Embarking on a nursing career is a satisfying journey for many individuals. The appealing aspect of nursing lies in the diverse educational and career avenues that aspiring nurses can explore to realize their aspirations. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a nurse and acquiring additional credentials that can propel your career forward.
This includes the distinction between being a Registered Nurse (RN) without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and being an RN with a BSN. Regardless of this difference, both types of nurses have successfully completed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and obtained nursing licensure. The key disparity lies in the educational background, where BSNs hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while RNs possess an associate degree.
For those contemplating a nursing career or RNs aspiring for career advancement, understanding the significance of credentials is paramount. The foundation for your career is laid through education, and a robust educational background enhances your prospects for climbing the professional ladder. Consequently, exploring Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs becomes essential.
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What is a BSN Degree?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a bachelor’s degree program designed to facilitate individuals in becoming registered nurses or providing additional credentials to existing RNs. For nurses aiming to progress in their careers, obtaining a BSN is a pivotal step, especially as an increasing number of hospitals prioritize nurses with BSNs in their staffing. In certain states, a BSN is a mandatory educational requirement for those aspiring to be full-time nurses. Additionally, holding a BSN is instrumental for assuming more senior leadership roles.
What is a RN License?
The term Registered Nurse (RN) refers to the certification required for practicing nursing. It’s important to note that this certification is a license, not a degree. Each state imposes different education and qualification criteria, but generally, nurses must possess a nursing diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. As part of the certification process, aspiring nurses are mandated to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once they pass this examination and obtain their license, they can commence their work in various medical or care facilities, including hospitals, private practices, med spas, and more.
Is it Possible to Become an RN without a BSN?
Certainly, one can become an RN without a BSN, with the minimum required education being a nursing diploma or associate degree. However, it is highly recommended that ambitious nurses consider pursuing a BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, as these avenues significantly broaden job and salary opportunities.
Taking the Next Step
The pursuit of a college education is not only affordable but also immensely worthwhile. Assistance is available to guide individuals in making informed decisions regarding degree programs, payment options, scholarship applications, and more.
What is the Difference between an RN vs BSN?
Numerous educational pathways lead to becoming a nurse, including sponsored diploma nursing programs offered by some hospitals. However, these nursing degrees may not be universally accepted if one relocates to another state. Alternatively, obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) equips individuals to be licensed and registered as a nurse in their respective states.
Opting for a BSN represents a higher level of education compared to sponsored diploma or ADN programs, expanding job opportunities and offering a higher salary. Regardless of the educational path chosen, the journey as an RN commences with accredited programs and requires successfully passing the NCLEX-RN. Current RNs can further advance their careers through RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN programs, as certain leadership roles may necessitate a BSN or even an MSN.
Salary Comparison Between RN and BSN
Beyond educational backgrounds, job prospects, and daily responsibilities, variations in salary exist between RNs and BSN nurses. A noteworthy observation is that BSN nurses typically earn more than registered nurses at the same experience level and within the same industry. Refer to the provided salary data reported by nursingprocess.org for further insights.
RN/ADN Years of Experience
Average Salary
Entry-level nursing
$49,000+
1–4 years
$57,000+
5–9 years
$70,000+
10-19 years
$86,000+
20+ years
$106,000+
BSN Nurse Years of Experience
Average Salary
Entry-level nursing
$53,000+
1–4 years
$62,000+
5–9 years
$75,000+
10-19 years
$94,000+
20+ years
$115,000+
Industry
RN Average Salary
BSN Nurse Average Salary
Hospitals
$76,000+
$82,000+
Physician’s Offices
$66,000+
$72,000+
Home Healthcare
$70,000+
$76,000+
Nursing Care Facilities
$66,000+
$72,000+
Outpatient Care Centers
$81,000+
$87,000+
Becoming a BSN Nurse
If you’re thinking about becoming a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), there are specific steps you need to take. These steps differ slightly depending on whether you’re already a registered nurse or starting from scratch. Let’s explore how you can move forward based on your starting point.
Earning a BSN without an RN:
1. Have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Undergo a criminal background check through American Databank.
