If you’re looking for a program that give you the best employment opportunities in today’s healthcare market AND is preferred by leaders in the nursing industry, theink very seriously about a Bacehlor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Open up your newspaper and look at the nursing positions. You’ll see pretty quickly that a BSN is a requirement for a majority of the positions. The BSN designation is a popular entry point for nursing professionals.
Most BSN programs use the first two years of classes to help you fill your general education (GenEd) requirements and then the last two years are spent on core nursing courses and preparing you for your new career as a nurse (or travel nurse).
Of course, if you’re already in the nursing field, you may have to go into a transition program at a college or university. An LPN-to-BSN program offers an LPN or LVN a chance to get a BSN degree in as little as four academic semesters.
What will you do once you have your BSN?
You could find yourself performing basic duties that include treating patients, patient education and as well as providing advice and emotional support to patients and their families. More specifically, you’ll be recording medical histories and symptoms, assisting in performing diagnostic tests and analyzing their results. You’ll also be operating medical machinery, administering treatment and medications, and helping with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
What is the job outlook for a registered nurse?
Job opportunities for RNs are expected to be excellent across all specialties. Some groups are anticipating that RNs will make up the second-largest number of new jobs among all occupations. And, with the current nursing shortage, employment in care facilities and in-home nursing care are anticipated to have the largest need for nurses.
How much money can I make as an RN with my BSN?
You earning potential is based on several factors. Location, etc all make a difference. But, the average yearly salary for an RN is $55,000 with an overall range from $50,000 to $70,000. Many RNs are being offered signing bonuses, flexible work schedules, child care stipends, tuition reimbursement, and bonuses. Heath insurance and retirement/401K benefits can vary greatly from workplace to workplace.
So all this is nice, but what if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field?