What is a BSN? Exploring Benefits and Career Opportunities

Registered nurses (RNs) who pursue advanced education enhance patient outcomes. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), hospitals with higher rates of nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees exhibit lower rates of heart failure, failure to rescue, medication errors, and procedural errors.

The nursing industry and employers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of hiring BSN-educated nurses. An AACN survey revealed that 94% of BSN graduates secured employment within 4-6 months of completing their programs.

What is a BSN Degree?

A BSN, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is an undergraduate degree that offers an education in nursing theory, practice, and research. It covers various topics including nursing informatics, professional nursing ethics, leadership and nursing management, and more. The BSN program equips nurses with a broad understanding of crucial aspects of healthcare delivery.

Here are some reasons to consider pursuing a BSN:

• Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN opens doors to a diverse array of career paths and includes roles in community health, research, education, and leadership positions.
• Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN typically command higher salaries and may have access to more job opportunities compared to those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Preparation for Advanced Practice: For those aspiring to pursue advanced roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator, a BSN serves as the foundation for further education and specialization.

Understanding the BSN Curriculum

A BSN curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to excel as compassionate and competent healthcare professionals. Throughout a BSN program, students immerse themselves in a dynamic learning environment where they will explore a diverse array of topics and engage in integrative practice experiences. Some key learning objectives include:

• Provide culturally competent care across the lifespan to patients, families and communities.
• Utilize scientific inquiry and critical thinking for evidence-based practice.
• Guide individuals and groups in evidence-based healthcare.
• Manage healthcare provision in diverse settings.
• Apply the nursing process to address complex health issues.
• Communicate professionally in various settings.
• Utilize ethical decision-making and nursing codes of ethics.
• Apply legal guidelines in nursing practice.

Benefits of a BSN Degree

As the nursing field continues to develop and demand for highly skilled nurses grows, obtaining a BSN degree remains a valuable investment. Research conducted by the AACN shows the significant benefits associated with nurses holding a BSN degree. These benefits include:

• BSN-trained nurses correlate with 24% higher survival rates in in-hospital cardiac arrest cases.
• Hospitals with 80% BSN-trained nurses have 6% lower inpatient mortality rates compared to those with 30% BSN-trained nurses.
• More BSN-trained nurses relate to a 10% decrease in mortality for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).
• Increasing BSN-trained nurses correlates with a 32% reduction in surgical mortality in hospitals over time.
• Hospitals increasing BSN-trained nurses see a decrease in length of stay from 5.1 to 4.7 days (7.8% decrease).

BSN Salary and Job Opportunities

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) opens the door to many fulfilling career opportunities. Beyond the fulfillment of providing enhanced quality patient care, BSN-educated nurses often enjoy competitive salaries reflective of their advanced education and specialized skills.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for registered nurses with a BSN degree is $86,070 per year, or $41.38 per hour. The employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow by six percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average rate.

Some examples of nursing jobs that often request  a BSN, along with their corresponding salary ranges sourced from Glassdoor, include:

• Informatics Nurse: $79,000 – $118,000 per year
• ICU Nurse: $97,000 – $148,000 per year
• Travel Nurse: $90,000 – $140,000 per year
• Operating Room Nurse: $82,000 – $123,000 per year
• Oncology Nurse: $89,000 – $136,000 per year
• Emergency Room Nurse: $84,000 – $128,000 per year
• Hospice Nurse: $94,000 – $141,000 per year
• Critical Care Nurse: $93,000 – $140,000 per year
• Nurse Case Manager: $87,000 – $125,000 per year

What is an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program is tailored for licensed registered nurses (RNs) seeking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Designed to accommodate the needs of practicing RNs, these programs expand upon the foundational knowledge of experienced nurses.

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a flexible online RN to BSN program designed to meet the needs of working nurses looking to advance their education and career opportunities. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program combines the convenience of online learning with high academic standards and quality instruction.

Recognized as the #3 program in the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by U.S. News & World Report, UIC’s online RN to BSN program is housed within the College of Nursing. The curriculum prioritizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership.

The online RN to BSN program requires 120 credit hours. This includes 30 core nursing credits, 33 proficiency credits recognizing prior nursing education, and 57 general education credits, which can be taken concurrently or transferred in. The program can be completed in as few as 12 months.

Talk to an enrollment specialist today to learn about UIC’s online RN to BSN program.