A BSN is worth it because it empowers you to earn a higher salary and gives you the option to choose a specialization. A BSN also paves the way toward earning an advanced nursing degree and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, BSN-prepared nurses have been found to have better patient outcomes.
Through the College of Mount Saint Vincent Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 16 months. Your nursing career will benefit greatly from having a BSN. Earning a BSN is a wise move to make on your professional path as a nurse. It is associated with improved patient outcomes, a higher salary, and expanded job opportunities. So, is a BSN worth it? You be the judge. Check out our list of seven reasons earning a BSN is worthwhile.
1. Higher Salary
Earning your BSN is a distinction that opens the door to higher earning potential. Your salary as a nurse can differ depending on the state you practice in and the type of facility you work at. However, with a BSN, you are more likely to make a higher income than your counterparts who hold an associate degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the average wage for registered nurses based on state. According to their May 2021 data, the average salary for registered nurses in the U.S. is $77,600.
2. Career Advancement
Because your BSN provides you with more in-depth knowledge and abilities, you’ll be able to explore more advanced work prospects than an RN without a bachelor’s degree. Depending on your particular interests, you may be qualified for jobs such as travel nurse, flight nurse, legal nurse consultant, and many more.
Is getting a BSN worth it? After earning your BSN, you’ll be eligible to apply for a graduate degree, which may lead to even more in-demand career options, including nursing director or nurse practitioner.
Learn more about enrolling in the ABSN program at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in NYC.
3. Work at Respected Facilities
A BSN from the College of Mount Saint Vincent prepares you with valuable skills in critical thinking, case management, leadership, communication, and more. This enables you to deliver higher-quality treatment while you're at work, and it readies you to take on more demanding jobs in a medical environment. This kind of preparation and increased skill level will qualify you to be eligible to work in a Magnet Hospital.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities earn Magnet status by achieving excellence in nursing and patient care. Magnet hospitals utilize innovative professional practices and operate at the highest caliber.
The distinction is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and certifies that the facility maintains high standards, such as staffing BSN-prepared nurses. Working at a respected facility with Magnet status is an excellent move for your career as a nurse.
4. Higher Marketability
Quality care is in high demand as the population ages and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified nurses are needed to help bridge the nursing shortage gap, and a BSN-prepared nurse is a valuable asset for facilities looking to fill that need.
The nursing field is so desirable that the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030. About 194,500 openings for registered nurses are projected over the next ten years.
5. Specialization Options
A BSN empowers you to concentrate on a particular area of nursing care you’re passionate about. For instance, some BSN nurses choose to care for older adults or focus on young patients instead of patients of all ages.
RNs with a BSN degree may also decide to concentrate their professional efforts in a particular field of practice, such as mental health, oncology, or cardiac care. With a BSN, you can step into a profession that complements your interests and goals.
6. Better Patient Outcomes
Is a BSN degree worth it? It is definitely worth it when it comes to patient care. BSN-prepared nurses have a skill set that benefits patients. Wouldn’t you want your loved one to get the best possible care from the most qualified nurse? Data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing shows that healthcare organizations that employ more BSN-prepared nurses see better patient outcomes and significantly lower mortality rates.
7. Pathway to Higher Education
A BSN can pave the way toward earning a graduate degree in nursing. You could leverage your BSN to achieve a Master of Science in Nursing and even continue earning your Ph.D. Some jobs you could pursue after getting an MSN are:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology, Women’s Health, Pediatric, Family or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Informatics Nurse
Begin Your BSN Journey at Mount Saint Vincent
Is a BSN worth it? For all the reasons listed above, we say yes! A BSN can help you become the best nurse you can be and can be the first stepping stone in your journey toward an advanced nursing career. If you’re ready to pursue your dream of becoming a nurse, contact the admissions team at the College of Mount Saint Vincent today.