A lot has been said about having an associate degree in nursing versus a bachelor degree. And while most Registered Nurses (RN) with diplomas and two-year nursing studies have conceded that having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is important, others just don’t see the need for getting into RN to BSN programs. The importance of getting a BSN degree is simply lost on them.
The reason isn’t just because they’re against changes and prefer to age with what they already know. The truth is, RNs with two-year courses tend to have more clinical experience and are more ready for their first day on the job than those who are graduates of BSN. Most associate courses of two-year study provide more hands-on training than bachelor courses.
What’s more, those who are already practicing can very well see that graduates of BSN have the same jobs as they have. They all do the same thing and have the same job description. In fact, in some cases, RN diploma nurses have the same salary as BSN nurses.
So the question is, why would an RN, who’s already earning and who has a good job get into RN-BSN schools and get their bachelor degree? What does a graduate of BSN have that a graduate with an associate diploma doesn’t have? Here are the top reasons why you should consider enrolling in RN to BSN programs:
1. While it’s true that some medical facilities and hospitals do not distinguish between the salary of their RN diploma nurses and the salary of their RN with BSN degrees, most hospitals do. So why not widen your horizons and expand your wings? You don’t have to stay in a hospital that doesn’t treat their nurses fairly!
2. If it increases your pay, you can be sure that having a BSN degree also qualifies you for higher position. In fact, most hospitals require their nurses to get into RN to BSN programs in order for them to have bigger responsibilities. When you’re a BSN graduate, expect promotions to come your way.
3. But it’s not all about pay and position. Most importantly, getting a BSN degree will arm you with knowledge needed to stay ahead of the changing industry. The lack of clinical training that BSN curricula have they make up in training for clinical decision making, leadership, case management, lifestyle and wellness, health care resources, knowledge in direct bedside care, treatment programs, community nursing and many others.
4. Having a BSN degree makes you a candidate for higher learning. You can pursue your studies, take up a master’s degree and have specialized knowledge in your field. Your choices for your nursing career widen as your knowledge broadens.
5. You’ll have more career opportunities. The patients’ needs are changing, and with that, the public health care system. More and more jobs are being opened not just in hospitals and medical facilities, but also in places where nurses are needed like the community, health and beauty facilities and many others.
6. You’re likely to get it free. Because the hospitals and the health care facilities will benefit from your having a bachelor degree, some actually pay for it. That means getting an RN to BSN education free of charge and a free chance to further your career.
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011, 9:41 am | 
Health | 
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