If you are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse, there are several educational programs available for you to consider. Registered nurses (RNs) need to earn a nursing diploma, associate degree in nursing or bachelor’s degree in nursing in order to become licensed. However, earning a Bachelor of Nursing degree has numerous advantages.
Explore the role of BSN nurses and learn more about this undergraduate degree program to help decide which educational pathway is right for you.
What Is a BSN in Nursing?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, known as the BSN nursing degree, is an undergraduate degree program designed to equip students with the clinical skills and theoretical nursing knowledge required to become licensed to practice as a registered nurse.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), BSN nursing programs typically take about four years to complete because they offer a broader scope and more comprehensive educational foundation. The specific coursework requirements for the BSN program may vary based on the school, but in general, the curriculum focuses on developing clinical nursing skills and emphasizes nursing theory, critical thinking skill development, nursing ethics and public health strategies.
When you choose a nursing BSN program, you will be investing in your career as a nurse. This degree program effectively prepares nurses for specialized roles, leadership positions and career growth.
The Role of BSN Nurse in Healthcare
What is a BSN nurse, exactly? The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) considers the BSN degree to be the minimum qualification for nursing — highlighting the importance of investing in this degree program. An increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities are focusing on hiring BSN-prepared nurses, largely due to BSN nurses’ integral role in patient care, leadership, education and interdisciplinary collaboration. They work alongside other nurses, healthcare providers and specialists to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in a variety of settings.
BSN Nurses’ Role in Patient Care
Because they receive more comprehensive training during their BSN degree program, BSN-prepared nurses often take on more advanced clinical tasks. When practicing as a registered nurse, the ANA notes that BSN-prepared nurses are able to:
Provide Direct Patient Care
Just like their ADN- and diploma-prepared RN counterparts, BSN-prepared nurses can perform routine nursing tasks, such as administering medication, dressing wounds and monitoring vital signs. During this time, BSN-prepared nurses can rely on their critical thinking skills to ensure that the patient is receiving personalized care that will provide them with the best possible outcomes.
Use Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
BSN nursing programs emphasize data-driven decision-making and research-based treatments, which allow BSN-prepared nurses to effectively implement evidence-based care practices in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Evidence-based care has been proven to increase patient satisfaction ratings and improve patient care outcomes overall.
Engage in Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
The rigorous academic curriculum for the BSN program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills development; this ultimately enhances the nurse’s ability to assess complex medical cases. Due to their advanced training, BSN-prepared nurses are often able to take a more holistic approach to patient care, ensuring that the unique needs of each individual patient are met.
Educate Patients & Families
Throughout the BSN program, nurses learn how to communicate effectively in healthcare settings, which allows them to elevate patient education and engagement. In addition to providing patients with information about their treatment plan and the steps they need to take moving forward, BSN-prepared nurses are equipped to partner with families and caregivers to provide additional information and resources. This commitment to education leads to better compliance with treatment plans and improved patient outcomes over the long term.
BSN Nurses in Leadership & Coordination Roles
A BSN nurse will find that there are more opportunities for career advancement. BSN-prepared nurses often proceed to take on leadership and coordination roles in healthcare settings, and according to the ANA, they are able to:
Serve as a Bridge Between Staff Nurses and Leadership
BSN nurses often serve as unit leaders, charge nurses or mentors to new nurses. Within these management or supervisory roles, BSN-prepared nurses have the opportunity to bridge the gap that exists between the staff nurses and the healthcare leadership team.
Supervise LPNs and CNAs
In many clinical settings, BSN-prepared nurses oversee licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). While supervising less-experienced nurses, BSN-prepared nurses can provide training and insight, all while ensuring that all members of the care team work together effectively.
Assist in Policy Development & Quality Improvement
Given their extensive nursing education and advanced clinical training, BSN nurses are often invited to work with healthcare leadership to develop protocols and policies that will help improve healthcare delivery, patient safety and patient outcomes. BSN nurses can offer valuable insight during these discussions based on their own experiences caring for patients.
Coordinate Interdisciplinary Care
BSN nurses have the opportunity to work closely with physicians, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and pharmacists to create comprehensive treatment plans for their patients. The fact that they work closely at their patients’ bedside gives them the critical information and context required to help create a personalized treatment plan for each patient they care for.
How BSN Nurses Collaborate with Other Nurses
Depending on their role and position, BSN nurses can work with other care providers in various capacities. These are some of the other nurses with whom you may collaborate once you become a BSN nurse:
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, are responsible for providing patients with basic bedside care, such as bathing, feeding and taking vital signs. BSN nurses oversee CNAs, ensuring that the individual needs of the patient are met and that the patient’s treatment plan is being followed. BSN nurses may assist CNAs when necessary.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, provide hands-on patient care but have a limited scope of practice when compared to registered nurses. BSN-prepared nurses often supervise LPNs, delegate tasks and verify that they are following all patient care plans. They may assist LPNs when necessary.
Associate Degree Nurses (ADN-RNs)
ADN-prepared nurses are able to become licensed to practice as registered nurses, and they can provide direct patient care, similar to BSN-prepared nurses. However, ADN-prepared nurses may have fewer leadership opportunities. BSN nurses often collaborate with ADN nurses, and they may be responsible for making more complex decisions in clinical settings.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
According to the ANA, advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs, are registered nurses who have completed additional education and training in order to provide more advanced care. Within their scope of practice, APRNs are able to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients. Some examples of APRNs include nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified nurse midwives. BSN nurses often work alongside APRNs and may have the opportunity to assist with procedures and implement treatment plans.
Nurse Managers & Directors
Nurse managers and directors oversee entire nursing units and departments, and BSN-prepared nurses often collaborate closely with management to help improve workflow, operational efficiency and patient care. BSN nurses who have extensive clinical experience may be able to step into these leadership roles throughout their careers.
BSN Nurses and Their Impact on Patient Outcomes
According to the AACN, hospitals with a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses have better patient outcomes thanks to their emphasis on evidence-based practices. Research has shown that increasing the number of BSN-prepared nurses can:
- Lower patient mortality rates
- Reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections
- Improve communication and patient education efforts
The AACN notes that BSN nursing programs focus on knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, case management, nursing leadership and public health promotion — which equips nurses with the advanced skills required to reduce healthcare costs while boosting patient outcomes and safety in clinical environments.
BSN Nurses and the Future of Healthcare
The nursing profession is shifting toward higher education standards, making the BSN a pivotal stepping stone toward advanced nursing opportunities. A BSN degree is often required for nursing leadership roles, advanced practice registered nurse positions and healthcare policy roles — enabling BSN nurses to expand their reach and scope of practice. BSN nurses have the opportunity to work in research, teaching, public health and policy advocacy to ultimately shape the future of nursing.
How to Earn Your BSN at Baker College
At Baker College, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that provides students with the educational experience necessary to pursue a wide range of nursing opportunities. In addition to comprehensive academic coursework, our nursing BSN program allows students to complete clinical hours in local hospitals and healthcare facilities, where they can work alongside experienced nurses in real-world healthcare settings.
Admission Requirements for Baker College’s BSN Program
If you are interested in earning your BSN degree and beginning your nursing career, now is the right time to apply to Baker College. The Baker College nursing program requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution, with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Completed application to Baker College
Ready to elevate your nursing education so you can provide next-level care? Request more information about our BSN nursing degree program today.