Nurses strive to help people. It is the nature of their job. By using current knowledge and time-proven approaches like evidence-based practice, nursing professionals can provide the very best care for their patients.
The skills and experience gained through completing the online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provide nurses with the advantage they need to be leaders in the healthcare industry. In UNCW’s 30-credit-hour program, nurses can secure the expertise and qualification to advance their careers with a BSN in as few as 12 months.
What Is Evidence-based Practice?
Evidence-based practice (EBP) integrates the current best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to make informed decisions about patient care. Advancing evidence-based approaches is key to elevating standards of care in the nursing profession.
As demonstrated by a 2023 review of recent studies, implementing evidence-based practice correlates with numerous positive outcomes in healthcare systems. For instance, research often showed that clinical settings with increased EBP integration experienced lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay and increased return on investment (ROI), benefiting both the healthcare provider’s bottom line and the patient.
Gaining advanced competency with evidence-based practice is an essential learning outcome for students in UNCW’s online RN to BSN program. Courses on topics like research, health assessment and professional nursing practice equip students to implement EBP. Evidence-based practice is a problem-solving approach specific to each patient’s healthcare needs, and BSN-prepared nurses have the necessary skills and experience to leverage EBP effectively.
The BSN Advantage: Career Growth and Salary Outlook
A bachelor’s degree in nursing provides professionals with the knowledge and experience they need to excel in the healthcare industry. Through comprehensive coursework in a high-quality BSN program, student examine a wide range of subjects such as:
- health policy and healthcare financing
- community and public health
- leadership
- quality improvement
- systems thinking
Hospitals seek BSN-prepared nurses because they have the expertise to successfully navigate the complexities of modern healthcare and provide excellent patient care in dynamic, challenging environments. Findings from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing show that roughly 25% of hospitals and healthcare settings require new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while nearly 70% express a strong preference for BSN program graduates.
Earning a BSN can also increase a nurse’s income potential. According to ZipRecruiter data, registered nurses made an average salary of $87,868 per year while BSN-prepared nurses averaged $102,263 annually as of January 2026.
Advancing Patient Care Through BSN Education
The link between evidence-based practice and quality healthcare delivery is clear. Nurses who choose to further their education with a BSN program position themselves to meet the needs of their patients with enhanced clinical expertise.
UNCW’s program prepares nurses to implement critical healthcare practices like EBP. Leadership studies help nurses succeed in the management positions and opportunities a BSN provides access to. With advanced skillsets and current expertise, BSN-prepared nurses in leadership roles can be crucial in improving standards and outcomes for the nursing workforce and patients alike.
Learn more about the UNCW online RN to BSN program.
