The nurse who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing has the equivalent of a four year liberal arts education along with all the necessary science and nursing courses to be a Registered Nurse. It is the degree and certification that is required to go into management positions in nursing and can be achieved as an initial degree or can be obtained as a later addition both from the LPN certification or the RN diploma. Achieving a BSN is easier today because of the options of taking courses online while keeping to a regular work schedule. In that way the nursing candidate maintains professional relationships and holds onto existing tenure.
Obtaining a BSN generally takes about four years. Nurses that have an ADN or a diploma often enter a bachelor’s program later, rather than just out of high school. They do this when they are ready to prepare to expand their scope of nursing practice and take less than four years by virtue of having completed some of the work already. By starting at an entry level position as an RN, they can complete an RN-to-BSN program using tuition reimbursement benefits offered in the workplace and use their continuing education units toward their new degree. At the same time a working graduate nurse is building seniority in a nursing position while going to school. At this point it is often practical to choose an online route to complete the BSN so that the nurse can continue working while gaining higher education. There are around 600 RN-to BSN programs in the United States. Candidates who have a Bachelor’s Degree in another field can also achieve a BSN, by completing the nursing coursework to go along with the Bachelor’s Degree already held. This is an accelerated program for achieving that goal. For example, a person with a four year degree in psychology or microbiology can take nursing course work to complete the BSN. A BSN is very compatible with other career paths.
Specialization is one advantage of having a BSN. Examples of the job opportunities available to them might range from Ambulatory Care to Critical Care. Work settings can be hospitals, homes, long term care facilities, work places and schools. The type of specialization affects the work environment of the BSN and the hours as well. Hospital nurses may work any shift around the clock or be on call. Long term care facilities, jails and prisons, and mental health facilities all provide care twenty-four hours a day. In a school or business the nurse may count on only being in the building during regular business hours, working day hours on weekdays only. Some people need that predictability and stability. Others thrive on the adrenaline of irregular hours and emergency calls.
A BSN degree is a key to opening many doors of employment and service. It can be achieved in a direct path or as an expansion of a Nursing School Diploma. Once achieved, a BSN allows for specialization in the health care field or can be a springboard into nursing management positions. It provides both financial compensation and personal work satisfaction.