The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, placing increasing demands on nurses to possess advanced skills and knowledge. For Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to elevate their careers and enhance patient care, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree has become a pivotal stepping stone. But What Is A Bsn exactly, and why is it gaining so much prominence in the nursing profession?
Today, there’s a growing consensus within the nursing field and among healthcare employers: a BSN is more than just a degree – it’s a crucial asset. While traditional RN programs equip nurses with fundamental skills centered on nursing theory and practical experience, a BSN program takes this foundation further. It delves into crucial areas like patient care technology, evidence-based research, proactive health promotion strategies, and the essential principles of safety and quality within the complex healthcare ecosystem.
Pursuing a BSN can open doors to a more profound understanding of the nursing profession and its evolving challenges. According to Dr. Elizabeth Christman, DNP, RN, CNE, a respected clinical faculty member in nursing programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a BSN degree introduces nurses to a broader perspective. Dr. Christman, recognized as a Certified Nurse Educator and a recipient of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty, advocates strongly for all nurses to pursue BSN education, emphasizing its value in today’s healthcare environment.
Decoding the BSN Degree in Nursing
BSN is an acronym for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Simply put, it signifies that an individual has successfully completed a four-year bachelor’s degree program focused on nursing. Often considered the standard undergraduate degree for nurses, the BSN serves as a strong base for further academic pursuits, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The MSN degree is a popular choice for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced roles and specializations within the nursing hierarchy.
“The BSN curriculum is intentionally comprehensive,” explains Dr. Deborah Blackwell, PhD, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, CNE, a clinical faculty member and team lead at SNHU. “It typically encompasses a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, to essential behavioral and social sciences, including nutrition and psychology. Of course, at its core are specialized courses directly related to nursing practice.” Dr. Blackwell’s extensive experience includes teaching nursing students across all levels, from pre-licensure to doctoral studies, providing her with a unique insight into nursing education.
Dr. Blackwell also highlights the importance of RN-to-BSN programs, such as the one offered at SNHU. These bridge programs are specifically tailored for RNs who have already earned a nursing diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and are now seeking to obtain a BSN. “RN-to-BSN programs are designed to acknowledge the existing knowledge and practical experience that RNs bring,” she states. “They provide an efficient pathway to achieve a higher level of education, allowing nurses to build upon their prior learning without redundantly repeating foundational nursing coursework.”
Furthermore, as nurses progress through the different levels of nursing education, they often discover opportunities to specialize in areas of particular interest. This specialization allows for deeper expertise and can significantly shape their career trajectory within the nursing profession.
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The Role of a BSN-Prepared Nurse
A BSN degree significantly broadens the scope of roles and responsibilities a registered nurse can undertake. Here are some examples of nursing positions where a BSN is often preferred or even required:
- Leadership and Management Roles: Hospitals and healthcare organizations increasingly seek BSN-prepared nurses for leadership positions, such as nurse managers, supervisors, and directors. These roles require a deeper understanding of healthcare systems, quality improvement, and team management – all areas emphasized in BSN programs.
- Specialized Nursing Units: Many specialized units, such as intensive care units (ICUs), cardiac care units, and oncology units, often prioritize hiring nurses with BSN degrees. The complex patient populations in these settings demand a higher level of critical thinking, assessment skills, and advanced clinical knowledge that BSN programs cultivate.
- Public Health Nursing: Public health nursing, which focuses on community health and preventative care, often requires a BSN. These roles involve population health management, community education, and program development, all of which are integral components of BSN education.
- Research Nursing: Nurses involved in clinical research or academic nursing positions typically need a BSN as a minimum educational requirement. BSN programs introduce nurses to the principles of research, evidence-based practice, and data analysis, essential for these roles.
Strong evidence supports the notion that a BSN education equips graduates with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as clinicians and become impactful leaders within the nursing profession.
