A bachelor of science in nursing degree is also known as a BSN. It typically takes four years of postsecondary studies to earn a BSN. Most people enter a BSN program to prepare for a nursing career, and they must complete clinical hours to graduate.
Once you complete your degree program, you do have several career options to consider. You may opt to spend your career working as a nurse or start as a nurse and change careers later. Here are three great ways to put your BSN to good use.
- Enter the nursing profession.
BSN programs equip nursing students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a nursing career. You can apply to Wilkes University and complete Wilkes accelerated BSN degree program to earn an accelerated bachelor’s degree. Wilkes’ nursing program covers courses in nursing practice, physical assessments, and pharmacotherapeutics. Nursing students at Wilkes University must complete clinical practice hours, ensuring they have practical experience before graduating.
Once you earn your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be ready to take your National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license. Thanks to Covid-19 and the changing health care needs of the aging population, nurses are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports registered nurses should see a seven percent job growth rate from 2019 to 2029, almost double the national job growth average for all occupations in the United States during the same period.
Obtain health care insurance while completing your degree program to ensure you have the health insurance coverage required to pay for your medical care. Nurses can be exposed to viruses through patient contact, and nurses also work long hours, making it crucial they can receive prompt medical treatment when required. A health insurance tool enables you to identify all health insurance providers in your area who offer coverage. Once you answer questions about your insurance needs, the tool provides a list of health insurance companies. You can use the list to compare rates and find the best health insurance plan for you.
- Become a legal nurse consultant.
Legal nurse consultants are medical and legal experts. Nurses typically enter this career after gaining practical experience in the health care field. Legal nurse consultants work for lawyers and provide expert insight into legal cases. They may testify as a legal expert, drawing on their training and experience to determine whether a medical professional provided appropriate care or was negligent in their duties. Legal nurse consultants may also conduct legal research, interview witnesses, and review medical documents. They provide expert insights to attorneys, ensuring they have the information they need to build a case.
- Expand your education and teach the next generation of nurses.
Once you’ve earned a BSN and have one year of practical experience in nursing, you can opt to continue your education. Earning a master’s degree in nursing equips you to advance in your career as a nurse. Or, consider taking online PALS courses which are a great addition to your skillset. You can become a nurse practitioner (NP), nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn substantial salaries and are in high demand. The BLS projects opportunities for nurse midwives will increase by 12 percent from 2019 to 2029, while nurse anesthetists will enjoy a job growth rate of 14 percent. Nurse practitioners will see a 52 percent job growth rate during the same period.
Once you have your master’s degree, you can continue your studies and earn a Ph.D. in nursing. You may also be able to pursue opportunities as a postsecondary nursing instructor. Postsecondary instructors can enter the field with a master’s degree or Ph.D. The BLS expects opportunities for postsecondary nursing instructors to grow by 18 percent from 2019 to 2029, making this an excellent career option for nurses who opt to build on their bachelor’s degree with graduate studies.
There are multiple career options for individuals interested in earning a nursing degree. Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can opt to enter the nursing field. You can also become a legal nurse consultant. With graduate studies, you can advance in your nursing career or use your master’s degree or Ph.D. to begin a career in education as a postsecondary nursing instructor.