As anyone working towards a degree knows, school is hard work. Homework, deadlines and exams are exhausting – but the results of all your late-night cram sessions? A hard-earned degree in a field you can’t wait to dive into.
Earning a degree, especially in the high-demand field of nursing, is an altogether transcendent experience. As a prospective nurse, your well-taught and well-managed BSC (bachelor of science) nursing program has provided you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to use on a daily—scratch that—on an hourly basis. A nurse’s job is never over, after all.
Perks of the BSC in Nursing
The nursing field is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the number of nursing positions in the United States alone in 2014 was 2.75 million people. Not only is this a colossal number, but the BLS reports that employment for registered nurses with a BSC in Nursing degree will rise as much as 16 percent by the year 2024. This is a much higher employment rate than the national average for all other occupations.
And with an in-demand career, comfortable salaries abound. The median pay for a registered nurse with a bachelors of science in nursing degree was $66,640 per year. But aside from the growing field and great pay, why is earning a BSC in Nursing in nursing over an Associate Degree in Nursing the better option?
An associate nursing program primarily focuses on the technical skills of nursing, while a BSC Nursing Program focuses on technical skills and theory. For instance, Arizona College’s BSC nursing program claims that its graduates will have a clear advantage over registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree when it comes time to look for jobs. It seems students are catching on, according to AllNursingSchools, 30 percent of students enrolled in an associate nursing program leapfrog to a bachelor’s program.
While an associate nursing program is shorter (two years) than a BSC Program (four years) most employers are looking for registered nurses with a BSC in nursing degree. But why?
How a BSC Nursing Program Works
Yes, a BSC program is a serious commitment, but schools offering these programs prepare their students for the nursing field with in-depth lectures and hands-on lab training. Registered nurses provide patients with quality care and help to educate patients and the community about numerous health conditions. Nurses also have a responsibility to provide emotional support and expert advice to patients and their family members.
As mentioned previously, job prospects for registered nurses with a BSC in nursing degree continues to grow. This is due to the increased importance of preventative care. Chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes are continuing to climb (particularly in the United States with more than 29 million Americans requiring diabetic care), while baby-boomers are beginning to rely more heavily on healthcare services.
As a nursing student working towards your BSC in nursing degree, you will be given intense instruction and high-level training. This includes participating in clinical rotations and simulation laboratories. A BSC nursing program focuses on real-world applications. What sort of instruction do these programs offer? Let’s take a quick look:
o Ethics
o General Studies (English, Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Studies)
o Nursing Science
o Natural Science
o Human Systems
o Research
o Critical Thinking
o Leadership
o Theory
Highly regarded programs also offer their students externships; allowing nursing students to gain on-the-ground experience at hospitals and clinics. This helps students put their learning to work, and to practice their nurse-to-patient interactions.
Your Degree, Your Career
One of the great things about earning a degree? No one can take it from you. Your experience, insight and know-how doesn’t go away, and you’ll only be presented with more opportunities to grow – both as a student and a professional. Pay attention in class and take the time to study. Your education is your link to a gratifying career.
