Explore the top reasons for a BSN nursing degree and understand how this advanced education can enhance your career.

Diving into nursing with a BSN degree has serious perks.

A BSN stands out for the future nurse.

Davis & Elkins University knows the drill and offers programs that match your goals.

Do you hunger for a career that grows? A BSN does just that. Employers love it, patients trust it, and you get better gigs.

Nursing isn’t a job; it’s an adventure. With Davis & Elkins with you, you begin this journey on the right foot.

Read on to discover the best reasons for a BSN nursing degree and why it’s a game-changer for your future.

What is a BSN Degree?

Definition of a BSN

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree in nursing practice and theory.

This degree isn’t just about learning how to take blood pressure or dress wounds. This one is about giving you advanced knowledge and skills. Consider it like a power-up for your nursing life.

Unlike other nursing degrees like the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma programs, a BSN goes deeper. Its training is focused on leadership and patient care. It gets you ready to respond to the changing needs of healthcare.

The importance of a BSN

Are you wondering about the top reasons for BSN nursing degrees? A BSN is important because it offers foundational preparation for registered nurses (RNs). That means you’ll receive a well-rounded education that includes liberal arts and sciences.

This is not only about getting book smart; it is a matter of sharpening your critical thinking. You’ll delve into advanced nursing topics such as leadership and informatics.

Tons of acute care hospitals and public health agencies only want to hire BSN nurses. In fact, as of 2023, more than 70% of nurses hold a BSN or higher degree.

That’s amazing!

Preparation for Clinical and Non-Clinical Roles

A BSN isn’t limited to clinical roles. It also prepares nurses for non-clinical roles within the healthcare system.

You may also find yourself in administrative leadership roles in research, consulting, or education.

You can earn an income as a nurse while furthering your education.

You could earn your BSN in as little as one to two years.

However, Davis & Elkins College now offers a 3-Year Accelerated BSN program. This 3-year program is designed to fast-track students through the same four-year requirements by utilizing summer terms.  

Integration of Liberal Arts and Sciences

BSN programs like the one you can find at Davis & Elkins incorporate liberal arts and sciences into the curriculum.

This is a game-changer for critical thinking.

It teaches fundamental nursing skills through clinical and labs. Plus, it exposes students to advanced topics.

You get to learn about patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety, and quality in the healthcare system.

This mindset turns you into a better nurse. It also helps you understand your place and realize your potential in the healthcare world.

Top Reasons to Pursue a BSN

1. Increased Salary Potential

If you’re considering getting a BSN, one major reason is the money. BSN nurses typically earn a higher salary than those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

For example, the median salary for RNs was $81,220 a year as of May 2022. Earning a BSN can also increase your salary. Hospitals and healthcare providers see it as a sign of superior skills and training. Some places even offer a small pay bump just for having a BSN.

Over time, investing in a BSN can pay off. You’ll get a bump not just in your salary but in your benefits and job security.

2. Expanded Career Opportunities

With a BSN, your career options get a lot bigger.

You can also pursue specialized roles, such as a nurse educator or a clinical nurse manager. These positions are usually unavailable to those with an ADN.

A BSN is frequently required for leadership roles in healthcare environments. This degree allows you to shift between various nursing branches, including clinical and administrative options.

If you aim to expand and diversify your career, consider pursuing a BSN.

It opens up so many opportunities for you!

3. Enhanced Patient Care

BSN programs emphasize evidence-based practice, which translates into better patient care.

Nurses with a BSN are trained to apply research and data to patient care to promote better outcomes. This can make for safer, more satisfying patient experiences.

Evidence shows that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to better patient safety and satisfaction.

The training focuses heavily on preventing the shortcutting of critical thinking. This emphasis on clinical judgment is essential to getting patient care decisions right.

4. Preparation for Leadership Roles

Leadership is a big part of BSN training. The programs feature fantastic courses focused on leadership and management. They prepare you to lead a team or advocate for patients in your future roles.

BSN nurses are often change agents within healthcare, devising improved ways to provide care. If your goal is to work in a supervisory position, consider the skills you would learn in a BSN program.

Those skills are going to set you up for success!

5. Improved Job Security

In the nursing world, jobs are pretty stable, but a BSN makes you even more employable.

More than 70% of registered nurses (RNs) now have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many employers actually favor BSN graduates as healthcare continues to evolve.

This degree provides a competitive advantage when it comes to entering the job market.

Due to the continuing nursing shortage, BSN-prepared nurses have high job security.

6. Shorter Path to Advanced Education

A BSN is a stepping stone if you want to go further in your education. It lays the groundwork for advanced degrees such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Many schools, like Davis & Elkins College, offer accelerated programs for BSN grads, meaning it can be faster to earn advanced qualifications. With a BSN, you’re eligible for graduate nursing programs.

