Benefits of Having a Nursing BSN Degree
While the role of a nurse historically required skill-based competencies, nurses are now expected to make decisions, understand health policy, and perform successfully in a collaborative, team-based environment. As healthcare continues to advance and patients’ needs become more complex, a growing number of hospitals are establishing new standards for their nursing staff, mostly hiring nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The benefits a BSN can provide you include:
- Employment opportunity
- Job security
- Readiness for graduate study
- Career advancement
- Potentially higher salaries
- Specialization
- Flexibility
- Potential for leadership roles
- The chance to help others on a daily basis.
Employers Prefer Hiring BSN-Prepared Nurses
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) considers a BSN the minimum preparation for RNs due to their higher skill level. More and more, employers prefer or require RNs to have earned a BSN. A 2020 AACN survey found that more than 41% of hospitals and facilities require new RN hires to hold BSNs. The survey also showed that more than 82% of employers strongly prefer hiring BSN program graduates. It’s also worth noting that many acute care hospitals and public health agencies will only hire BSN nurses.
BSN-Prepared Nurses Lead to Improved Patient Outcomes
Hospitals with Magnet status are known for nursing excellence and superior patient outcomes and are looking to hire BSN-prepared nurses. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine, later renamed the National Academy of Medicine, called for 80% of RNs to earn their BSN by 2020. While this goal has not yet been met, hospitals continue the push to hire BSN prepared nurses today.
Some States May Require a BSN
Additionally, U.S. states including New York have already enacted legislation requiring all registered nurses to earn a BSN within 10 years of licensure.
By earning a nursing BSN degree, you can start your career without interruption.
Contact our team of admissions counselors to hear more about all the benefits of a BSN.