Advantages of BSN Degree, Researh Paper Example

Education increases professional competence and the field of nursing is no exception. Even though one can also become a registered nurse through either a 3-year diploma program typically administered in hospitals or a 3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges, the ideal course is at least a 4-year baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BSN). BSN doesn’t only cover the basics like the other two options but also introduces students to other knowledge areas, helping them expand their thinking perspectives and develop necessary soft skills for leadership roles (Rosseter, October 24, 2012). Thus, individuals seeking a Nursing career should pursue BSN at the minimum because knowledge and skills learnt during the program will ensure their professional competence.

One of the major benefits of BSN is that it secures the long-term career prospects of nursing professionals. The changing demographics such as aging population will significantly increase the demand for quality nursing care. A February 2012 report by the U.S. Department of Labor estimated that 712,000 new RN positions will be created between 2010 and 2020 (Edwards, 2012). Dr. Patricia and her team at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching predict that only educated nursing professionals with at least a BSN will be able to successfully meet the demands of the profession in the near future. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice observes that just nursing technical knowledge and skills are not sufficient anymore to provide quality care and only BSN teaches required nursing and non-nursing knowledge and skills (Rosseter, October 24, 2012).

Nurses with BSN qualification not only help their employers improve their operating efficiency and profitability but also improve the quality of care provided to the patients. Medicare doesn’t pay for preventable conditions, mistakes, and infections resulting from a hospital stay anymore and all of these issues decline significantly in the presence of high-quality nursing professionals such as BSNs. As a result, healthcare facilities become more competitive and patients’ trust in the healthcare profession grows. Even studies have confirmed that an increase in the number of BSNs and MSNs in a hospital staff increases average productivity and decreases the risk of death among patients (Edwards, 2012).

Like other industries, healthcare sector has also been evolving in significant ways. More and more healthcare organizations are being run like for-profit corporations, with huge emphasis on operating efficiency and profitability. These trends present valuable career opportunities to nursing professionals who may have the leadership and other required soft skills such as communication and credibility. As Katie found out, there is a significant credibility gap between ASN and BSN and BSNs also have opportunities to advance to upper management positions at some point in their career (Megginson, 2008). It is clear that BSNs are not only better equipped to meet the demands of the healthcare sector in the near future but as leaders, will also be able to successfully guide the healthcare industry through its challenges.

BSNs are competent professionals not only due to technical knowledge and skills but also due to soft skills such as communication and leadership. Nursing associations are concerned that non-BSNs are inadequately prepared for the future which is why they recommend BSN qualification at the minimum. BSN’s enjoy significant edge over ASNs in terms of credibility and are in a position to shape the future state of the healthcare industry.

References

Edwards, D. S. (2012, March 27). An 80% BSN workforce by 2020? Reflections on Nursing Leadership, 38(1).

Megginson, L. A. (2008). RN-BSN education: 21st century barriers and incentives. Journal of Nursing Management, 16, pp. 47-55.

Rosseter, R. J. (October 24, 2012). The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice. American Association of Colleges of Nursing.