that you can receive employer-covered tuition for your BSN degree, helping to take the weight off your shoulders. If your employer does provide this benefit, make sure that you take advantage of it, because after all, not every nurse is given the opportunity for employee covered studies.

Higher Salary

Understandably, a nurse who obtains a bachelor’s degree will likely have a higher salary over nurses without a degree. While the pay will vary depending on experience and education, going back into learning and getting a BSN degree can open more doors and give you a higher salary. When you take into account that the pay difference between non-degree nurses and BSN degrees stands at roughly $20,000 – $30,000 annually, studying for a BSN degree is a no-brainer.

Higher Quality of Patient Care

Providing excellent care and support to your patients should be your number one priority. To ensure you’re equipped with the right knowledge and expertise, obtaining a BSN degree will teach you more complex nursing concepts that are crucial when it comes to delivering patient care. Not only will the course boost your self-esteem, but you will feel more confident in your abilities.

Career Outcomes

There are various careers that you can advance into once you’ve completed your BSN degree. If your main goal is to obtain a higher salary, some of the highest-paying jobs in the nursing sector include:

• Certified registered nurse anesthetist
• Certified nurse-midwife
• General nurse practitioner
• Family nurse practitioner
• Informatics nurse

An RN to BSN degree can open up more doors and job opportunities, helping to increase the chances of securing your dream role. What’s more, many of the roles in the nursing world provide tremendous job security, helping you to feel more confident and secure in your position.

If you are interested in obtaining your BSN degree, it’s important that you read up on entry requirements, course specifications, and course fees before signing on the dotted line. For nurses who want to climb up the career ladder and go into leadership and managerial positions, having a BSN degree under your belt can help make employers take you more seriously, helping you to grow and flourish in the nursing world.