Top 8 Reasons Why You Should Enroll in an RN to BSN Program?

Written By: Caitlin Goodwin DNP, CNM, RN

Are you looking to boost your nursing career to the next level? Nearly half of all hospitals and health care settings require new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), while 82.1% express a preference for hiring BSN program graduates.

As health care authorities call for more baccalaureate-prepared nurses, admission in RN to BSN programs has increased to more than 100,000 students since 2005. Unfortunately, this year, enrollment in RN to baccalaureate (BSN) programs declined from 2019 by 3.8%. While the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is concerned about the decline, it doesn’t have to be a trend.

It’s easy to feel like pursuing your BSN is not worth the time or money- but this degree has plenty to offer! There are many reasons that you may consider enrolling yourself in an RN to BSN program- from career advancement to salary increases or new professional experiences. If you’re debating whether getting your BSN is worth it, read on.

1) You love learning

As a child, I was obsessed with the smell of a brand-new textbook. As soon as I graduated from one program, I started looking at other educational opportunities. If you’ve always dreamed of going back to school, don’t put it off any longer. Nurses who love learning should pursue a BSN.

2) You crave new professional experiences

One of the best aspects of nursing is that no day is the same. For many nurses, that spills into their career goals as well. If you are looking to advance your career or add knowledge to your clinical base, BSN nurses learn all about contemporary evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP provides nurses with the best possible ways to care for their patients with medical research to support it. Nurses can become change agents in their health care settings to advocate for better patient care.

3) You want to be more culturally competent

Not only does it improve your nursing theory knowledge, but the AACN policy statement expresses that the BSN provides a crucial cultural perspective. The American Nurses Association agrees with the AACN that baccalaureate-prepared nurses can help meet the needs of the diverse, modern U.S. population .

4) You want to teach someday

If you wish to teach at the university level, higher education requires advanced degrees. To become a clinical instructor, you must, at a minimum, have a BSN, but most prefer a graduate degree. To become a fully tenured nursing professor at a university, you must pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice or equivalent degree .

5) You want to be in management

While a BSN doesn’t make you any more clinically proficient than an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, the former will give you lots of new opportunities. The Magnet Recognition Program’s goal is to promote nursing excellence. To achieve Magnet recognition, hospitals must support nursing management holding higher degrees. To qualify, 100% of nurse managers must hold their BSN or higher degree. The more senior management that you pursue, the more advanced degrees are required.

6) Your work offers tuition reimbursement

While browsing the human resources page on the intranet, you see tuition reimbursement listed as an employee benefit. The timing seems right- you’re at a place where you have more free time. Now is the perfect time to jump in and start your BSN because the other benefits are extraordinary.

7) You dream of being an Advanced Practice Nurse

Advanced Practice Nurses are increasing their ranks across the nation. They can be found in nearly every specialty and provide countless benefits from excellent outcomes to less costly health care. To become an Advanced Practice Nurse, you must first obtain your BSN before applying to graduate school. Options for APN school include:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
• Nurse Practitioner

8) You want to make more money

Many hospitals offer a salary incentive for nurses with their BSN. If you obtain your BSN, your work may pay you more! In fact, your level of education is one of the most important considerations for salary level and pay increases.

High Time to Enroll Yourself in an RN to BSN Program

As you can see, there are so many reasons why getting your BSN is crucial to enhancing your nursing career. Nursing is more than performing tasks. It is an art form grounded in theory and scientific standards. The BSN offers many professional advantages, whether it is career advancement, an increase in salary, or becoming a more well-rounded clinician. While those are the tangible benefits, the intangible effect on your patient care and desire to be a change agent at your workplace will shine!