If you are a veteran, or soon to be discharged, and considering your next career move, think about this: The civilian sector has many job openings for nurses, especially for those with experience similar to those accumulated while in the military.
Here are the facts:
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be an average of 1.9 million job openings in the healthcare industry each year between 2023 and 2033. Many of these will be registered nurse (RN) positions.
- As the baby boomer generation ages and the overall U.S. population increases, the number of people eligible for healthcare will grow steadily along with the complexity of care needed. This will drive the increasing demand for RNs with advanced knowledge of chronic conditions.
- There is a persistent nursing shortage, due to the above factors as well as nurses leaving the profession because of retirement or other reasons. This compounds the demand for RNs.
- Many healthcare facilities and institutions favor veterans.
- Many employers prefer or require nurses have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Affordable, flexible degree options like the online BSN program from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) are now available, making nursing education very accessible for working adults.
Why Employers Like Veterans
Military personnel can help meet the demand for a greater nursing workforce. In fact, Indeed includes nursing among its listing of top careers for former military members.
Veterans make excellent employees. Employers understand that veterans are loyal, organized, dedicated, self-motivated and can work well as a leader and/or team member. Plus, many former military personnel worked successfully under conditions that are measurably more stressful than most workplaces in the civilian world. The ability to manage unforeseen or emergency circumstances and perform well under pressure are essential for success as a nurse.
Employers in the healthcare industry are also looking for former military personnel — especially those with a BSN — because these veterans have shown the ability to learn new skills and concepts quickly and have many transferable skills. Veterans come with a wealth of valuable experience that can help them excel in nursing roles. Employers seek to create bridges and incentives to help you and other military personnel transition into the world of civilian healthcare.
Degrees Are Desirable
Many healthcare industry employers, such as the Veterans Administration, require nurses to have a BSN for certain positions, or are giving hiring preference to nurses with BSNs. In fact, 2023 data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) shows that 25% of hospitals and other healthcare settings require bachelor’s-level preparation for nurses, and nearly 70% express a “strong preference” for BSN-prepared nurses.
Experts and industry associations maintain that BSN-prepared nurses are well equipped to implement the country’s newest healthcare policies and care for the growing number of insured patients and aging boomers. Therefore, top-level hospitals that seek Magnet designation must require that all nurse leaders and managers have at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Moreover, more than 70% of registered nurses now have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. While your military experience will help you during the hiring process and on the job, earning a BSN will give you the edge you need to compete for the most desirable positions on the job market.
Veterans Have a Leg Up Financially
Fully committing to an online BSN program is a big step for anyone no matter when they do it, but as military personnel, you have one distinct advantage that civilians do not: expanded financial aid options. There are a variety of programs for veterans that help pay for tuition and expenses. The money afforded by these programs make a BSN an achievable goal.
Veterans should ask the school’s financial counselors about governmental financial aid when applying for the online BSN program. You can also research a school’s reputation in terms of helping veterans achieve their educational aspirations. For instance, VIQTORY media designated UTA as a Top 10 Military Friendly School for 2023-2024, giving the school the gold-level designation (the highest level). UTA has extensive resources for veterans and military personnel interested in continuing their education and advancing their careers.
The Time Is Right for Veterans to Earn a BSN
Every year, more and more nurses earn their BSN, many through online BSN programs. They choose this route because online BSN programs allow for flexible schedules and the freedom to work and meet other obligations while studying.
Whether you are active military or a veteran, the time to plan for the future is now. Earning a BSN will increase your job options and give you what you need to be competitive. A veteran’s experience, coupled with a BSN, makes a highly desirable job candidate.
Learn more about UTA’s online BSN program.
