Nursing is among the most in-demand professions in the US. Since the 1900s, the US has been facing a critical nursing shortage, which has been getting worse with passing time. Even today, there is a critical need of approximately 2 million new nurse jobs every year in the US to bridge this gap. Hence, the need for understanding BSN has become a necessity. There is an average of only nine nurses per 1000 patients, which is clearly not enough. Due to this critical shortage, the US is putting great emphasis on BSN for nursing aspirants. 

Furthermore, since the medical industry is continuously evolving, the need for medical professionals continues to rise. Because nursing is an integral part of the medical workforce, the demand for nurses is quite high. This rewarding profession offers stable jobs, competitive nursing salary, and numerous growth opportunities. Since the medical field is evolving, so does the need for qualification. This is why nurses now are required to complete a BSN.

What is BSN?

BSN meaning Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It is a level of education typically taking four years to complete. Traditionally, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) was the standard for entering the nursing workforce. However, with the evolving medical field, nurses need to be more equipped with in-depth knowledge of nursing theories, responsibilities, and specializations. Due to this, BSN became the new standard of RN jobs and preference for most employers.  

The in-depth curriculum of BSN prepares nurses for advanced roles by equipping them with critical thinking, leadership, and management skills. This is due to gaining hands-on experience during the degree and learning various modules with practical examples.  Unlike ADN, which primarily focuses on clinical skills, BSN offers evidence-based practices, advanced treatment techniques, and a better understanding of healthcare policies.  

Key Differences Between BSN vs. ADN

Both BSN and ADN programs prepare the graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. However, there are some key differences that make the difference in the student’s nursing practice and future.  

1. Education Duration & Curriculum 

The previous standard, ADN, is only 2 to 3 years long, with a primary focus on providing clinical training. In contrast, BSN meaning dedicating 4 years to learn advanced coursework, including leadership skills, research, and public healthcare. Due to this, BSN graduates are more preferred and have more job opportunities. 

2. Employer Preference

ADN provides a shortcut to enter the medical workforce. However, due to the in-depth knowledge and comprehensive training of BSN-prepared nurses, employers mostly prefer BSN-educated nurses. Employers often offer higher wages to RNs with BSN degrees. Hence, the job prospects of BSN-educated nurses are more promising. 

3. Career Growth Opportunities

Continuing education is necessary for growth in any occupation. However, ADN does not give a solid foundation for further education, and RNs usually have to take either RN-to-BSN bridge programs while working on RN jobs or accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs to further their growth. On the contrary, BSN graduated RNs can directly go for a master’s degree (MSN) or doctoral degree (DNP or PhD) without any bridging programs. 

The Shift Toward BSN Educated Nurses

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) submitted a report. This report pushed the idea of a BSN-educated workforce. The report suggested increasing the proportion of BSN-educated nurses from 50 to 80 percent by 2020. However, the 80% target was not achieved. However, the result of this suggestion was that by 2020, approximately  65.2% of RNs held bachelor’s degrees, which was reported by the Journal of Nursing Regulation. 

Due to the broader impact of BSN on patient outcomes and better healthcare, hospitals and medical facilities in the US continue to prefer RN jobs with BSN-educated nurses. Many employers in US medical facilities now put the condition of BSN on hiring or promotion, which gives BSN-prepared nurses a competitive edge. 

As healthcare continues to evolve and become complex, the demand for nurses to pursue higher education continues to rise. Many states in the US have made policies requiring nurses to acquire BSN degrees within 10 years of RN job experience. Just as the US made the doctoral degree a standard for nurse practitioner jobs, it’s only a matter of time for a BSN to become a national standard for RN jobs. 

Impact of BSN on RN Salary

One of the major advantages of earning a BSN is higher earning potential. According to the Nurse Journal, the average salary of registered nurses depends on their educational background.  The report revealed that the average RN salary with ADN only went up to $78,000 per year. However, RNs with a BSN degree can earn up to $95,000 annually. 

Currently, the average RN salary in the US is around $87,868 per year. But nurses with a BSN degree can maximize their earnings up to $150,000 annually. This is because these nurses have much more hands-on experience than an average RN with an ADN. BSN allows students to practice more in outpatient and inpatient settings as part of their course. Due to this, BSN-educated nurses get a competitive edge with a solid standing in the medical field. 

Although better education gives an edge in job search, but if you are still unable to find suitable RN jobs near me, connecting with a staffing agency can be a good decision. These staffing agencies often have listings of RN jobs nearby with proper details of requirements and prerequisites.  

The Broader Impact of BSN Beyond Salaries

Beyond the individual benefits of better jobs and salaries, more BSN-educated nurses are associated with better patient outcomes. BSN degrees prepare registered nurses for critical situations and equip them with advanced care techniques. Due to this, RNs with BSN reduce the mortality rate as they are more capable of resuscitating critical patients.  

According to research published in the Journal of Nursing Administration, medical facilities with more BSN-qualified nurses experienced lower mortality rates, reduced hospital-acquired infections, less medication errors, and better patient satisfaction. Hence, the correlation between a higher number of BSN-educated nurses and better patient outcomes emphasizes the value of advanced education to provide better patient care in healthcare settings. 

Conclusion

BSN degrees are no longer an option for registered nurses. It has become a necessity, with more than 70% of employers preferring BSN-qualified nurses for entry-level positions. In the growing and evolving healthcare field, the education standards for registered nurse jobs are also evolving. With a BSN, nurses can expect better earning potential, more career opportunities, and improved patient outcomes. 

Although it seems like an added investment, the benefits of earning a BSN degree are undeniable. Also, with a higher earning potential, the investment is worthwhile in the long run. It also gives you the opportunity to opt for advanced roles in leadership, management, and research. And BSN educated nurses are also able to take travel jobs for more flexible schedules. 

So, if you are considering a career in nursing, investing in a BSN degree is the best decision. With this, you can open the door for remote and travel opportunities. BSN makes your nursing career highly fulfilling and rewarding. 

Take the next step in your nursing career and make your mind to pursue BSN. Then, you can connect with a staffing agency to find the best RN job with a highly competitive salary.