The nursing workforce is changing. More and more registered nurses (RNs) are choosing to obtain bachelor's degrees in nursing (BSNs). Nursing organizations, healthcare foundations, major hospitals and other industry leaders have been advocating to increase the ratio of BSN nurses in clinical healthcare settings—and many nurses are listening.
The reason? It's been shown to benefit nearly every party involved, in a range of different ways. Here are 5 top benefits of BSN degree completion if you choose to pursue a nursing career.
1. Increased employment potential
As hospitals continue to encourage their nursing employees to obtain BSN degrees, they're also channeling their hiring efforts to include more BSN-prepared nurses. A whopping 82.4% of healthcare employers strongly prefer nurses with a BSN, and 41% of hospitals and healthcare facilities have required candidates to hold a BSN, according to the AACN 2020 Annual Report.1
This trend is directly reflected in employment numbers: The same study showed that 94% of BSN graduates secured employment within four to six months of completing their programs.
This employment potential doesn't just end with securing a nursing job. A bachelor's degree can offer you a better chance of expanding your nursing career.
2. The chance to work in Magnet® hospitals
BSN-educated nurses are more likely to be employed in Magnet hospitals—a title given out by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence, innovations in nursing practice and superior patient outcomes.
A salary survey of 1,400 nurses showed that BSN nurse leaders in Magnet hospitals earned 4.8% more than their colleagues in non-Magnet facilities, opening a door to higher earning potential.2
3. Improved patient outcomes
As it turns out, Magnet hospitals have these policies for a reason. A higher proportion of BSN nurses in hospital settings is associated with lower rates of 30-day inpatient surgical mortality, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.2
Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine suggests the same: Among patients who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest, each 10-percent increase in the hospital's share of BSN nurses was associated with 24 percent greater odds of surviving to discharge with good cerebral performance.
Better patient outcomes likely stem from the additional education and training that a BSN degree provides. BSN RNs reported being significantly better prepared than ADN RNs in 12 out of 16 areas related to quality and safety, in an AANC study.2
4. Expanded specialization options
With increased education also comes more opportunities for focus roles and specializations. A BSN provides more classroom and clinical training across different nursing specialties, allowing students to accept and practice a broader range of responsibilities in the workplace.3
In addition to providing bedside care, this can include managing new health technologies, making home healthcare decisions, discerning post-op and preventive care and coordinating comprehensive patient care plans. BSN-educated nurses can hold more leadership positions, and enjoy more workplace independence.
BSN nurses are also more likely to move up the ranks, especially at Magnet hospitals. At every Magnet hospital in America, all nurse managers and nurse leaders are required to hold either a BSN or graduate degree in nursing.3
5. Stronger educational foundation
A BSN doesn't just provide opportunities for career advancement, it's also a solid foundation for advancing your education.
A bachelor's degree in nursing is a prerequisite for a master's of science in nursing (MSN), which is the necessary pathway for becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). A nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife and more nurses all fall under the umbrella of APRNs.
A master of science in Nursing (MSN), master of science in nursing nurse practitioner (MSN-NP) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP), are all higher education degrees enabled by graduating with a BSN. And they're options you can choose to pursue at any point in your nursing career, as long as you have the proper foundation.
Begin your nursing career with the benefits of a BSN
Ultimately, how far you go in your nursing school journey depends on your career goals and priorities—but a bachelor's level nursing degree can be a great first step, especially in today's changing landscape.
If you think a BSN program may be in your future, learn more about Rasmussen University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program today.
Magnet® is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center
American Association of Colleges of Nursing® is a registered trademark of American Association of Colleges of Nursing
1American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2020 Annual Report [Accessed June 2024] https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/Annual-Reports/Annual-Report-2020.pdf
2Journal of Nursing Regulation, The 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey [Accessed June 2024] https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(21)00027-2/fulltext
3American Nurses Credentialing Center, Testimonials [Accessed June 2024] https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/about-magnet/why-become-magnet/testimonials/
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