The National Academy of Medicine (formerly Institute of Medicine), in conjunction with the American Nurses Association (ANA), recommends that by the year 2020 the nursing workforce should be 80% BSN educated. As a result, many hospitals and health care institutions are requiring RNs to go back to school and obtain their BSN—even nurses who have been practicing for years. What does this mean for the field of nursing? And what career options open up for nurses with a bachelor’s degree?
The BSN Advantage
Over the years, there have been dramatic increases in the number of nursing jobs available, yet thousands of nurses still remain unemployed due to stricter hiring requirements.
Nurses with a BSN are much more likely to receive a job offer upon graduation than any other field. In addition, a BSN builds on your current skills and hones additional decision-making abilities that are looked for in complex health care environments.
Nurses with BSNs are sought after for their critical thinking and leadership skills and to alleviate the pressures of shortages in the health care industry. The quality of care patients receive from nurses with a BSN is held in high regard; patients cared for by nurses with a BSN experience lower mortality rates and fewer medication errors. This degree can truly be life-changing.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
In general, job growth for RNs is expected to grow 19% by the year 2022 with an emphasis on preventative care. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and a growing demand for health care services from the retiring Baby Boomer population are also factors driving this change.
Here are three career options that benefit from a BSN.
1. Community Health Nurse
A community health or public health nurse works to improve the overall health and wellness of a particular area or community. Many of these health care professionals work in state health departments, correctional facilities, and even schools. Community health nurses have the opportunity to play a significant role into the next decade as well.
2. Home Health Nurse
The demand for home health nurses is projected to grow 71% by 2020. These nursing professionals visit patients in their homes, provide therapy and regular check-ups, and assist patients in tasks they may have a hard time doing on their own. The growth of home health nurse positions can be attributed to the aging population in the U.S. and will be a career option that remains fruitful for years to come.
3. Critical Care Nurse
In order to meet the growing complexity of emergency and intensive care units, the majority of nurse executives expect critical care nurses to have a bachelor’s degree. A BSN degree not only gives you an advantage over other nurses seeking careers in this field, but also prepares you for the critical thinking and leadership skills needed in emergency room or intensive care environments.
Now is a great time to learn about the advancements you can take in your nursing career. Consider an RN-to-BSN online program as a way to gain additional knowledge and remain marketable in the growing field of health care.
Learn more about Capella’s RN-to-BSN programs, including the RN-to-BSN FlexPath option and RN-to BSN/MSN combined option.
Interested in an RN-to-BSN FlexPath option deep dive? Register to download the RN-to-BSN FlexPath guide from Capella University.
Capella’s BSN degree program is accredited* by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a nationally-recognized accreditation agency approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
*The BSN, MSN, and DNP degree programs at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation).
