While many industries are just starting to recover from the recession, healthcare continues to grow. Healthcare advancements have brought forth many new career opportunities, and as the industry progresses, employers are following suit and seeking nurses with advanced education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for registered nursing continues to be quite good with 19% growth projected between 2012 and 2022. Between changes in the health care system, an aging population, and the increased number of Americans suffering from chronic disease and illness, skilled and experienced nurses are central to healthcare operations. According to recent reports from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the number of RNs enrolling in Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) programs is growing every year, with a record breaking 22% increase between 2011 and 2012.
Earning a Bachelorâs of Nursing (BSN) degree is an excellent way to increase earning potential, establish professional growth, and deliver exceptional care to patients. For RNs thinking about going back to school, here are some important details.
The Basics of Earning a BSN
Most RN to BSN programs have a few prerequisites for their potential students
- Candidates must have passed their NCLEX-RN licensing exam before starting a BSN program.
- Candidates must pass a criminal background check.
- Some programs require candidates to pass the Elsevierâs HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam, which test proficiency in mathematics, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. Candidates must also meet any other general admission criteria, like a minimum GPA.
The Bachelor's of Nursing Program
A Bachelor's of Science Nursing program is similar to other undergraduate programs, and requires students to explore a wide array of liberal arts subjects, including English, Sociology, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Once the core curriculum has been met, students will focus on nursing-specific topics, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition
- Statistics
- Evidence-based Nursing
- Students may also opt for or be required to explore electives based on a specialization, like critical care, OB-GYN, or pediatrics.
- Many programs require students to acquire practical experience through clinic rotations in hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities.
- Most BSN programs take two years, requiring 120 credit hours. Students can opt for an accelerated or part time program which can reduce their completion timeline. ECPI Universityâs RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 12 months by attending class year-round.
How Earning a BSN Benefits You
Nurses play a critical role in the health care management plan of their patients. With a BSN, a nurse can assume an authoritative leadership position, utilizing his or her critical thinking and communications skills, diagnostics expertise, and leadership skills. A BSN program also emphasizes the "softer side" of nursing, focusing on the social, economic, political, and cultural issues that often come into play during patient care. Itâs also true that nurses with a BSN are afforded a number job opportunities often not available to RNs, including head nurse, department head, administrative head, and clinical nurse manager.
How a BSN Degree Benefits Your Employer
Hospitals and healthcare facilities with a higher percentage of nurses with Bachelor degrees report a higher ratio of successful patient outcomes, including lower average stays, lower mortality rates, and higher levels of patient satisfaction. Based on this feedback, industry insiders believe that most healthcare facilities and hospitals will soon require their nursing staffs to hold Bachelorâs degrees or higher.
Continuing your education is a smart move for you and for your employer. Many facilities and hospitals offer tuition assistance to employees looking to go back to school for their BSN. Additionally, programs are often designed with the "nontraditional" or working student in mind, so students have the flexibility to continue working while enrolled in the program.
How to Get Started
If youâre thinking about earning your Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, contact ECPI University TODAY. You could complete the RN to BSN program in as little as 1 year through our accelerated, year-round program! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information
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