Imagine heading to the emergency room, urgent care facility or even just a routine clinic visit and being unable to see a nurse. It sounds odd, but it may become a reality. There is, and has been, a global nursing shortage for many years.
With healthcare systems under this debilitating strain, the demand for skilled nursing professionals has skyrocketed. A key factor in mitigating the nursing shortage is the transition from being a registered nurse (RN) with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) to acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, made convenient by online programs like the one offered by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB).
An increasing number of healthcare facilities favor BSN-prepared nurses over those with only an ADN. Employers’ BSN priority and the significant demand for nursing professionals makes BSN degree a high-value choice for nursing professionals.
The Why Behind a BSN Degree: Improving Nursing Practices and Patient Care
The nursing landscape is highly competitive. Data from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey reveals that over 70% of RNs now hold a BSN or higher. This shift means that a BSN is becoming a necessity for those looking to advance their careers. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), employers prefer nurses with a BSN and recognize the enhanced skills and knowledge they bring to the workforce.
The advanced training a BSN program covers current nursing practices, emerging healthcare technologies and critical-thinking skills necessary for complex clinical scenarios. BSN-prepared nurses are better prepared to handle the evolving demands of healthcare, leading to improved patient outcomes and higher standards of care.
The following represents specific benefits of earning a BSN, alongside different career paths BSN-prepared nurses can take. Below are the specific gains BSN-prepared nurses can expect:
Advanced Knowledge and Skills for Superior Care
The journey from RN to BSN is transformative, marking a significant leap in a nurse’s expertise and capabilities. A BSN degree is not just a formal educational credential — it’s a comprehensive enhancement of a nurse’s ability to provide care. UMHB’s program profoundly ingrains advanced knowledge and refines practical skills, enabling nurses to deliver superior patient care.
Emphasis on Current Nursing Practices
BSN programs strongly emphasize current best practices in nursing. This encompasses a wide range of subjects, from evidence-based practice (EBP) to the latest patient safety protocols. Nurses learn to integrate research and clinical evidence into their daily practice, ensuring patient care is grounded in current scientific knowledge. This leads to more effective treatment strategies and a higher standard of patient care.
Mastery of Emerging Healthcare Trends and Technologies
In an era where technology is rapidly transforming healthcare, nurses with a BSN are at the forefront of this evolution. These programs provide extensive exposure to emerging healthcare technologies, from advanced patient monitoring systems to electronic health record (EHR) management. This technological fluency enables BSN-prepared nurses to leverage these tools for improved patient outcomes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in patient care.
Preparation for Complex Scenarios
Critical thinking is a cornerstone of the BSN curriculum. Nurses are trained to think critically and analytically so they can handle complex and unpredictable clinical scenarios confidently and competently. This involves developing problem-solving skills, clinical judgment and the ability to make informed decisions in high-pressure situations. As a result, BSN-prepared nurses are adept at navigating the nuances of patient care, leading to better patient outcomes.
Enhanced Patient Communication and Advocacy
A BSN degree also enhances nurses’ ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families. This improved communication skill is crucial for patient education, advocacy and the establishment of trust. BSN-prepared nurses are trained to provide compassionate care while also educating patients about their conditions and treatment plans. This ensures patients are active participants in their healthcare.
Leadership in Nursing Practice
BSN programs cultivate leadership qualities in nurses. These programs instill an understanding of healthcare policy, ethics and systems management, preparing nurses for leadership roles in various healthcare settings. With a BSN, nurses are well equipped to lead teams, manage healthcare initiatives and contribute to policy-making processes, further enhancing patient care and healthcare delivery.
Increased Earning Potential and Career Advancement
One of the most tangible benefits of a BSN is the potential for increased earnings. According to data from ZipRecruiter, BSN-prepared RNs tend to earn approximately 30% more than their non-BSN counterparts. Furthermore, a BSN opens doors to leadership roles within the healthcare system. Nurses with a BSN are qualified for positions like nurse manager or nurse leader, particularly in the nation’s top Magnet hospitals — recognized for nursing excellence. These roles not only offer higher salaries but also provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
Continuing Work While Earning a BSN Online
A significant advantage of modern BSN programs, like UMHB’s, is their flexibility. Nurses can continue working and earning a salary while pursuing their BSN online. This flexibility ensures that nurses do not have to sacrifice their professional responsibilities or income while advancing their education.
Specifically, students can complete UMHB’s program in as few as 10 months, further expanding flexibility on the path to a BSN degree. Tuition is affordable with a pay per course format, and financial aid is also available.
Earning a BSN degree is a strategic move for today’s nurses. It not only improves nursing practices and patient care but also enhances earning potential and career advancement opportunities. With the nursing profession becoming more competitive, a BSN is virtually a necessity for career progression.
Learn more about the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s online RN to BSN program.