What key skills will registered nurses (RNs) need to position themselves as leaders in today’s complex healthcare environment? While an associate degree in nursing may provide a useful foundation or starting point, the value of gaining a broader education through earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree continues to rise. Plus, flexible programs like La Salle University’s online RN to BSN provide more students with convenient access to a broad, affordable, rigorous baccalaureate nursing education.
As the healthcare industry takes notice of the improvements that come with more highly educated nurses, nursing continues the shift to a BSN-dominated profession. “BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings,” according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). “Nurse executives, federal agencies, the military, leading nursing organizations, healthcare foundations, Magnet hospitals, and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate-prepared nurses bring to health care.”
What Are Some Specific Examples?
Prospective RN to BSN students may want to consider the following:
- The largest U.S. employer of RNs — the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — established the BSN as a nurse’s minimum educational preparation for moving up from entry-level positions.
- For a hospital to be eligible for Magnet status, 100% of the nurse leaders and nurse managers on staff must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- Nurses in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force must hold a BSN to practice as active-duty RNs.
- The American Organization for Nursing Leadership maintains, “Nurse leaders should be minimally prepared at the baccalaureate or master’s in nursing level.”
- Globally, many countries require higher levels of education in healthcare. For instance, Canada, Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Iceland, Korea, Greece and the Philippines require a four-year degree as the minimum preparation for registered nursing practice.
- According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, over 70% of RNs in the U.S. now hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, making the BSN a virtual requirement to be competitive when pursuing sought-after jobs in the field.
A Program for Working Nurses
With a degree program designed for working nurses like La Salle’s online RN to BSN, nurses don’t have to put their careers on hold until graduation. Not only can nurses continue providing patient care at the bedside while earning a BSN online — they can also apply what they learn each day on the job.
Once you discover that adding to your nursing education may greatly enhance your practice and long-term career, earning a BSN online is an easy choice.
Learn more about La Salle University’s online RN to BSN program.