Why obtain a BSN?

Michael Phelps RN
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Background of Problem
Should someone seeking a nursing career get an Associates degree in
nursing or a Baccalaureate degree in nursing? A few years ago, one would
say go for the ADN. Now, majority would say go for your BSN. And the
rest would say go for your ADN and get your BSN later. The largest
problem, is that more and more hospitals are requiring a BSN for incoming
nurses. Also, any present nurse holding a diploma or associates degree
needs to hold a BSN within a certain amount of time.

Supporting Information
In April 1998 to November 1999, research was conducted by members of
the American Medical Association with the aid of 232,342 general,
orthopedic, and vascular surgical patients in 168 Pennsylvania hospitals to
determine if educational levels of hospital nurses impacted the mortality of
surgical patients.

Statistics

Conclusion

In 1950, 92% of all new RNs came from a hospital diploma program. In
1980, 55% of all new RNs came from hospital diploma programs, 22% held
BSNs. In 2001, of all new RN, 3% came from a hospital Diploma program,
61% from associates degree program, and 36% from a baccalaureate
program.

The Advantage- ADN, one can start working earlier than BSN nurses and
work towards the BSN while employed. ADN program may provide more
hand-on experience than BSN. The BSN can start MSN program within 6
months to 2 years. The disadvantage- RN to BSN may require 1-2 more
years of education and debt. BSN will still need to prove nursing skills for 6
months to a 1 year. Obtaining a BSN is both an prudent and logical choice.
Not only is a BSN a step toward other opportunities within the healthcare
nursing field (MSN, NP, CRNA, PhD, etc.). Logically, employers like the
idea and advanced education of someone with a BSN over an ADN/diploma.
Not only would you have better pay, you would also have multiple options in
front of you.

The risk for mortality and/or failure to rescue decreased for every 10%
increase in the proportion of nurses with higher degrees.
Average price per credit, $100-$300
Diploma program plus BSN: 3 years (diploma) + 2 years (general studies,
BSN program)

Associates plus BSN: 2-3 years + 1-2 years (BSN programs)

Graphics or Videos

BSN: 4 years
Pay: Some pay difference based on employer and state.

Percentage of Death based on Nursing Education in 168 Hospitals with 232,342 patients

In 1987, North Dakota required all new nurses to possess a BSN. In 2005,
the Veteran Affairs has required all new hire nurses to hold a BSN. As of
2008, the American Nurses Association is pushing for a bill requiring new
nurses to obtain a BSN degree within 10 years of licensure. As of 2010, 18
states are considering BSN in 10 legislation.

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References
8.6

Works Cited

Goals and Objectives

Goal: to supply an individual with the information needed to choose
between going for the Associates degree or the Baccalaureate degree.
To point out why healthcare system encourage and are preferring BSN
nurses over the over programs.
To point out the advantages and disadvantages of ADN and BSN.

Aiken, L. H., Clarke, S. P., Cheung, R. B., Sloane, D. M., & Silber, J. H. (2003). Educational Levels of
Hospital Nurses and Surgical Patient Mortality. Journal of the American Medical Association, 16171623.

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8.4
10.2
10

1.7
1.9
1.8

Ellis, S. (2006, July 3). Why Should an RN Get a BSN Degree. Retrieved from Ezinearticles.com:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Should-an-RN-Get-a-BSN-Degree?&id=235793
Ellis, S. (2007). Nursing Articles to BSN or Not to BSN- That is the Nurse's question! Retrieved from
NursingDegree.net: http://www.nursingdegree.net/articles/se060326-bsn-nurse.htm
Hilton, L. (2012, December 3). BSN in 10 legislation among looming issues for NY/NJ nurses. Retrieved
from Nurse.com: http://news.nurse.com/article/20121203/NY02/112030021#.VAsu5Wd0xhE
Johnston, K. A. (2009, April). The Importance of the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Education.
Retrieved from PeoriaMagazine.com: http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2009/apr/importancebaccalaureate-degree-nursing-education
The College Network. (2010, March 3). Why Nurses Should Earn a BSN. Retrieved from The College
Network:
http://c0250481.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/Why%20Nurses%20Should%20Earn%20A%20B
SN.pdf

6.9

2.2
2.3

20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Percentage of Nurses with BSN or Higher

1
Deaths among pts with
complications
Deaths within 30 days of
Type of Deaths related to education
admission