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Keep Current With a BSN

With healthcare constantly changing, nursing techniques that were common 10 years ago have been phased out, and this trend is not expected to change. In fact, nursing in 10 years will look very different from nursing today. Keep current by enrolling in additional education, taking on roles with greater levels of responsibility and staying abreast of the latest medical research. Fortunately, you can do all three by earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

There are programs that can leverage your existing experience and education to help you earn your bachelor’s degree in under a year. A Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is one of the best ways to enhance your abilities. And with the option to take classes online, RN to BSN programs are also the most convenient.

What Do You Learn in an RN to BSN Program?

So why is a BSN important? With new research being published every day, it is vital for healthcare providers to possess a high degree of analytical skills and research literacy. In fact, some nurses even perform research and contribute to published literature.

Understanding the role of research in nursing is one of the most important lessons learned in an RN to BSN program. It is the kind of skill that allows nurses to examine, apply and utilize nursing science. By absorbing an overview of current issues in nursing, you will learn how to best use research and evidence-based practice to drive your practice.

In other words, an RN to BSN program can improve your ability to learn and absorb new knowledge. For example, a course about evidence-based care can build on basic knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology to enhance your nursing skills in the management of health, wellness and disease. By learning how to analyze current pharmacological-based research, you will be better equipped to sift through and absorb the findings with the greatest impact. The core benefit of this approach is understanding the rationale behind treatment decisions. Such foundational knowledge not only improves your ability to spot errors, but also enables you to make quicker lifesaving decisions.

How Can You Expand Your Career Horizon?

It is never too late to learn new skills. Take Gaye Currier, a University of North Carolina Wilmington graduate, for example. Despite approaching retirement age, she decided to obtain a BSN to give herself options as she planned her time in retirement. For example, she felt that becoming a consultant would not be possible without a BSN. Enrolling in an online RN to BSN program through UNCW gave Currier the opportunity to build upon the knowledge and skills she had already gained through her impressive career.

While most students must choose between work and school, Currier was not quite ready to leave her job. So instead of quitting her job as a nurse program manager, she decided to enroll in an online RN to BSN program. The experience also offered her unique perspectives into other branches of medicine she had not considered.

For example, her bioethics and health policy courses revealed issues, like palliative care, that are relevant today. The discussions about end-of-life care brought to light a branch of medicine she knows most people avoid talking about because it deals with death and dying. This is just one example of the topics that you will discuss in an online RN to BSN program.

What Are Other Benefits of a BSN?

Besides learning new skills and expanding your career horizon, by earning a BSN you will also take the first step toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Ever dream of becoming a nurse practitioner? How about a nurse educator? With an MSN degree, you can mold and specialize your career track in a direction that truly resonates with your interests and passion. But before you can get to that step, you must first earn a BSN.

Learn more about the UNCW online RN to BSN program.


Sources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses

University of North Carolina Wilmington: Gaye Currier Takes the Path Less Traveled to a BSN


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