When individuals consider entering the nursing field, they may base their decision on a simple underlying concept: to care for others. It’s a field that pays well, but nurses need a foundation of care and compassion to find meaning in their work and success in their career.
It is important to understand all the different levels of nursing and the opportunities that exist within each.
RN, BSN … What’s the Difference?
Sometimes the abbreviations RN and BSN are used interchangeably or believed to be the same. There’s a distinct difference. Registered nurses (RNs) don’t necessarily hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, or even need a BSN to get a nursing job.
The three educational paths to becoming an RN are:
- Graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Complete a “diploma” nursing program
- Earn a BSN degree
Regardless of education level, all nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam to become a licensed RN. They will also need to obtain licensure in the state in which they are working — which may or may not transfer should nurses move or choose to work in travel nursing.
Why Should an RN Pursue a BSN Degree?
In recent years, hospitals and health systems, private practices and public health facilities have leaned toward hiring BSN-prepared RNs over those without the degree. Regulatory measures support this trend, such as New York’s passing of its “BSN in 10” law. The law states that “to continue to maintain registration as a professional nurse in New York state, such person must attain a baccalaureate degree in nursing within ten (10) years of initial licensure.”
Some positions require nurses to have graduated from a BSN program. Examples include school nurse and military nurse. Magnet hospitals also ask for their nursing hires to hold a BSN.
Transitioning From Skill-Based Practice to Heightened Care Competency
Due to the growing complexities in healthcare, medical institutions across the nation prefer BSN-prepared nurses. This system requires a transition from the more basic skill-based competencies of nursing practice to more robust expertise surrounding health policy, system improvement, research, evidence-based practice, teamwork and collaboration, complex decision-making, and leadership.
To meet those criteria, nurses require training beyond the coursework of either an ADN or diploma program. Fortunately, RNs who don’t yet have their BSN degree can earn it fairly quickly. Some RN to BSN programs allow for completion in as few as 12 months. The availability of online programs makes attending school flexible — perfect for parents or nurses who are already working part-time or full-time jobs.
Schools like the University of South Carolina Aiken offer multiple start dates throughout the calendar year, so nurses aren’t limited to a strict quarter or semester scheduling format.
What Do Nurses Learn in an RN to BSN Program?
RN to BSN programs vary slightly in the coursework offered, but most of them cover topics like:
- Principles and concepts of ethical nursing; making intelligent, unbiased, ethical decisions
- Legal responsibilities within nursing practice
- Assessing patients’ physical and psychosocial health status
- Pathological basis of disease processes; clinical manifestations
- Theories of human development, from birth to death
- Research within the field and how to analyze it for merit; critical thinking
- Specific knowledge and skills surrounding leadership and management
Often, programs will also include more specialty courses, such as gerontology or public/community health issues. Currently, gerontology is a burgeoning area. Individuals are living longer, but not necessarily healthier. Nurses who pursue this track further into their careers or continue their education may discover a number of desirable opportunities.
Accelerate Your Career Today
There’s no better time for registered nurses to boost their careers. Earning your BSN not only expands your abilities as a professional caregiver, but it also makes you more marketable to employers.
While COVID-19 revealed just how much nurses matter, a post-pandemic existence will demand an increasing number of nurses to support the healthcare industry and mitigate the projected global shortage.
Learn more about the University of South Carolina Aiken online RN to BSN program.
