Why Should You Get a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing?

As populations' age and health care standards continue to rise, the demand for nurses with professional degrees has increased significantly. Whether you are currently a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a Registered Nurse (RN) with an associate's degree, or are just looking for a career change, there is no time like now to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Highly qualified, skilled nurses are currently in high demand, with nursing shortages expected to last well into the next decade and beyond.

Help to Fill the Void.

In May 2005, the National Commission on Nursing Workforce for Long-Term Care released a report entitled "Act Now For Your Tomorrow", which found that there are nearly 100,000 vacant nursing positions in long-term care facilities on any given day. They also found that the nursing turnover rate exceeds 50%. The shortage of qualified nurses is costing long-term care facilities an estimated $4 billion per year for recruitment and training expenses.

Another report by the American Hospital Association from April 2006 found that U.S. hospitals need approximately 118,000 Registered Nurses (RNs) to fill vacant positions throughout the country. With those figures, they found the national Registered Nurse vacancy rate to be at 8.5%. The report, entitled The State of America's Hospitals - Taking the Pulse, also found that 49% of hospital CEOs reported recruitment of RNs to be more difficult in 2005 than in previous year.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has also recently reported some pretty grim figures; as of the publication of the report in November 2005, they estimate that more than 1.2 million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2014.

While billions of dollars have been spent trying to recruit new individuals for nursing degree programs and registered nursing positions, the increase in nursing school enrollment was only 9.6% in 2005 over the previous year. The increase is still not enough to meet the projected demand for nurses. With few people entering the profession, the average age of registered nurses is rising. According to a report issued by the Government Accounting Office, 40% of all RNs will be over the age of 50 in 2010.

With no end to nursing shortages across the country expected any time soon, those will the skills and qualifications as Registered Nurses will continue to be in high demand.

Start a New nursing Career

If you have found yourself wishing that your job was more meaningful, or that you could make a difference in the lives of others, a career in nursing may be just the thing for you. A career in nursing may offer you the satisfaction you had been looking for, but not found in other career paths.

If you have no prior medical background, meaning no training as an LPN or RN, you will first need to complete at least an LPN program on an actual college campus. Alternatively, you may enter an online BSN program but will need to take some of your courses on campus. On-campus instruction is necessary to learn the hands-on skills needed to perform the essential job functions of a nurse. It is not possible to complete your entire nursing education online without having ever stepped foot in a laboratory or clinical setting.

Once you have an LPN certificate, you may enter an LPN to RN Associate's or Bachelor's Degree program. Both the Associates Degree and Bachelor's Degree programs can typically be completed online, as long as you have had the necessary clinical experience.

Increase Your Nursing Career Options

If you are already functioning in the nursing field as an LPN or RN without a Bachelor's Degree, obtaining the BSN degree can open up new doors in your career. Registered Nurses are in high demand, and have the unique opportunity to often times choose what type of setting they wish to work in. From nursing homes to the emergency room, there are a multitude of settings from which to choose.

Additionally, Registered Nurses are often times recruited for traveling nurse programs. Traveling nurse programs often times offer generous pay, housing stipends, and other fun perks. Registered nurses with the BSN degree may also function in supervisory capacities, depending on the employer.

Command a Higher Salary

As your experience and qualifications increase, so does your earning potential. Registered Nurses with BSN degrees command significantly higher salaries than non-BSN holding RNs and LPNs. The median salary for an LPN is $31,440, while the median salary of an RN is $48,090. Those figures are current as of 2002, and can be expected to be even higher now. Compared to Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses without a BSN, registered nurses with a BSN command a significantly higher salary.

Can I Complete My Nursing Degree Online?

Depending on your situation, you may be able to obtain your Bachelor of Nursing Degree entirely online. If you have no prior clinical experience you will need to take some classes on an actual college campus. Clinical and laboratory experience cannot be replicated online, and must be completed in an actual campus setting. Once you have this experience, however, the remainder of your nursing education can be successfully completed online.

If you are currently a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nursing, you will be able to complete your BSN degree entirely online through an LPN to BSN or RN to BSN degree program. Online coursework is equivalent to that which would be completed in a traditional on-campus setting, but may be completed at times convenient to you.

Why Should I Choose an Online Nursing Degree?

An online degree programs offers flexibility that just isn't there with a traditional on-campus program. Assignments can be completed at times convenient to you, and you don't have to give up your job or neglect your family to get your degree. Once you have completed clinical experience, you can continue working while you are going to school.