For many, getting a job in the nursing field is the ultimate career. It can seem like a no-brainer with great pay, flexible hours, and the ability to make positive changes. Additionally, nursing is quickly becoming one of the highest-paid entry-level positions.

Having that information, one might think, is BSN worth it? Should I really need to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to start my nursing career? Continue reading to find out.

What is a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree program that offers extensive training in nursing. The degree allows you to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) after you graduate and have completed the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. A BSN is not required to become a Registered Nurse; however, it is an accelerator of your career and skills as a nurse.

Students who want a shorter path to becoming an RN can get an Associate of Science in Nursing. However, the degree doesn't guarantee progress in their nursing career over the years. But for those students, some universities offer accelerated nursing programs that allow them to get a BSN in a much shorter period.

Benefits of Getting a BSN Degree

While having both an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in nursing can award you the prestigious RN credential, the responsibilities that you can take on will differ between the two.

Increase job opportunities

Although this can vary between hospitals per their official policy, you can expect that only those with a BSN degree can be promoted more often than nurses with an ADN degree. For example, RNs with a BSN degree are expected to be promoted in positions such as:

Nursing Management;
Case Management;
Clinical Nurse Specialist;
LPN Nursing Education;
ADN Nursing Education;
Quality Assurance.

Additionally, getting a BSN can act as a springboard for higher education. You can segue into Master’s programs and higher certifications more easily when you obtain this degree.

It is worthy to note that many hospitals will only hire nurses that hold a BSN. The comprehensive education you receive during that program gives you more insight into what to do with patients, which helps hospitals immensely.

Earn a higher salary

It is documented that the salaries associated with both an ADN and BSN degrees are substantially different.

The average annual salary of an RN with an ADN degree is $67,019. However, experienced ADN nurses can earn up to $136,000 per year. The salary you get depends substantially on the location, institution, and experience. For example, nurses who hold an ADN degree in New York earn $73,511 annually.

On the other hand, RNs with a BSN degree, on average, earn $79,623 per year. Yet, the average salary varies based on the state you work in. For example, BSN nurses in Washington and New York earn an average of $93,772 and $87,488 annually. While states like North Carolina offer an average annual salary of $58,250.

However, the RNs with a BSN degrees salary also depends on their experience, institution, and specialization they pursue. For some experienced BSN nurses, the annual wage can go as high as $141,500.

Increase your nursing skills

The amount of responsibility you can take on in employment when you complete your BSN is high. As the holder of a BSN, you earn the placement of a professional nurse versus a technical nurse. With this, you have:

Increased Autonomy;
Access to Specialty Cases;
Skills to Improve Patient Care and Safety; etc.

Nurses with a BSN degree also have access to coursework involving research design and analysis to examine and apply nursing science in more situations. This increased analysis allows recipients of a BSN to consider better methods for their practice and how to keep up to date on current issues.

According to a study, patients who were cared for 80% or more by RNs with a BSN degree had a 19% lower readmission rate as well as 1.9% shorter stays.

Provide better care to patients

To expand on the last bullet point above, having a BSN gives you a more comprehensive range of skills to act at the moment without assistance or conferring with someone of higher education.

Therefore, the ability to provide better and more efficient care to patients is more probable with those who possess a BSN.

Additionally, with a BSN holder's broader scope of skills, safety is often achieved at a higher rate under their care. Advanced knowledge of medications and care practices provides RNs with a BSN with more direction on caring for patients safely.

Drawbacks of Getting a BSN Degree

While it may seem like a no-brainer to forge ahead and accomplish a BSN degree, one shouldn’t think that the process is a walk in the park.

It costs time and money

Getting your Bachelor’s takes an average of four years of education, whereas an Associate’s typically takes two. Therefore, you are not only dedicating double the amount of years to the process but at a much higher price tag.

While you will make a good salary after graduation, it is essential to remember that all borrowed money needs to be paid back (assuming you need to take a student loan to pay for the cost). Therefore, that will reduce your paycheck considerably after completing your degree and securing employment.

Increased demand

Because of the high entry-level pay and other career benefits, waiting lists to get into nursing school can be exceptionally high. The exact wait will depend on where in the country you reside, but in some cities, the wait can be as long as three years!

Therefore, even if you are motivated to complete the BSN program, it isn’t something that a student can accomplish quickly. Patience is a crucial factor in achieving your end goal.

Stress and pressures

Completing your BSN is not a simple process. With all the technical components critical to appropriate patient care, many students feel the pressure to get perfect scores to increase their level of work in the future.

While this is perfectly understandable and definitely appreciated, it can lead to a high level of stress in your everyday life. Due to the program taking a considerable amount of time, the pressure can be present for years.

If you are completing the program and have many competing outside obligations (children, aging parents, employment), you will want to consider this factor. While many have completed the process and program, it hasn’t been easy for most.

Final Thoughts: Is BSN Worth It?

To effectively answer this question, you have to reflect on what your goals are for your future. If you don’t have the bandwidth to take on a high level of stress right now, or you need suitable paying employment sooner rather than later, then getting a BSN may not be the best path for you to take.

But is it worth getting a BSN in nursing for others who might wonder?

Suppose you aspire to take on more responsibility, open doors to more educational and employment opportunities and have the time to devote to the process. In that case, getting a BSN is definitely a direction you should go to achieve those goals.

Life is not a race to see who can accomplish the most. Instead, it’s about fulfilling your own needs and desires while working to obtain the goals of your choice. Whether through an ADN or a BSN, it’s pertinent to set reasonable expectations for yourself and consider the best path to set out on to accomplish the results you desire.

Is It Worth Getting a BSN?: Pros And Cons