A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is considered to be a key educational qualification for those who want to become a registered nurse (RN). While you can become an RN with an Associate degree in Nursing, a BSN nursing program can provide you with the advanced knowledge and skill set needed for higher-level positions in the field.
Knowing the bachelor of science in nursing jobs that are available can help you narrow your focus and plan your nursing career path.
Exploring Career Paths With a BSN
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, is designed to prepare students for a career as a registered nurse. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the BSN degree is the most common educational qualification among nurses seeking initial licensure, with more than 45 percent of all RNs entering the workforce with a bachelor’s degree.
The Importance of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The AACN notes that it is becoming increasingly important for nurses to pursue a BSN degree before seeking licensure as a registered nurse. The BSN nursing program uniquely prepares nurses for the demands of today’s complex healthcare system, largely because the scope of the program extends beyond the basic patient care techniques that are required in a clinical setting. Nurses with a BSN are known for their exceptional soft skills and interpersonal skills, including critical thinking, health promotion, case management, and leadership.
Traditional vs. Specialized Nursing Roles
Nurses will find that the Bachelor’s in Nursing jobs extend beyond the traditional and typical nursing positions, allowing graduates with a BSN to consider specialized roles in nursing. The BSN nursing program provides students with insight into the best practices and most recent advancements in the profession, allowing them to consider niche positions in nursing.
Advanced Practice Nursing Careers
Advanced practice registered nurses are primary care providers who can provide personalized and effective treatment plans for their patients. Typically, advanced practice nursing careers require candidates to have a master of science in nursing, highlighting the importance of having a BSN degree to build upon.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an APRN role commonly pursued by nurses who want to elevate their careers and work more closely with their patients. Nurse Practitioners are primary care providers who work with patients of all ages to provide them with comprehensive healthcare services. Given the fact that more patients are seeking care from Nurse Practitioners, it is not surprising that there is heightened demand for qualified NPs in the healthcare system.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Described by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists as leaders in healthcare, clinical nurse specialists are responsible for providing their patients with comprehensive healthcare services. They can diagnose their patients and prescribe medication, allowing them to play a critical role in advancing nursing practice and improving efficiency within a healthcare system.
Leadership and Administrative Roles
In the midst of the nursing shortage crisis, the need for effective and impactful nurse leaders has never been greater. Nurses interested in leadership and administrative roles in their career will need to anchor their qualifications with a BSN degree. This provides them with the foundation needed to build a long and lasting career.
Nurse Manager
Nurse managers are experienced nurses who work to oversee a particular department or unit. While they may not provide patients with direct care as often as the nurses who report to them, nurse managers play a critical role in improving patient outcomes. Nurse managers are responsible for overseeing staff, creating schedules, training nurses, and developing their skills so that they can provide patients with the personalized care they both need and deserve.
Health Policy Nurse
Health policy nurses are administrators who have stepped outside the clinical arena to use their nursing experience as a way to improve healthcare policy for all patients. These kinds of nurses research health policy, advocate for changes, and communicate information to key stakeholders, ultimately working to improve the current health policy landscape.
Specialized Clinical Practice Areas
To specialize in a clinical practice area that you are passionate about, you will want to begin your nursing career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The BSN degree program will allow you to explore many different areas of nursing, which can help you discover specialized practice areas that align with your interests and skills.
Pediatric Nurse
A pediatric nurse is a nurse who works primarily with children under the age of 18. Whether working in a hospital setting or in a physician’s office, pediatric nurses can provide young patients with the care that they need to enjoy a full and healthy life.
Oncology Nurse
An oncology nurse is a nurse who works with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Numerous oncology nurses work in hospital settings, and they can provide their patients not only with the care that they need but also the comfort that they crave during a time that may be stressful and upsetting.
Emerging Fields in Nursing
Throughout your BSN nursing program, you may also become aware of emerging fields in nursing where there are unique bachelor’s in nursing jobs available. By leveraging the latest trends in nursing, you can specialize in a niche area where there is increased demand. This can help you quickly find a specialized position after becoming licensed as a registered nurse.
Informatics Nurse
Informatics nursing is one of the fastest-growing specialties in the field. Informatics nurses are often responsible for optimizing the electronic health records and information system at a healthcare facility. They often work to implement the system, educate providers, and make suggestions for improvements that will enhance the patient experience and overall outcomes.
Telehealth Nurse
A telehealth nurse is a nurse who specializes in virtual healthcare services. Telehealth nurses often work to connect with patients remotely, either through telephone calls or videoconferencing, and provide them with support, guidance, treatment, and care.
H2: Develop the Skills Needed for the Top Bachelor of Science in Nursing Jobs at Florida Technical College
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program prepares students for a wide range of nursing career opportunities. At Florida Technical College, we offer a skills-based nursing program that allows aspiring nurses to develop the practical patient care and nursing skills needed to practice, while also emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making, evidence-based care, and critical thinking.
Request more information about our online degree programs today.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
Sources
https://ftccollegeprd.wpenginepowered.com/program/bachelors-degree/science-nursing/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-nursing-jobs-with-a-bsn
https://nursejournal.org/articles/reasons-why-rns-should-pursue-their-bsn-degree/
https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice
https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Fact-Sheets/Education-Impact-Fact-Sheet.pdf
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/aprn
https://nacns.org/about-us/what-is-a-cns/
https://nursejournal.org/careers/health-policy-nurse/
https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-resources/nursing-informatics/
