In 2022, 2 million nurses entered the workforce with a BSN, making it the most common degree for initial licensing<\/a>. So experience alone might not be enough to keep you competitive in this job market. But beyond staying competitive, evidence shows that having a BSN can enhance your nursing practice.<\/p>\n From increased critical thinking skills to improved patient outcomes, the results don\u2019t lie \u2014 more education creates better nurses. And better nurses can demand higher pay and more opportunities. <\/p>\n Your ADN program focused on teaching you basic clinical skills to prepare you for direct patient care. A BSN is a little different \u2014 it builds on the practical foundation of an ADN with coursework in critical thinking, leadership, communication, informational technology, and public health. <\/p>\n According to Courtney Reinisch<\/a>, Family Nurse Practitioner and Professor at Montclair State University\u2019s School of Nursing<\/a>, a BSN helps nurses develop a global perspective, allowing them to understand the cultural, social, political and economic factors that affect their patients.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not just considering individuals, but entire populations and communities,\u201d says Dr. Reinisch. \u201cThey\u2019re thinking of families, communities, and social determinants of health.\u201d<\/p>\n That isn\u2019t just feel-good fluff, it results in better patient outcomes. Patients treated at hospitals with more BSN-holding nurses<\/a> had 24% greater odds of surviving an in-hospital cardiac arrest, 24.6% lower odds of mortality, and a 7.8% decrease in length of stay.<\/p>\n Critical thinking and leadership skills along with improved patient outcomes have made BSN-prepared nurses highly desirable in the job market.<\/p>\n In order to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing healthcare job market, it really helps to have a bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n If you desire to move beyond bedside care, a BSN unlocks opportunities in administration, research, and leadership. You could even use it for non-clinical careers, like pharmaceutical or medical device sales, legal nurse consulting, and more.<\/p>\n A BSN is also a stepping stone to higher-level nursing professions such as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife, which require at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).<\/p>\n As a working nurse, it\u2019s important to choose an accredited RN-to-BSN program that allows flexibility for working students, as well as opportunities for hands-on experience and career development.<\/p>\n The RN-to-BSN program<\/a> at Montclair State University is designed with your schedule as a working nurse in mind. Classes are 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to complete your coursework on your own time.<\/p>\n Through a partnership with the West Orange Health Department, students also gain hands-on experience while serving people in need.<\/p>\n Founded in 2016, Montclair\u2019s RN-to-BSN program is small and tight knit. \u201cThe students get to know each other and build their own community,\u201d says Reinisch. \u201cWe include opportunities for students to build connections that result in networking opportunities. We\u2019ve had students recruit each other for job opportunities they think classmates would be a great fit for.\u201d<\/p>\n Due to the increased demand for BSN-qualified nurses, some employers may pay for RNs to earn their bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n As a public institution, Montclair State University is one of the most affordable<\/a> options in New Jersey.<\/p>\n Pursuing higher education doesn\u2019t have to break the bank, and there are plenty of options to help you pay for college.<\/p>\n Prospective Student?<\/strong><\/p>\n Plan a visit to our campus<\/a> or take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk<\/a>.<\/p>\nBuilding On Your ADN: What More Do You Learn With a BSN?<\/h2>\n
A BSN Makes Nurses More Marketable<\/h2>\n
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A BSN Unlocks Future Opportunities<\/h2>\n
Choosing an RN-to-BSN Program<\/h2>\n
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Affording a BSN Degree<\/h2>\n
Are You A\u2026<\/h2>\n