Blog | Adult Degree Completion | Southern

5 Reasons All RNs Should Earn their BSN Degree

Written by Southern Adventist University | Feb 14, 2023 6:39:00 PM

Are you a registered nurse who’s thinking about earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?

If you are, this is a great time to do so! 

With flexible program options and plenty of long- and short-term benefits, earning a BSN can help nurses who currently have an RN take the next step in their career. You can even take courses online so you don’t have to put your life on hold.

But why exactly should you follow the RN to BSN track?

There are lots of great reasons, but here are a few of our favorites.

1. Higher Earning Potential for Nurses

One of the main differences between RN vs. BSN is the earning potential. Not only will earning a BSN set you up for an immediate pay raise in your existing job, but it’ll also help you create a substantially higher earning potential for yourself over the course of your career.

On average, nurses with a BSN earn $32.41 hourly. That’s a solid step up from nurses with an RN, who earn $29.83 on average per hour.

Nursing is one of those professions where most people aren’t “in it for the money”—it’s a calling and a passion. However, that higher earning potential is still a great benefit!

2. Nursing Career Advancement Opportunities

Have you ever thought about being an advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator?

If you want to earn an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), those programs all require a BSN as part of their prerequisites. So, you can think of the BSN as a great stepping stone toward a larger career goal.

The more advanced your nursing degree, the stronger your job security is because you will be more desirable to potential employers.

3. Better Patient Outcomes

In the end, this is what being a nurse is really about: delivering incredible patient experiences and helping to create the best outcome possible for them.

Earning a BSN will help you accomplish these things even better.

With all that a BSN program will teach you in nursing skills, theory, and practice, you’ll be able to diagnose and evaluate more accurately, thereby delivering a better patient experience and a higher level of care.

If you want to be the best possible version of yourself as a nursing professional and deliver the best possible care, then following the RN to BSN path is a powerful step on that journey.

4. Keep Up with Evolving Best Practices

Nursing is a career path that is always evolving. From advancements in technology to medical breakthroughs, a more advanced degree can provide you with opportunities to learn about different trends in healthcare. 

Being in school will help you learn more advanced skills and build on your foundational knowledge of nursing. Stay current with the latest practices, studies, and technology by pursuing a BSN.

5. The RN to BSN Path is Flexible and Affordable

At this point, you might be thinking something along the lines of, “Well this all sounds great, but I don’t have the time or money to go back to school!”

Does this sound like you?

Well, we are very pleased to share that earning your BSN is flexible and affordable. Here at Southern, our RN to BSN program is specifically designed for working nurses like you who need to balance their studies with their personal and professional lives.

With flexible start dates, online courses, and financial assistance, you’ll find that earning your BSN is much more accessible than you may have thought. If you have questions about the program or whether it’s the right fit for you, we’d love to chat with you about it!

 

Why Earn Your BSN?

Download the inforgraphic to learn about:

  1. Increased Earning Potential
  2. New Roles and Career Paths
  3. RN to BSN Classes
  4. Affordability of Earning a BSN
  5. Where to Start