3. Apply for a BSN program at an accredited college or university.
4. Apply for financial aid if needed.
5. Complete the coursework and graduate from the BSN program.
6. Take and pass the NCLEX and apply for RN licensure.
Earning a BSN with an RN:
1. Have an associate degree or diploma in nursing.
2. Hold a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in your state.
3. Undergo a criminal background check through American Databank.
4. Apply for a nursing BSN program at an accredited college or university.
5. Apply for financial aid if needed.
6. Complete the coursework and graduate from the BSN program.
Aside from these steps, aspiring nurses do not need prior experience to earn their BSN.
WGU’s BSN program is competency-based, allowing students to take classes at their own pace. Notably, 66% of RN-to-BSN students at WGU finish their degree program in 18 months or less, enabling particularly ambitious students to kickstart their nursing careers promptly.
Daily Responsibilities of BSN Nurses
BSN nurses have varied daily responsibilities, making a nursing career suitable for those seeking excitement while helping others. Some of these responsibilities include:
1. Taking patient vitals and assisting with physical exams.
2. Applying nursing education to professional practice.
3. Coordinating and managing patient care for individuals, groups, and communities.
4. Administering medicine and treatment regimens.
5. Utilizing leadership skills and evidence-based practices for effective decision-making.
6. Interacting with insurance providers.
7. Practicing nursing from a holistic, ethical, patient-centric approach.
8. Continuing learning to provide the best care and meet education requirements.
9. Communicating health details with patients, families, and medical staff.
10. Maintaining patient records..
Daily Responsibilities of Registered Nurses (RN)
An RN’s common duties include:
1. Monitoring patients and updating records.
2. Sharing health information with doctors and medical professionals.
3. Supporting other medical staff.
4. Administering medications.
BSN Salary Expectations
Pursuing a BSN brings substantial benefits, including higher earnings. Entry-level BSN nurses can expect an average annual salary of $53,000, approximately $4,000 more than RNs. With 20 years of experience, BSN nurses earn over $115,000 on average, surpassing RNs by nearly $10,000.
Career and Job Opportunities
For those entering nursing, obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree is strongly recommended for better job prospects, higher salaries, and enhanced qualifications. Higher education correlates with fewer medication errors, positive patient outcomes, and lower mortality rates, leading hospitals to prioritize nurses with BSNs.
Other Perks of Being a BSN Nurse
Getting more education is always a good idea, especially if you want to start your nursing career right or move ahead in your current one. When you earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), you enjoy various advantages:
1. Expanded Career Options: With more education, you open doors to a variety of job opportunities as you progress in your career.
2. Diverse Work Environments: Having a BSN allows you to work in places other than hospitals, like teaching or case management. These roles often come with higher salaries compared to RNs with basic credentials or ADNs.
3. Better Prepared for Patient Care: A BSN provides you with a higher level of preparation for taking care of patients, especially in high-pressure situations.
4. Stronger Credentials: Your BSN gives you strong qualifications, making you stand out in a competitive job market.
5. Background in Research, Ethics, and Informatics: With a BSN, you gain knowledge in research, ethics, and informatics, preparing you for upper-level roles in your career.
6. Enhanced Clinical Skills: Your BSN equips you with stronger clinical skills, which can lead to lower mortality rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates, better patient care, and improved diagnostic abilities.
7. Job Stability and Impressive Résumé: Having a BSN provides more job stability, and it strengthens your résumé, making you a compelling candidate for potential employers.
8. Contribution to Hospital Magnet Status: Your BSN can help your hospital achieve Magnet status, and being listed as an RN with advanced education adds to your credentials. This status can also enhance your chances of landing a job at a Magnet status hospital.
9. More Opportunities for Raises and Promotions: With a BSN, you increase your chances of getting raises and promotions in your nursing career.
Next Steps
Taking the next steps in your nursing journey is crucial as you decide on the path to becoming a nursing professional. It’s not just about the present; it’s about envisioning where you want your career to be in the years to come. Opting for a BSN is not merely a step towards senior roles; it’s a key to success in any nursing position you aspire to hold. A solid education and advanced credentials not only make you stand out to hiring managers seeking the best candidates but also equip you to tackle the challenges that come with being a nurse, empowering you to be the best nurse you can be. So, as you plan your educational journey, consider the future you envision and how a BSN can be the foundation for your success in the dynamic field of nursing.
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