Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 03:25 pm
Hospitals and other health care organizations are increasingly calling for nursing professionals to earn a BSN to broaden their nursing knowledge and meet the demands of 21st century health care. In fact, some states, such as New York State, have passed legislation requiring all nurses to upgrade their credentials to at least the BSN level within 10 years of receiving their RN license. Proponents of this law explain that the legislation is “a result of a growing body of research evidence that additional education results in better patient outcomes.”
Currently, more than half of all nurses in the United States have met this requirement, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and roughly half of all hospitals and health care facilities require new nursing hires to have a BSN.
Why should you pursue a BSN?
The BSN degree from Salem University can be completed in as little as 10 months for those nurses who already have an associate degree in nursing or have completed an RN licensure program.
A BSN is a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. It’s a four-year degree that expands on the knowledge gained in the RN licensure program or Associate Degree in Nursing program. Just a few of the topics covered in a BSN degree program include patient care technology, safety, research, health and wellness promotion and maintaining and promoting quality within the healthcare system. At Salem University, the course materials for our RN to BSN program are “designed by nurses for nurses, with a focus on the needs, experiences and activities you’ll need on the job”.
Online learning makes getting your BSN easier
Traditionally, students have had to travel to a bricks and mortar campus to take classes towards a BSN degree. That can be difficult with varying nursing shifts and on-call requirements. The Salem University RN to BSN program is offered exclusively online. With online learning, you set your own learning schedule. You can listen to lectures and complete lessons anytime that’s convenient to you within a broad timeframe. In addition, you don’t have to lose precious time getting dressed up to go to class, driving to class and finding a place to park. You can learn right from your own living room or from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Don’t confuse online learning with learning alone. All Salem University students are assigned a “support advisor focused on strategies to help you achieve your educational goals”. This is in addition to the school’s faculty and team of academic and financial advisors all there to help you achieve your degree. Online students at Salem University have 24/7 access to the school’s online library as well as tutoring in nursing topics and life topics like time management, test-taking and stress reduction.
The Salem University RN to BSN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).
Career advantages to having a BSN
In addition to meeting the state licensing requirements in many US states, a BSN degree can open a number of doors for you in your nursing career. Some nursing jobs are only open to those with a BSN degree. These include nursing with the US armed forces, becoming a school nurse and working as a clinical research nurse. A BSN is also required for most supervisory positions in nursing and many teaching positions in nursing.
You may also earn more money with a BSN. According to a survey by Payscale, a nurse with a BSN earned an average of $19,000 more annually than a nurse with an ADN degree. Of course, if you use your BSN degree to become a supervisor or nursing administrator, you may earn even more.
There is an increasing need for nurses in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 221,900 new nursing job openings between now and 2029. In addition to the BSN program, Salem University offers a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) program.
Getting a BSN at Salem University
The RN to BSN degree program at Salem University is designed to give you the education and degree you need to further your nursing career without disrupting your work, personal and community life. This program is designed by nurses for nurses, so you can be assured that you’re getting the most applicable and useful knowledge for your tuition dollars. At Salem University, “we take your previous education and, more importantly, your experience and provide you with the critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills that will open new doors and paths for success.”
To learn more about enrolling in Salem University’s RN to BSN program and taking your nursing career to the next level, visit salemu.edu or contact the university’s admissions office.