BSN Programs
Nursing is amidst the noblest professions. One gets a chance to serve people and earn a decent living, both at the same time. Regardless of the fact that the number of people opting for nursing jobs shows an elevation every year, world is still struggling to get over the shortage of healthcare professionals.
What are BSN Programs?
BSN is an abbreviation for Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Pursuing such programs is one of the ways through which an aspirant can become a Registered Nurse. These programs are offered in different forms. But what so ever course you get enrolled in, ultimately, you would land up with a BSN degree in hand.
These variations can be outlined as:
- Traditional BSN programs which are pursued by high school pass outs
- RN to BSN programs opted by nurses holding a diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing
- LPN to BSN programs preferred by nurses holding a LPN degree
- Accelerated BSN or Second Degree BSN programs which are pursued by students who have earned a bachelor’s or a higher degree in a non nursing field previously
- Online BSN Programs taken up by students willing to continue working while studying
Why Opt for BSN?
This question may bug you if you are a LPN degree holder or have earned a diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing already.
The answer is that a BSN degree holder has always been preferred over a simple graduate. Besides, it lays the foundation to strong concepts as the student has to undergo rigorous study processes during the course tenure.
Some of the benefits that are worth mentioning can be summed up as:
- Stepping stone to higher degree
- Better employment opportunities
- Salary boost
- Specialization opportunities
How to Choose:
BSN Program: When it comes to choosing a suitable BSN program, the educational background of the aspirant plays an extremely vital role. His previous educational qualifications decide the program he has to opt for.
University: Educational institutes that offer different BSN programs are located round the globe. Their abundance makes the choice even more difficult.
The most important thing to keep in mind before choosing one is that the institute should be accredited by an association that has been approved by your state board of nursing.
Generally, NLNAC and CCNE, which are abbreviations for National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education respectively are the two associations that accredit all nursing programs.
For checking the approval status of the program, you can refer to the official website your state nursing board.
About NCLEX-RN:
NCLEX-RN stands for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. A student, after successfully completing the BSN program has to clear it, after which, he is issued a license to practice nursing in any part of the state. This examination is conducted by the NCSBN, that is, National Council for State Boards of Nursing.
Job Description:
After a person clears the NCLEX-RN examination, he can work as a registered nurse. The duties of RN can be outlined as:
- Collect information about patients and generate its documented form
- Interact with the relatives of the subject
- Evaluate patient’s condition on a regular basis
- Track and monitor symptoms of patients
- Supervise other nurses and make sure that patients are satisfied with the services extended
- Assist doctors during surgical operations (handing over surgical tools)
What to expect in return?
A nursing graduate (after clearing NCLEX-RN) can expect a salary in between $55,000 and $90,000. The amount you earn greatly depends upon the city, location and the organization you are working in.
So, if you are planning to graduate in nursing, you will have numerous opportunities to grow in future – both personally and in terms of career. Take a leap now and come up with flying colors!
