RN to BSN - Career Benefits and Education Options

The complexities of a changing medical field in2005).
technology, advanced information, and facing aSalary Benefits of advancing a degree from RN to
growing leadership role among nurses has increasedBSN
the need for a degree of a Bachelor of Science inAdvanced nursing degrees create new career
Nursing among registered nurses (RN to BSN). Thisopportunities and justify an increased salary. An RN
higher level of education takes commitment andand a BSN will receive the same salary for the same
dedication and in the following article, we will outlinenursing position, but as the BSN moves through the
how to achieve these goals.ranks to a higher position, salaries tend to increase.
Advancing your nursing degree - The differenceFor example, a promotion to a management position
between RN and BSNof head nurse with a BSN has a higher salary than
Beginning a career in nursing for those who desire anbeing the floor nurse with an RN.
abbreviated education will get an associate's degreeEducation Opportunities and Education Cost
(AD) which usually involves 2-3 years of schooling. AIn 2004, there were 600 RN to BSN programs in the
nurse may also follow a diploma program, usuallyUnited States. Many RN's use the tuition
through a hospital, that is also 2-3 years in lengthreimbursement from their employer as an incentive
before becoming an RN. According to the Bureau ofto go back for the BSN. There are also accelerated
Labor Statistics Sample Survey, 70% of nurses haveBSN programs for those individuals who already
AD or diploma level degrees. An RN must also pass allattained bachelor or higher degrees and wish to go
required examinations such as the NCLEX-RNinto nursing. There are more than 165 of these
(National Council Licensing Examination for Registeredprograms in the United States. These programs are
Nurses) before practicing with patient contact.12 to 18 months in length (U.S. Dept. of Labor, 2005).
For many nurses looking to advance their careers, aIn choosing the appropriate program, it is necessary
BSN is the natural next step. It is a 4 year programto choose whether to work in a classroom setting or
that includes research oriented learning, leadershipstudy through an online RN to BSN program.
training, and liberal arts. Many of the students thatThe classroom setting has many benefits which
are enrolled in the BSN program are previous RN'sinclude peer contact and live lectures. Sharing
with associate degrees or diplomas. They are nowexperiences with others and learning from other
going back to school with all the hardships involved;previous like-minded RN's is a great benefit. The
financially, time inflexibility, family and otherdilemma with classroom education for most nurses is
outstanding commitments.the stringent scheduling and time management
The differences between an RN and BSN are notneeded to attend class and work around an RN's
necessarily clear to the patient who is being treatedbusy schedule.
with basic care. A nurse treating a patient won't beAn online nursing degree course is the other
asked, "excuse me, are you a RN or a BSN?" Yet thealternative. It is a way for nurses to work while
differences lie within. The education gained, thecontinuing with their education with flexibility around
additional technical training, and the potentialtime commitments. The non-clinical portion of the
advancement are not immediately recognized by theclassroom courses are given online and the clinicals
patient. A nurse with a BSN can review researchare usually arranged at a medical facility near the
papers, advocate for the patient, work with leadersnurse's home. There may be timed lectures or the
in the hospital or medical facility with confidence andnurses may do lectures at their own time with
advanced management skills. A nurse with an RNassignments being sent to the lecturer by fax or mail
may have all these abilities, yet a BSN enhances themon designated due dates. Examinations are usually
and increases advancement opportunities.offered online. Many times the online school follows a
Career Opportunities with a BSNsemester schedule and has a set start and finish
RN's return to school for a number of reasons, yetdate, though this is not true for all schools. To learn
many are personal in nature: To become leaders inmore about online RN to BSN programs, refer to
the nursing industry, advancing their careers, or moveyour school of choice and learn what that school
to the next level and receive a master's or doctoraloffers.
degree.Conclusion
Management-level nursing requires an advancedPersonal satisfaction, a qualitative factor that can not
degree such as a BSN. According to the U.S.be measured or quantified, is what many BSN
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, instudents say is most important about receiving their
management, nurses can become anywhere fromadvanced degree. Our society is advancing in all
the assistant head nurse or head nurse, to assistantareas, with technology and intellectual expertise. The
director, director, and vice president and upwards.information is available and the prerequisites allow
Other career opportunities include research,many RN's to attain an advanced degree; the
consulting, and teaching. A nurse with a BSN candetermining factor is, we must advance as a society
manage a home health care clinic and ambulatoryand create leaders in all areas of industry. A BSN
services, etc. Nurses can also move into the businessgives the degree and knowledge and critical
side of nursing to becoming an manager of anleadership skills for an RN to advance in the world of
insurance company, pharmaceutical manufacturer, andmedicine, business, and personal achievement.
managed care organization (U.S. Dept. of Labor,Copyright 2006 Michael V.