Becoming a nurse is a rigorous and demanding process, but it can be extremely rewarding. However, there isn’t one path to becoming a nurse. In fact, there are multiple ways to enter the nursing field, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One of the most common questions asked by those considering a career in nursing is whether or not they need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
The answer to this question isn’t always simple. It depends on a variety of factors, such as your level of experience, your career goals, and the type of job you’re interested in.
As such, here are the degrees or diplomas that you may need to pursue a career in nursing:
CNA (Diploma or Certificate)
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a nurse who provides basic patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. CNAs typically do not have a college degree, but they must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam.
LPN/LVN (Diploma or Certificate)
As a licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN), you can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. Your job duties will vary depending on your employer but may include taking patient vital signs, providing bedside care, and assisting with activities of daily living.
Most states require that you complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) before you can obtain a license.
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
The most common type of nursing degree is the ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). This degree typically takes two to three years to complete and can be done at a community college or technical school. After completing an ADN program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Most nurses only need an associate’s degree or a diploma from an accredited nursing program. However, some hospitals now want their nurses to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
There are several reasons for this change. First, the patient population is getting sicker. They are staying in the hospital for shorter periods of time, but their needs are more complex. This means that nurses have to be able to provide more sophisticated care.
Second, the healthcare system is moving towards a team-based approach. This means that nurses need to be able to effectively communicate with other members of the healthcare team, such as doctors, pharmacists, and physical therapists.
Third, nurses are taking on more responsibility. They are often the primary point of contact between the patient and the rest of the healthcare team. This means that they need to be able to effectively manage the care of their patients.
Fourth, employers are looking for nurses who can provide leadership and who can contribute to improving the quality of care. So, while a BSN may not currently be required, it is becoming increasingly necessary if you want to pursue a career in nursing.
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
Taking up a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is an excellent way for nurses to advance their careers. It can be a more difficult degree to obtain than a BSN, but it offers nurses the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of nursing and earn a higher salary. In some cases, an MSN may be required in order to become a nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
A DNP degree is not required for entry-level nursing positions, but it may be required for advancement to management or leadership roles. In some cases, it may also be required for certain specialty nursing roles, such as those in senior-level positions for critical care or emergency nursing.
While a DNP degree is not required for all nursing positions, it can be beneficial in terms of career advancement and earning potential. Nurses with a DNP degree tend to earn more than those without one, and they may also have better job prospects, especially for healthcare executive roles. Additionally, it can provide nurses with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to pursue leadership roles or specialize in certain areas of nursing.
Takeaway
A nurse BSN degree isn’t necessary for all nursing roles, but it can give you an advantage when applying for jobs and advancing your career. With a BSN, you’ll have more opportunities to work in leadership and management positions, and you may be able to earn a higher salary. Nonetheless, you can start your career with an associate or diploma degree in nursing, and many RNs find that they don’t need a BSN to be successful. It’s ultimately up to you to decide whether pursuing a BSN is the right choice for your career goals.