A Bachelor's degree in Nursing is the fast-track to career advancement in the nursing field. To achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and be eligible for state licensing examinations the student will need to meet the entrance requirements, as well as the graduation requirements of an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN)). The academic portion for a Bachelor degree in Nursing may be satisfied by an online nursing degree program. However, there are clinical (hands on) requirements for all nursing degrees, and they must be satisfied on campus or as directed in the hospital and under the supervision of the nursing degree program.
Registered Nursing Degree Specialization
Many hospitals and clinics that employ nurses have tuition reimbursement programs to encourage the nursing staff to further their education including bachelor's degrees in nursing and specializations. Many career paths for the registered nurse are open only for those possessing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or Masters of Science in Nursing degree. There are many advance nursing specializations as well. Some include Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists and Clinical Nurse Specialists. There are also certifications available for all nurses at all educational levels. Many nurses begin with a Nursing Bachelor degree and later continue for the Masters of Science In Nursing degree. It is often true, especially in nursing, that the more education a nurse has the greater the growth potential for their career.
Registered Nurses Job Duties and Responsibilities
Upon receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and state licensure, the registered nurse will have varying responsibilities dependent upon their employment setting. Many registered nurses are employed by hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and some are visiting nurses. Duties often include administering IV medications, explaining treatments to patients and families, assisting in performing diagnostic tests and help with patient follow-ups. These are just a few of the possible duties and responsibilities of the Nursing Bachelor Degree graduate.
Registered Nurse Working Environment
Most registered nurses will find themselves working indoors in a temperature controlled environment. Nurses working in direct patient care may need to be able to lift bend and stretch in order to move or reposition patients. Many nurses are employed within the hospital or long term care facility environment and may find themselves working shift work. Most nurses are employed full time.
Nursing Degree Graduates Employment Outlook
As with most careers within the health industry, the job outlook for the possessor of a nursing bachelor's degree or BSN is very bright and job growth is expected to be much faster than average. Advances in medical care as well as the growing population of elderly have ensured that the demand for registered nurses will continue to grow.
Salaries for Bachelor Nursing Degree Professionals
The salary ranges for the professional nurse with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) vary with the region in which they live and the type of facility by which they are employed. However on average first-year graduates report an average of $20.83 to $27.43 per hour.