The increasing number of BSN-to-DNP pathways speeds up your entry into practice-run nursing education.

Advantages of Earning a BSN

Employer Preferences for BSN Nurses

More healthcare employers are looking for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This trend reveals increased education in the nursing industry.

Hospitals and clinics are increasingly favoring candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This trend leaves those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at a disadvantage.

You’ll notice job postings highlight educational requirements, often including a BSN as a requirement. This shift isn’t a phase — it’s here to stay.

It’s partly because accrediting bodies advocate for higher educational standards for nursing staff. Professional organizations also support this with a call for a more educated workforce.

If you want job security, get a BSN. That alone potentially makes you much more likely to get hired.

Other studies say BSN nurses can make up to $7,500 more per year than ADN nurses. This substantial difference is a nice bonus for those seeking a BSN.

Eligibility for Magnet Hospitals

So, let’s talk about Magnet status. This is a huge deal in the nursing world.

Magnet-recognized hospitals are known for superior care, as well as supportive work environments. They tend to prefer hiring BSN-prepared nurses.

Why? Because BSN programs match aspects of what Magnet hospitals seek, such as advanced critical thinking and leadership skills.

Working in a Magnet facility means you’ll likely have access to better resources and support. It’s a win-win for patient care and your career growth.

BSN nurses in these hospitals are also in more roles that support active involvement in research efforts. They also do evidence-based practice projects, which boosts their influence and impact as well.

Higher NCLEX-RN Success Rates

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is necessary to begin your nursing career.

If you have a BSN, you already have a huge advantage in this process.

Data also shows that BSN graduates have higher success rates on this exam.

BSN programs offer rigorous curricula that more thoroughly prepare you for the test.

With solid nursing knowledge under your belt, you’ll enjoy that knowledge while you confidently answer tough questions.

This not only makes you look great, but it makes your nursing program look great.

Higher pass rates speak well of the institution, making it more attractive to prospective students.

Broader Job Application Scope

BSN nurses have a lot going for them.

You can work in diverse settings—from hospitals to schools to community health centers.

It’s not only about variety, either. BSN nurses are also qualified for specialized fields and advanced-practice roles.

A BSN does open those doors.

The flexibility of this degree means you’re not pigeonholed into one area of nursing. Instead, you can experiment and discover your calling, whether it’s a standard role or something outside of the box.

If grad school is on your radar, a BSN sets you up to earn a graduate degree faster.

Future Trends in Nursing Education

Increasing Demand for BSN-prepared Nurses

The demand for BSN-prepared nurses continues to rise, and this trend shows no sign of slowing. Today, healthcare reforms and the aging U.S. population are driving the need for more highly educated nurses.

According to recent projections, approximately 80% of all nurses will need to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) by 2025. This target underscores the push for a more skilled and knowledgeable nursing workforce equipped to handle the complexities of modern healthcare.

Why is this shift so critical?

Studies have shown that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to lower patient mortality rates, which significantly impacts the quality of care and overall healthcare outcomes.

As the population ages, the demand for healthcare services continues to expand, creating a heightened need for skilled nurses who can meet these challenges.

BSN nurses play a key role here. With their advanced training, they are better prepared to handle complex patient needs, fill crucial care gaps, and improve patient outcomes.

Healthcare is rapidly evolving, and BSN nurses are more essential than ever. Educational institutions play a critical role in preparing students to step into these high-demand roles and shape the future of healthcare.

Potential Requirement for BSN Degrees

Talking about some legislative stuff now. Ever heard of the ‘BSN in 10’ law?

It’s an effort to see new nurses obtain a BSN within ten years of entering the profession. This trend is catching on in several states.

The reasoning behind this is to raise the bar for the profession of nursing. With higher standards, nurses gain the tools they need to tackle modern healthcare challenges.

They truly work at addressing social determinants of health and health equity.

This shift could have an outsized impact on nursing schools. They’re going to have to step up their programs to accommodate these new demands.

It also means nursing education will need to quickly evolve, making room for more comprehensive and robust training.

Faculty members are a huge part of the equation, albeit one that sometimes has obstacles to contend with, such as an unwelcoming environment.

Addressing these challenges is essential to creating a more inclusive and nurturing educational environment.

The Top Reasons for BSN Nursing Degrees

Choosing a BSN degree opens doors to countless opportunities. You’ll gain essential skills and expertise that not only advance your career but also improve patient care. In today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape, a BSN distinguishes you as a valued professional.

Hospitals and clinics actively seek BSN graduates for their ability to adapt, think critically, and provide top-notch care. A BSN equips you for leadership roles, specialized fields, or even teaching, setting you up for a dynamic future in nursing.

Step into a field where you can transform lives and strengthen communities every day.

Ready to make an impact? Explore the BSN programs at Davis & Elkins College and begin your journey today.