A BSN degree has long been associated with better outcomes for patients and better access to healthcare and prevention for the community. An influential report published in 2010 by the Institute of Medicine, now the National Academy of Medicine, recommended a nurse workforce comprised of 80 percent baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses by the year 2020. This report was linked to evidence indicating hospitals that increased the number of BSN-prepared nurses over time had greater reductions in mortality and failure to rescue than hospitals that did not. BSN-prepared nurses are now preferred hires and the trend will only grow stronger until it eventually becomes a requirement. In addition, obtaining further education opens opportunities for advancement.
Let Your Education and Experience Speak
Experience is valued in any discipline, especially a field such as nursing. However, lacking education credentials can limit career progression even with substantial clinical experience. BSN-prepared nurses often have an advantage over nurses with an associate degree when it comes to highly desirable jobs. By continuing their education, particularly through a flexible online RN to BSN program, nurses can demonstrate balance with their experience and education and be assured both elements will speak highly for them.
Advance at Work
Earning a BSN tells the employer that the nurse cares about patient outcomes, safety and cost effectiveness. It also may provide for advancement within the workplace. Most nurses want to grow within their healthcare organizations. Being in the same position and seeing individuals with less experience but more education obtain higher placement in the company can be frustrating. Obtaining an online RN to BSN allows a nurse to fill new roles more quickly.
Learn New Approaches
Learning new evidence-based methods and applying them into practice is a consistent focus of baccalaureate nursing programs. According to BMC Nursing, it “is essential for nurses to build their body of knowledge, standardized practice, and improve patient outcomes.“ An online RN to BSN program provides an easy way to learn these methods, yet still allows the student the opportunity to work full time.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington’s online RN to BSN degree program.
