Becoming a nurse offers a multitude of benefits, including high earning potential, fantastic job security, and the opportunity to help people and make a positive impact every day. Many registered nurses decide to develop their skills and advance their knowledge by gaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An RN to BSN course will teach you advanced nursing skills across a variety of topics, including patient care technology and bedside care. Completing an RN to BSN qualification will help you progress in your career and become the best nursing professional possible.
That said, many nurses feel nervous about the idea of completing a BSN qualification. You may be worried that you won’t be able to fit study around your work and family or concerned about the investment involved. Fortunately, there is a fantastic variety of RN to BSN courses that offer flexible online learning. This makes it possible to tailor learning around your schedule without needing to make major sacrifices. If you want to advance in your nursing career, then here is a complete guide to getting your BSN.
What is a BSN qualification?
A BSN is a degree level in nursing that graduate nurses can complete to become a registered nurse (RN). People often think that a BSN is the same as an ASN (Associate Degree in Nursing). However, there are some major distinctions between the two. The main difference between the two qualifications is that an ASN usually takes two years to complete, whereas an RN to BSN course lasts four years. Experts at nurses.org explain how an RN to BSN degree involves “two years of general education courses followed by another two years of nursing classes and clinical rotations.” An ASN degree will provide you with the minimal clinical experience required to apply for a nursing license and become a qualified nurse. However, nursing graduates who choose to complete an RN to BSN typically enjoy higher earning potential and better job prospects once qualified. Many healthcare facilities now require nurses to have a BSN qualification, even for entry-level positions.
What will I study?
Every RN to BSN course is different, and the coursework you complete will vary depending on where you choose to study. That said, every BSN program has to follow the educational framework and guidelines set by the American Association of College of Nursing. This provides educational facilities will the essential curriculum that students must follow to prepare for a BSN role. Students on an RN to BSN course must complete general education classes in subjects like Math and History, along with coursework and assessments specific to their chosen area of nursing. This may include topics such as reproductive health, pharmacology, health promotion, and nursing leadership. Along with coursework, BSN students must complete a required number of training hours within a clinical setting. This is to help prepare students for the roles and responsibilities of a registered nurse.
What are the benefits of an RN to BSN?
The main benefit of completing an RN to BSN program is that you will develop a higher skill set before becoming a qualified nurse. This means that you will be confident in your nursing abilities and more prepared to face the demands of nursing in a clinical setting. There is a huge demand for skilled nurses, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that job opportunities in the sector will increase by 16% by 2024. Registered nurses with an ASN are eligible for 51% of these jobs where those with a BSN are eligible for 88%. Healthcare facilities understand the benefits that an RN to BSN can bring. Nurses with a BSN have a higher skill set and more experience in the field of nursing. For that reason, nurses with a BSN generally enjoy higher compensation and better job prospects. Here are a few of the other key benefits of choosing an RN to BSN course:
- Learn the skills needed to provide patients with high standards of care.
- Negotiate a higher salary and job perks such as free healthcare or annual bonuses.
- Put yourself in a stronger position when applying for senior or leadership roles within the nursing field. Having a BSN qualification will give you a competitive advantage in the job market and place you above your peers with an ASN.
- Enjoy enviable job security and minimize your risk of being made redundant.
- Use your BSN qualification to specialize in a particular area of nursing.
How much does a BSN cost?
A BSN qualification is not cheap, and qualifying requires significant investment, both in terms of time and money. The cost of an RN to BSN course will vary depending on where you decide to study and what course you choose. According to advice by the Imagine American Foundation, the cost of earning an RN to BSN degree is typically between $40,000 and $100,000. However, the costs can be significantly higher if you choose to enroll in a private college or a large university. You will also need to factor in miscellaneous costs such as living expenses while studying and learning materials like course books and nursing uniforms. These costs can quickly add up, so you must take all expenses into consideration and budget accordingly.
Earning an RN to BSN is expensive, but you shouldn’t let this discourage you from advancing in your career. Fortunately, there is a fantastic variety of financial aid that can support student nurses and reduce some of the costs involved with gaining an RN to BSN degree. Below, are some of the ways that you can pay for a BSN.
