If you are considering a career in nursing, one of the most popular options is to achieve your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It is true that you do not necessarily need to obtain your BSN before becoming an RN (Registered Nurse) license. However, a BSN can improve your job potential, increasing your earnings, and provide a pathway to further your career. Below is a better look at exactly what is a BSN.
What is a BSN?
Most people who obtain the BSN go on to obtain their RN license in the state where they intend on working. This allows the BSN nurse to perform the same duties that an RN does, such as administer medication, coordinate and monitor patients’ care, work directly with the patients’ physician to administer care, modify treatment plan as necessary, maintain and access patient’s vitals and records, discuss treatments with the patients and the patients’ families, IV starts, operate medical equipment, perform diagnostic testing, and more.
A BSN can work in practically all types of medical facilities, such as a physician’s office, hospital, emergency room, clinic, nursing home, or assisted living facilities. BSNs can also provide in-home services to private patients, work with hospice, or obtain a job in an education institution or a governmental agency. You will likely supervise several CNAs and LPNs who are placed under your direct supervision.
While you only need to have an Associate’s Degree in Science (ADS) in order to earn your RN license, many employers prefer to hire those who have the BSN. In fact, some governmental agencies likes the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs requires all the RNs to have a BSN. Completion of the BSN program also allows you to further your education to obtain your MSN (Master Degree of Science in Nursing).
How Do I Become a BSN?
If you would like to become a BSN, you first need to know what degree does a BSN need. A BSN is a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing. This requires the completion of a four-year training course at an accredited college or university. This training will include a well-rounded educational course that includes classroom instruction and clinical training. You will also take courses that are designed to teach you leadership skills, critical thinking abilities, communication skills, organization, and administration techniques. There are also several programs that allow those who already have a RNs license to obtain their BSN with minimal additional training.
While it is not always required, many of those who obtain the BSN go on to take the NCLEX-RN exam in their state. After successful completion of this exam you will receiver your license to be an RN. Some job opportunities, especially administrative careers, may not require you to obtain your RN license. However, becoming an BSN will greatly increase your job opportunities.
Job Outlook for BSN
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is anticipating at least a 19% growth rate in the demand for RNs from now until 2020. The BLS has also reported the annual salary for RNs at $65,470 in 2012. The BLS does not break the annual salary down by those who have a BSN to those who do not. However, a study completed by Indeed showed that those RNs with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) average $64,000 in 2011, while those with a BSN average $76,000.