Dr. Lokelani Ahyo, DNP, RN, CNE, a clinical nursing faculty member at SNHU with over two decades of nursing experience, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of SNHU’s BSN program. She highlights that it provides crucial insights into key facets of modern healthcare, including:
- Leadership Development: BSN programs focus on developing leadership skills essential for nurses to take on leadership roles, advocate for patients, and drive positive change within healthcare teams.
- Population Health Focus: Understanding population health is increasingly important. BSN programs educate nurses on community health needs, preventative strategies, and addressing health disparities across diverse populations.
- Quality Improvement and Safety: BSN curricula emphasize quality improvement methodologies and patient safety protocols. Graduates are prepared to contribute to creating safer and more efficient healthcare environments.
“Beyond the fundamental skills learned in diploma or associate degree programs, a BSN adds a crucial conceptual layer,” Dr. Ahyo explains. “It empowers nurses to understand the ‘why’ behind their actions, fostering critical thinking and a deeper comprehension of the complexities of patient care.”
Time Commitment to Obtain a BSN Degree
For RNs aiming to earn a BSN, an RN-to-BSN program like the one at SNHU can be the most efficient route. SNHU recognizes the prior learning of licensed RNs by granting 45 credits towards the BSN degree for an active RN license – equivalent to 15 courses. Furthermore, SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits in total, potentially allowing RNs to complete their BSN in a condensed timeframe of just one to two years, depending on their existing college credits and program pace.
For individuals not yet RNs, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can be earned in a 2-to-3-year program, providing a quicker entry into the nursing profession. Graduates can then choose to pursue a BSN later while working as an RN. (Note: SNHU currently does not offer an ADN program).
Regardless of the chosen nursing degree level, all nursing graduates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN© licensing examination to become registered nurses.
While RN licensure through an ADN or diploma program is often faster than a BSN, Dr. Christman points out that RNs can pursue an RN-to-BSN program without disrupting their careers. Online BSN programs offer significant flexibility, eliminating the need for rigid on-campus schedules and commuting. This allows nurses to balance their studies with their work and personal commitments, completing coursework at times that work best for them.
“A significant advantage of an RN pursuing a BSN is the ability to work as a nurse while advancing their education,” Dr. Christman emphasizes. “This presents a very cost-effective pathway to professional growth and higher education.”
Dr. Ahyo echoes this sentiment, sharing her own career path: “Many nurses, including myself, initially completed an ADN degree, gained valuable experience working as registered nurses, and then returned to pursue a BSN degree through an online platform.” This highlights the common and increasingly popular approach of leveraging RN experience while upgrading credentials with a BSN.
RN vs. BSN: Understanding the Professional Distinctions
At the core of their roles, both RNs with and without a BSN share the fundamental responsibility of providing direct patient care. This encompasses a wide array of duties, including conducting physical assessments, obtaining patient histories, delivering health counseling and education, administering medications and treatments, and coordinating patient care with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, as defined by the American Nurses Association (ANA).
RNs with ADNs or diplomas and BSN-prepared RNs often work side-by-side, performing similar clinical tasks within the same healthcare settings. However, the BSN degree opens doors to a broader spectrum of career opportunities and positions nurses for long-term professional advancement. BSN-qualified nurses are better positioned to pursue administrative and leadership roles that demand advanced skills in areas like research, consulting, and nursing education, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).*
Danielle Jernigan ’23, a BSN graduate from SNHU, exemplifies this career trajectory. “I pursued my BSN while working as a nurse to unlock opportunities for better job prospects,” she states. The BSN program broadened her knowledge base and ignited her ambition to pursue nurse leadership roles.
“Enrolling in the BSN program at SNHU significantly boosted my motivation to seek leadership and management positions within nursing,” Danielle shares. “With each course, I could directly apply the learned concepts to my daily practice, and I experienced tangible professional growth as a nurse.”
