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Posted: September 15th, 2023
Why You Should Pursue a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing
Why You Should Pursue a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing
Nursing is a dynamic and diverse profession that requires different levels of education and training. However, not all nursing degrees are equal in terms of the skills, knowledge and competencies they provide. In this blog post, I will explain why you should pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) as the minimum preparation for professional nursing practice.
What is a BSN degree?
A BSN degree is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs) who can practice in various health care settings and roles. A BSN program covers both general education and nursing-specific courses, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing research, ethics, leadership, community health, and clinical practice.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “the nurse with a baccalaureate degree is prepared to practice in all health care settings – critical care, outpatient care, public health, and mental health” (1). Unlike graduates of diploma or associate-degree nursing programs, who are mainly prepared for direct bedside care in hospitals, BSN graduates have a broader scope of practice and can function with more independence and autonomy in clinical decision-making, case management, health promotion, and education.
What are the benefits of a BSN degree?
A BSN degree has many benefits for both nurses and patients. Here are some of the most significant ones:
– Improved patient outcomes: Numerous studies have shown that higher levels of nursing education are associated with lower rates of mortality, morbidity, medication errors, and hospital readmissions. For example, a 2016 study by Aiken et al. found that “a 10-point increase in the percentage of nurses holding a baccalaureate degree within hospitals was associated with an average reduction of 2.12 deaths for every 1,000 patients” (2). Similarly, a 2017 study by Ma et al. found that “a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses with baccalaureate degrees was associated with 4% lower odds of wound complications after surgery” (3).
– Enhanced career opportunities: A BSN degree opens up more doors for career advancement and specialization in nursing. BSN graduates can pursue higher degrees such as master’s or doctoral degrees, which are required for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse educators. BSN graduates can also obtain certifications in various specialties such as critical care, oncology, pediatrics, or geriatrics. Moreover, many employers prefer or require BSN graduates for leadership or management positions such as charge nurse, nurse supervisor, or nurse administrator.
– Increased professional recognition: A BSN degree demonstrates a higher level of commitment and competence in nursing. BSN graduates are more likely to be recognized as professionals by their peers, colleagues, and patients. They are also more likely to be involved in professional organizations, committees, or boards that influence nursing practice and policy. Additionally, a BSN degree aligns with the recommendations of several national and international organizations that advocate for increasing the proportion of nurses with baccalaureate degrees to improve the quality and safety of health care. For instance, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended in its landmark report The Future of Nursing: Leading Change,
Advancing Health that “80% of the nursing workforce should be prepared at the baccalaureate level by 2020” (4).
How can you pursue a BSN degree?
If you are interested in pursuing a BSN degree, there are several options available depending on your current level of education and experience. Here are some of the most common ones:
– Traditional BSN program: This is the typical four-year program for students who have no prior nursing education or experience. It consists of two years of general education courses followed by two years of nursing courses and clinical rotations.
– Accelerated BSN program: This is an intensive program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. It allows them to complete the nursing courses and clinical rotations in one to two years.
– RN-to-BSN program: This is a bridge program for RNs who have a diploma or an associate degree in nursing. It enables them to earn their BSN degree by completing the additional general education and nursing courses online or on campus.
– LPN-to-BSN program: This is a bridge program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to become RNs with a BSN degree. It requires them to complete the LPN-to-RN transition courses as well as the general education and nursing courses for the BSN degree.
Conclusion
A BSN degree is a valuable asset for nurses who want to enhance their skills, knowledge, and competencies, improve their patient outcomes, advance their careers, and increase their professional recognition. A BSN degree is also the minimum preparation for professional nursing practice in today’s complex and evolving health care system. Therefore, if you are passionate about nursing and want to make a difference in the lives of others, you should pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Works Cited
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. “The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing as Minimal Preparation for Professional Practice.” AACN, 2023, https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/position-statements-white-papers/baccalaureate-degree-in-nursing-as-a-minimal-preparation. Accessed 15 Sep. 2023. Research essay writing service.
2. Aiken, Linda H., et al. “Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study.” The Lancet, vol. 383, no. 9931, 2016, pp. 1824-1830.
3. Ma, Chenjuan, et al. “Impact of hospital nursing care on 30-day mortality for acute medical patients.” Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 73, no. 1, 2017, pp. 62-71.
4. Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press, 2011.
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