Healthcare professionals take their education seriously, and rightfully so. Every registered nurse has undoubtedly worked hard to receive those two important letters, RN, after their name. Many nurses also seek to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
There are many benefits to seeking a higher level of education — benefits that impact not just nurses themselves but their patients as well. Plus, modern, flexible education models make advancing one’s nursing education surprisingly accessible. For instance, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers a fully online RN to BSN program, allowing working nurses to earn a career-advancing degree while still making a salary and gaining experience on the job.
Ready for More Responsibility
BSN-prepared nurses help patients by assessing workflow issues, researching potential solutions, implementing change and monitoring outcomes. Being able to critically assess potential issues and plan interventions are attributes of an efficient leader. Therefore, many of these BSN-prepared nurses are qualified to move into management, leadership, administration or research roles.
Further, evidence-based practice underpins many hospital policies and procedures. BSN preparation in UTA’s online program emphasizes the development of evidence-based practice and clinical skills. Studies in topics such as statistics, comprehensive research methods and theories support this overarching nursing education outcome, readying students for increased nurse responsibilities in modern healthcare settings.
Employers and States Are Pushing for BSN Preparation
According to 2023 graduate employment data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 25% of healthcare employers now list a bachelor’s degree as a required qualification for nurses. Further, nearly 70% of employers in hospitals and other healthcare settings “are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates.” Additionally, the nation’s top Magnet hospitals require nurse leaders and nurse managers to have at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Thus, earning a BSN is critical for nurses who want to pursue upper-level positions with top employers. Plus, while requirements differ from state to state, some states require or are considering a mandate that practicing nurses hold a BSN degree, making the educational qualification a necessity depending on where a nurse lives.
Trends in Nursing Education
Returning to school for a bachelor’s degree (or higher) can take a considerable amount of time and financial investment. On-campus programs may also require that students invest more time and/or money due to commuting, childcare, housing and more. Further, prospective nursing students may worry about the stress of going back to school adding to the inherent challenges of managing stress as a nurse.
Yet over 70% of working RNs now hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. Given this, a BSN is vital for nurses seeking a competitive edge in career advancement. There is also a continued nursing shortage and need for strong leadership, making BSN-prepared nurses even more attractive to prospective employers.
With these market conditions, now is a great time to consider earning a BSN degree. Moreover, due to the evolution of online education, earning the degree does not have to be prohibitively expensive and time consuming. RNs can complete their bachelor’s degree through UTA’s specially designed online RN to BSN program in as few as nine months while continuing to work and earn a wage.
A BSN-prepared nurse may find that many more opportunities exist for a higher earning potential and career advancement. Having flexibility and versatility in work and job choice can provide an increased level of job satisfaction and work-life balance — both critical factors in achieving career longevity in the challenging but rewarding nursing profession.
Learn more about UTA’s online RN to BSN program.
