Benefits of a BSN

BSN education goes beyond the fundamental nursing skills taught in an associate degree program, covering a broader scope of nursing practice with in-depth courses on nursing research, nursing management, humanities, and community health. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, policymakers, healthcare authorities, and practice leaders recognize that education level makes a difference in nursing practice.

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Through this additional coursework, nursing students gain:

  • Critical thinking and leadership skills that lead to increased career opportunities.
  • Increased understanding of the issues that influence health care delivery and patient outcomes.
  • Skills that make it possible to practice nursing in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings.
  • Respect from health care leaders who recognize the value of a baccalaureate education.
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A Career with More Opportunities for Advancement

Aside from a higher average annual salary, one of the primary benefits of a BSN degree is that it provides the foundation for future education, and can help you advance in your career. Many nursing specialty practice areas or nursing leadership positions require additional certifications or advanced nursing degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In turn, the requirements to pursue these typically include a BSN degree. While you can still access a nursing career with an associate degree, it may not be the best choice if you want to build up your nursing career with as many options as possible.

Improved Patient Outcomes

Beyond the improved flexibility and career options you can access through a BSN degree, one of the primary benefits of a BSN is felt by patients in the form of better overall outcomes.

According to studies of Magnet hospitals, organizations characterized by their nursing workforce having earned a BSN degree or higher, patients there experience decreased mortality rates and falls, improved patient safety, and increased patient satisfaction. The additional education from a BSN degree can help prepare a nurse to be ready for any situation that may arise

Hiring Potential and Job Security

In an environment where nurses are constantly developing into and counted on as leaders and coordinators of patient care teams, a BSN degree can help you have a more stable and in-demand career. Magnet hospitals are known to be associated with increased RN retention, lower rates of burnout, and increased job satisfaction. Having your BSN can help you qualify for a position at highly desirable employers like these.

Beyond Magnet hospitals, however, having a BSN degree places you above most associate’s-holding nurses in the hiring process at most institutions. When you can give yourself a career-spanning leg up in the form of a bachelor’s degree in as little as 16 months, the choice becomes easy.

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Contact us to learn more about the benefits of a BSN degree.