CAREER OUTLOOK
REGISTERD NURSE (BSN) (SOC CODE: 29-1141.00)
The primary focus for a Registered Nurse is to provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for a person who is currently a Registered Nurse and is seeking to complete the requirements for an earned Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum provides registered nurses with a better understanding of the ethical, cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence healthcare delivery. Critical thinking, leadership, management, research, physical assessment, and health promotion across a variety of community-based healthcare settings is emphasized in the program.
A BSN is also a prerequisite for admissions to graduate nursing programs in research, consulting, teaching, or clinical specialization. A bachelor’s degree or higher is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching. The American Nurses Association (ANA), The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), and many others agree that the: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is the answer to our nation’s need for a strong, and well-educated registered nursing workforce.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK DO REGISTERED NURSES WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE DO?
A Registered Nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without one. Candidates with a BSN degree may be eligible for supervisory and management positions at hospitals and managed care facilities.
CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT TRENDS FOR REGISTERED NURSES WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
RNs in California who hold BSN degrees earn an average $21,640 more than nurses with ADN degrees.* This is because the BSN degree provides more education and takes longer to complete, thus signifying a higher level of skills. Employers in California prefer nurses with more education.
Source: NursingProcess.org
MEDIAN PAY FOR REGISTERED NURSE*
| Region | Median Hourly | Median Annually |
|---|---|---|
| California | $63.78 | $132,660 |
| Los Angeles and Orange Counties | $62.00 | $128,960 |
| Riverside and San Bernardino Counties | $58.74 | $122,190 |
| San Diego County | $56.86 | $118,270 |
| San Francisco and Oakland Area | $83.42 | $173,510 |
Source: O*NET California Local Wages for Registered Nurses
*According to NursingProcess.org, Registered Nurses who hold a BSN degree can earn an average of $21,640 more per year than nurses with ADN degrees.