The Difference Between RN and BSN
A nursing career is fulfilling for many people; some even believe they were called to be nurses. The past couple of years have also proven that nurses provide critical services in society and their skills have been in great demand ever since.
Suppose you’re contemplating a nursing career or have started but want to empower yourself. In that case, you may be considering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) qualification or becoming a registered nurse (RN). You may also wonder about the difference between the two qualifications and how either will impact your nursing career path.
You can be an RN without a BSN qualification; this means you will have passed the NCLEX exam and have a nursing license, permitting you to work as a nurse in most healthcare facilities (different states may have additional criteria for nursing qualifications). A nurse with a BSN qualification has a bachelor's degree versus an RN with an associate's degree.
To advance your career, you need a solid educational background and experience; you can compare RN to BSN programs at higher education institutions and decide which will work better for you. RN certification is a minimum nationwide requirement to practice as a nurse. You can continue and obtain a two-year diploma (ADN) in nursing if you want to. A BSN is a four-year nursing degree completed after registering as an RN.
The Path To a BSN
You can take the two-year ADN program and then sit for your NCLEX exam; after this, you will be a qualified RN. Starting with your ADN means you can apply for work and start working as an RN. Once this is underway, you can then apply for a BSN and get your qualification while working. There are online programs you can look for at Dallas News. You are also gaining valuable work experience in the process, including steps on how to become a pediatric nurse and, what’s more, following this path means you don’t sacrifice earning a salary to study.
The alternative is to study for four years and take your NCLEX exam. This way, you will enter the workforce as an RN with a bachelor's degree. The advantage of this option is that you can earn a higher salary than your RN counterparts. Nurses with a BSN are in high demand, which could give you negotiating leverage in interviews.
Once you have your BSN, you can continue towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which can help you gain advanced skills and specialize your nursing practice.
Benefits Of Getting a BSN Qualification
Job Opportunities
Being a registered nurse with a BSN opens up more job opportunities, such as specialization and management roles within the sector. Roles like ER and assistant nurse managers are higher up the ladder and have better pay. BSN registered nurses are also in demand in industries outside the public and private healthcare system, such as teaching or training.
Better Earning Potential
According to nursejournal.org, an RN with a BSN degree can expect to earn up to $8,000 more annually than a registered nurse without a degree. The earning potential increases significantly with a BSN degree in hand.
Specialization
With a BSN, you can work in specialty units, like dialysis or neonatal intensive care (NICU). Growth opportunities multiply, and you can work outside a healthcare facility.
Last Word
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice notes that at least 60% of the nurse workforce holds a BSN. Employers, like the military, already have a BSN as a minimum requirement for nurses who want to advance beyond an entry-level position. According to the Institute of Medicine, 49% of employers require a BSN when hiring nurses. If you feel that nursing is your calling or want to advance your career, a BSN is the way.
