Benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
Today, the benefits of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree far outweigh getting an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). As patient needs continue to grow in complexity, health care facilities across the country are starting to reduce the number of ADN-prepared nurses they hire. Additionally, many hospitals are requiring the ADN-prepared nurses they currently employ to earn a BSN within a certain timeframe.
More Potential
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recognizes a BSN as the minimum education requirement for professional nursing practice. Therefore, as a BSN holder, you stand to get more out of the profession than someone with an ADN. More specifically, a BSN provides you with:
- Increased career opportunities
- Higher starting salary
- Better professional advancement
Furthermore, a 2010 Institute of Medicine report titled “The Future of Nursing” recommended increasing the number of BSN holders in the U.S. workforce from 50% to 80% by 2020.
More Autonomy
Although it took a number of years, the health care industry is finally realizing the critical role nurses play in a quality, highly efficient patient care delivery system. In fact, many nurses have taken over responsibilities that were previously limited to physicians.
Given this increase in professional autonomy, it’s important that nurses have the advanced knowledge and clinical judgement that starts at the BSN level.
Compared to an ADN education, the BSN curriculum dives deeper into the nursing profession, providing a better understanding of the economic, social, and cultural issues that affect patients and health care delivery systems.
More Confidence
A BSN degree from Misericordia University prepares you to enter the nursing profession as a confident, practice-ready nurse. Upon your successful completion of our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you’ll have the nursing knowledge and clinical experience required to take the NCLEX-RN® exam and to assume an active role within a multidisciplinary health care team.
Learn More Information
Contact us to learn more about the benefits of a BSN degree for your success in the nursing profession.