The role of a registered nurse (RN) is dynamic, challenging and rewarding. While nurses can enter the field with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is becoming the preferred credential among employers.
BSN-prepared nurses provide enhanced patient care, improve clinical outcomes and are better equipped for leadership roles. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), patients cared for by BSN-prepared nurses have lower mortality rates, shorter hospital stays and better survival rates after cardiac arrest.
But what does a typical day look like for a BSN-prepared nurse? Let’s explore the job duties, benefits of earning a BSN degree online and how the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s online RN to BSN program equips nurses for success.
What Does a Day in the Life of a Nurse Look Like?
A BSN-prepared nurse typically works in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities or community health settings. While each work environment varies, a day in the life of a BSN nurse usually includes the following duties.
1) Preparing for the Shift
A nurse’s day often starts early. Before patient rounds, BSN nurses review medical charts, update care plans and attend shift-change meetings. These discussions ensure continuity of care by relaying critical patient updates from the previous shift.
2) Providing Direct Patient Care
Throughout the day, BSN nurses:
- Assess patient symptoms and vital signs
- Administer medications and treatments
- Assist with procedures and wound care
- Educate patients and their family members on health conditions and post-discharge care
- Advocate for patients by coordinating with doctors and specialists
Nurses with a BSN degree often take on more complex cases due to their advanced education and training, making them essential in critical care and specialized units.
3) Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Nurses must think quickly on their feet. Whether responding to a sudden drop in a patient’s blood pressure or identifying early signs of infection, BSN-prepared nurses use evidence-based practice and clinical judgment to make life-saving decisions.
4) Leadership and Team Collaboration
With a BSN, nurses are often responsible for delegating tasks to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). They collaborate with doctors, pharmacists and therapists to develop comprehensive treatment plans. BSN-prepared nurses may also serve as charge nurses, managing patient flow and overseeing the unit.
5) End-of-Shift Documentation
Before clocking out, nurses update electronic health records (EHRs), document patient progress and communicate ongoing care needs to the incoming shift. Proper documentation ensures seamless care and compliance with healthcare regulations.
What Exactly Encompasses a BSN-Prepared Nurse? The Added Benefits of a BSN Degree
A BSN-prepared nurse performs the same core duties as an ADN-prepared nurse but with additional responsibilities in leadership, research and patient advocacy. According to Nursing World, some key benefits of earning a BSN include:
- Higher Salary Potential: BSN-prepared nurses earn more than their ADN counterparts. Indeed reports that RNs with a BSN often qualify for higher-paying positions.
- Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN opens doors to roles in nursing management, education, informatics and public health.
- Better Patient Outcomes: Research indicates that BSN-prepared nurses provide safer, more effective patient care.
- Pathway to Advanced Degrees: A BSN is a steppingstone to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nurses interested in specialized practice or leadership roles.
How an Online RN to BSN Degree Prepares Nurses for Career Success
For working RNs looking to advance their careers, an online RN to BSN degree provides the flexibility to earn a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work in their current role. The UNCW online RN to BSN program is designed to help nurses excel, offering the following key components.
- Strengthens Clinical Knowledge: Courses focus on evidence-based practice, health assessment and leadership, equipping nurses with advanced critical thinking skills.
- Enhances Leadership Abilities: The program prepares graduates for supervisory and administrative roles.
- Improves Patient Advocacy Skills: Nurses gain expertise in community health, healthcare policy and patient-centered care, making them stronger advocates for their patients.
- Allows for More Career Mobility: With a BSN, nurses can pursue roles in case management, education and healthcare administration.
Is a BSN Degree Online the Way to Go?
For any registered nurse looking to expand their career opportunities, earning a BSN degree online can help them achieve their professional goals without putting their current career on hold. With the growing preference for BSN-prepared nurses, now is the perfect time to invest in one’s education.
The UNCW online RN to BSN program offers an accredited, flexible and career-focused curriculum that prepares nurses to lead, advocate and provide top-tier patient care. Explore how this program can help a working nurse take their nursing practice to the next level — and get started on that path today.
Learn more about UNCW’s online RN to BSN program.