SNHU’s nursing programs hold full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring adherence to rigorous standards and competencies set by both CCNE and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Furthermore, SNHU’s online nursing programs incorporate cutting-edge simulation technology, offering valuable hands-on experiential learning within a virtual environment.
Dr. Ahyo reflects on her own BSN journey, noting, “My BSN program provided me with a deeper understanding of my role and potential as a nurse. I was able to fully absorb the content and appreciate the value of the information I was learning.” Completing her BSN also served as a catalyst, inspiring her to continue her nursing education and professional development.
BSN vs. RN Salary Expectations
While salary levels for registered nurses can vary based on factors such as specialization, geographic location, type of healthcare facility, and years of experience, education level also plays a significant role. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for registered nurses in 2023 was $86,070.*
However, when considering career advancement into management roles, a BSN becomes even more financially advantageous. The BLS reports that medical and health services managers, roles often pursued by BSN-prepared nurses, earned a median salary of $110,690 in 2023.* Furthermore, the job outlook for medical and health services managers is exceptionally strong, with a projected growth rate of 28% by 2032 – significantly outpacing the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.*
A recent survey by the AACN further underscores the growing demand for BSN-prepared nurses, revealing that 40% of hospitals and healthcare facilities now require BSN degrees for new hires, and over 77% express a strong preference for BSN-educated nurses (AACN PDF source).
Can You Become an RN Without a BSN Degree?
Nursing stands as the largest healthcare profession in the United States, offering diverse career paths for RNs across hospitals, clinics, and various healthcare settings, as noted by the AACN.
The fundamental requirements to become a nurse typically include graduating from a state-approved nursing program (ADN or diploma) and successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam used by each state’s nursing board to assess entry-level nursing competency, as explained by Nurse.org.
While earning an ADN can provide a quicker entry point into the nursing profession, RNs are increasingly recognizing that a BSN degree offers substantial advantages for career advancement, expanded opportunities, and greater professional fulfillment.
In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a landmark report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” advocating for an increase in the proportion of nurses with BSN degrees to 80% by 2020. Although this 80% target has not yet been fully achieved, significant progress has been made, and the goal appears increasingly attainable.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) had previously set a goal for at least two-thirds of the nursing workforce to hold baccalaureate (bachelor’s) or higher degrees in nursing – a milestone that has now been surpassed. As of 2023, over 70% of nurses in the workforce held a BSN or higher degree, marking an all-time high in nursing education.
Furthermore, the state of New York has implemented a law requiring all nurses to obtain a BSN within 10 years of their initial RN licensure, known as the “BSN in 10 Law.” The driving force behind this legislation is the growing body of research demonstrating that higher levels of nursing education correlate with improved patient outcomes. New Jersey is also actively pursuing similar “BSN in 10 Law” initiatives, according to the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA PDF Source).
Dr. Christman emphasizes that the increasing complexity of healthcare and the growing need for strong nursing leadership necessitate that nurses continuously refine their skills in management and research.
Ultimately, when considering what degree you really need to be a nurse?, the answer hinges on your individual career aspirations.
“With a BSN, you significantly expand your career horizons compared to your RN counterparts with an ADN or diploma,” Dr. Christman concludes. “A BSN can pave the way for leadership roles, positions in nursing education, public health nursing focused on community health initiatives, and even advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse administrator.”
Explore SNHU’s RN to BSN degree program to discover the curriculum, skills you’ll gain, and how to request program information.
*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.
Krysten Godfrey Maddocks ’11G is a writer who covers K-12 and higher education topics, including policy and the role of digital technology in education. She spent almost a decade working in various marketing roles at an educational assessment company before launching a strategic marketing company. Maddocks earned a master’s degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in English/ journalism from the University of New Hampshire. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Do you want to broaden your potential as a nurse? It may make sense to consider a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you’re a Registered Nurse (RN), a BSN can build on your existing knowledge and skills, allowing you to progress in your career and provide better care to patients.
About Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.
