As healthcare moves towards more advanced technology, more research and more emphasis on clinical quality, nurses who go back to school to obtain a BSN, will find themselves positioned to move into optional career paths. The nursing profession has long required continuing education and training as a key component in maintaining their state licensure; but, more importantly in the improvement of patient care. Going further, research has indicated that BSN prepared nurses have patients who have better clinical outcomes and lower patient mortality rates.
Management Opportunities
BSN prepared nurses find themselves better prepared to be involved in instigating patient care plans, nursing supervisory roles, assume leadership and management roles and have an active role in identifying best practices in patient care. Improved communication skills and analytical thinking skills learned in a broad-based BSN program, will enhance your ability to not only participate in developing treatment plans; but, in sharing training to other staff members.
Job Opportunities
Many healthcare systems look for BSN graduates to fill staffing and leadership needs in a variety of facilities.
Nearly 50% of BSN practitioners find employment in private hospitals, surgery centers, hospitals or healthcare systems. You may find yourself able to move into specialty areas and obtain certification to work in units as emergency care, maternity, oncology, orthopedics, etc. Having a BSN allows you the flexibility to specialize your training to fit your interests.
Many physician offices or physician groups rely on BSN nurses to meet the increasing needs of their patients. These nurses often find themselves responsible for patient health assessments, patient history, patient education and working closely with physicians to develop the appropriate patient care plan.
Home health agencies function because of the skills and competencies of their nursing staff. These nurses frequently assume great responsibility for patient care. Whether the nurse is supervising or is a visiting home nurse, the ability to utilize advanced communication skills, community health knowledge and clinical expertise, the BSN prepares nurses to evaluate and assess diverse situations.
Long term care facilities call on nurses to work with geriatric patients and their families and techniques learned in a BSN program prepares students to understand the challenges geriatric patients encounter and have a knowledge base to provide evidence based practice and care.
Specialty Nursing
A BSN is the springboard to further academic degrees. Nurses who have an interest in a specialty area of nursing, such as Nurse Practitioner Midwife, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, etc. will need to first obtain a BSN. These specialties, and others, will require nurses to receive a Master of Science in Nursing with specialty concentrations.
Nurse Educators are needed to help address the critical nursing shortage in the U.S. and the BSN degree is necessary to advance to the MSN in Nursing Education which qualifies the MSN nurse to teach, and train, a new generation of student nurses. MSN Nurse Educators may find themselves teaching in colleges and universities, as well as clinical educational programs in hospitals and health systems.
We've all heard the saying, knowledge is power and that certainly holds true in today's nursing careers. There are vast opportunities for nurses with a BSN and it's well worth investigating. Best Medical Degrees has created a ranking 30 Most Affordable Online RN To BSN Degree Programs which researched accredited online RN to BSN programs that will provide a platform from which you can find the program that best fits your career goals.