Scholarships
Several organizations currently offer scholarships that offer financial aid and encourage students to complete degrees in nursing. Most scholarships are merit-based, which means they are awarded to students based on their academic performance. In some cases, a full scholarship is offered to cover both tuition and living costs while studying. Partial scholarships are also awarded for reducing tuition expenses, although you will still be required to pay some of the costs. Scholarships are given to students who show outstanding nursing potential. They are based on academic performance, and most organizations will expect you to have maintained a high GPA throughout your education. If you are hoping to apply for a scholarship to fund your RN to BSN degree, then focus on maintaining good grades through school and college. You can make your scholarship application more impressive with relevant volunteer and community work. Refer to nurse.org for a list of nursing scholarships to help you continue your nursing education.
Student loans
Many nursing students take out a student loan to cover the cost of their RN to BSN program. As with all loans, a student loan will eventually need to be repaid, but not until you are earning a decent salary. In most cases, registered nurses do not even notice the student loan deductions coming out of their salary each month. If you are applying for a loan to cover the cost of an RN to BSN degree, then it is advisable to obtain a federal student loan. Loans from the federal government generally provide higher protection and lower interest rates. This makes them the preferred option for most student nurses studying an RN to BSN.
Grants
Grants are awarded to students based on financial need and are designed to support students from low-income backgrounds. Most nursing grants are provided by the federal government, although private organizations and individual colleges also offer grant schemes to support students. To be awarded a grant, you will need to be able to demonstrate a financial need, i.e. that you would be unable to afford to complete an RN to BSN degree without financial support. The amount of money you receive will depend on the type of grant you receive and the financial situation of you and your family.
Tips to stay healthy while studying
Completing an RN to BSN degree is no easy task, and you will need to work hard to earn the qualification. Balancing study with work and other commitments can be a serious struggle, especially if you are already employed full time or have a family to care for. Student nurses must be aware of the risks of burnout and take steps to protect their health and wellbeing. Here are some top tips to help you stay healthy while studying an RN to BSN.
Create a study schedule
Earning an RN to BSN will require you to complete intensive training and assessments. You must get organized early and plan for success. The best part about an online BSN course is that you can choose a study schedule that fits around your routine. For instance, you may plan to complete coursework and other learning activities in the evenings or at the weekend. Having a well-defined study schedule will reduce feelings of stress and ensure that you don’t miss deadlines.
Make time to relax
Trying to balance study, work and family is going to be busy, but you must still make time to relax. Everyone needs some downtime to unwind and recharge. Focusing on relaxation will improve your health and wellbeing and ensure that you are productive when studying. Make sure that you take regular breaks from learning and include enough relaxation time into your schedule. Experts recommend factoring between 4 and 5 hours of downtime into your day. You can use your downtime to socialize with family and friends, exercise, or enjoy your favorite hobbies and activities.
Eat a nutritious diet
When life gets busy, it is easy to neglect your diet and reach for quick convenience food. Eating a poor diet is likely to lead to weight gain and increase your risk of developing health risks like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Junk food that is high in sugar can also cause mood swings and energy crashes which will affect your academic performance while studying an RN to BSN degree. For that reason, you should make a healthy diet a priority and try to prepare nutritious meals. Cooking meals in bulk is a simple way to save time when you’re busy, as you will have food already prepared for the week. You get ideas for quick and healthy meals by reading cooking blogs and searching online.
Drink lots of water
Drinking enough water is another essential part of maintaining a healthy diet. Water is fundamental to many bodily functions and plays a crucial role in your health. Failing to drink enough water can cause various health issues, including headaches, fatigue, dehydration, and in severe cases, even death. With that in mind, you must aim to drink the recommended amount of water each day – around eight glasses for an adult. Set a reminder on your phone to prompt you to drink water at regular times throughout the day. You can use natural flavoring like fruit slices or herbs to make water more exciting and encourage you to drink more.
Get enough exercise
Nurses are well aware of the benefits of exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle. Despite this, many student nurses fail to get the recommended 150 hours of exercise each week. Low activity levels may lead to unwanted weight gain and put you at a higher risk of developing several chronic medical conditions. Along with the physical benefits, exercise can also have a major impact on your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Exercise creates endorphins in your brain, which makes it a fantastic way to relieve stress when you are studying an RN to BSN. You can easily incorporate more exercise into your routine by going on a daily walk, hiring a personal trainer, or joining a fitness class with a friend.
Conclusion
Earning a BSN degree is becoming the preferred route to qualification for many registered nurses. Gaining a BSN will improve your earning potential and boost your future job prospects. It will also prepare you for further leadership and managerial roles within the nursing industry. Use the above guide to help you on your journey to becoming a qualified BSN nurse.