How To Get A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing (BSN) Degree From Registered Nursing (RN)

Nursing is a very noble profession and it is always in demand due to the increasing need for healthcare services. Nurses are at the forefront of the healthcare industry with every institution needing skilled nurses to help reduce the load of patient care. To remain relevant in the industry and increase your chances of earning higher pay, you need to constantly acquire more knowledge.

The healthcare industry is continually evolving, demanding higher education levels and specialized skills from its workforce. Registered Nurses (RNs) are at the forefront of this evolution, and many are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to enhance their career prospects, improve patient care, and meet the increasing demands of the profession. RN to BSN programs are specifically designed to bridge the gap between an associate degree or diploma in nursing and a BSN.

Registered Nurse (RN): An RN is a licensed healthcare professional who has completed the necessary education and training to provide patient care. RNs can obtain their qualifications through a diploma program, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN is a four-year academic degree in the science and principles of nursing. It is one of the educational pathways that can lead to becoming an RN, but it also provides a more comprehensive and in-depth education compared to a diploma or ADN.

Benefits of Pursuing an RN to BSN Program

1. Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: BSN programs cover a broader scope of nursing practice, including community health, nursing research, and management, which are not typically included in associate degree programs.
2. Career Advancement: BSN-prepared nurses are often considered for higher-level positions and leadership roles. They are also more competitive in the job market, as many employers prefer or require a BSN for certain positions.
3. Meeting Industry Standards: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended in its 2010 report that 80% of the nursing workforce should hold a BSN by 2020. While the industry has not yet reached this goal, the push for higher education continues, making RN to BSN programs crucial for meeting these standards.
4. Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN often have higher earning potential compared to those with an associate degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses with a BSN tend to earn more due to their advanced skills and qualifications.
5. Increased Job Security: As healthcare institutions strive to meet higher education standards, BSN-prepared nurses may have better job security. Hospitals seeking Magnet status, for example, require a higher percentage of BSN-educated nurses.

Structure of RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs are designed with working nurses in mind, offering flexibility to accommodate their schedules. These programs typically include:

1. Online Learning: Many RN to BSN programs are offered entirely online, allowing nurses to study at their own pace and balance their work and personal commitments.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Programs often provide part-time and full-time options to cater to the diverse needs of students.
3. Clinical Components: While much of the coursework can be completed online, some programs include a clinical component that can often be completed at the student’s current place of employment.
4. Core Curriculum: The curriculum usually includes advanced nursing courses such as nursing research, community health, leadership and management, and evidence-based practice.
5. Electives: Students may also have the opportunity to take elective courses in specialized areas of interest, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for RN to BSN programs typically include:

1. Active RN License: Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license.
2. Nursing Diploma or Associate Degree: Applicants must have graduated from an accredited nursing program with a diploma or associate degree in nursing.
3. Minimum GPA: Many programs require a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0, from previous nursing coursework.
4. Prerequisite Courses: Some programs may require completion of specific prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics.

Scope of Practice

Registered nurses (Diploma or ADN) are qualified to perform essential nursing duties such as administering medication, monitoring patient health, and assisting with daily activities, and they often work under the supervision of a physician or a BSN-prepared nurse.

If you have a BSc in nursing (BSN), you can perform all the duties of an RN and you are better prepared for roles in management, leadership, and specialized areas of nursing. There are more  opportunities for you to engage in community and public health initiatives and you will be often  be involved in evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects.

Career Opportunities

• RN (Diploma or ADN):
  • Entry-level positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
  • Limited opportunities for advancement into higher-level positions without further education.
• BSN:
  • Greater range of job opportunities, including leadership and management roles.
  • Preferred for many positions in hospitals, especially those seeking Magnet status.
  • Opportunities in public health, research, education, and specialized clinical areas.
  • Foundation for further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Some potential career paths include:

• Nurse Manager or Administrator: BSN-prepared nurses can take on leadership roles, managing nursing teams and overseeing operations in healthcare facilities.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: These specialists focus on improving patient care in specific areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or emergency care.
• Nurse Educator: With a BSN, nurses can teach and train future generations of nurses in academic or clinical settings.
• Public Health Nurse: BSN-prepared nurses can work in public health, focusing on community health education, disease prevention, and health promotion.
• Research Nurse: These nurses participate in clinical research, helping to advance the science of nursing and healthcare.

Finally, the main difference between an RN and a BSN lies in the level of education and the breadth of training. While BSN nurses are better positioned for more advancement in education and specialized certifications, RN may need to pursue additional education before they can advance in their careers and meet up with the demands of the industry.