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.

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