Why Every RN Should Consider a BSN: It’s Like Upgrading from a Flip Phone to a Smartphone

You’re already a rockstar Registered Nurse (RN), saving lives and making a difference daily. But if you’re still rolling with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), it might be time to level up. Think of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the sleek, high-tech smartphone upgrade to your solid but old-school flip phone. Both get the job done—but one unlocks a world of new possibilities.

Here’s why getting your BSN is the career move you never knew you needed:

1. More Money, More Opportunities

Let’s be real—who doesn’t want a bigger paycheck? Studies show that BSN-prepared nurses not only earn higher salaries than their ADN counterparts, but the difference adds up significantly over time. In fact, BSN-prepared nurses can earn roughly $500,000 more than ADN-prepared nurses over a 30-year career, according to NurseJournal. Plus, with more hospitals and healthcare facilities requiring or strongly preferring BSN-prepared nurses, you’ll have better job security and greater access to leadership roles.

2. Boss-Level Career Advancement

Speaking of leadership, a BSN opens doors to positions like charge nurse, nurse manager, and even nurse educator. Want to take your expertise beyond bedside care? A BSN is your golden ticket to roles in nursing administration, research, and specialized nursing fields.

3. Better Patient Outcomes = More Lives Saved

Here’s the science: Studies show that hospitals with a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses have significantly better patient outcomes. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that a 10% increase in BSN-prepared nurses was linked to a 5% decrease in patient mortality and failure to rescue rates. Another study highlighted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that patients in hospitals where 60% of nurses had a BSN had a nearly one-third lower risk of dying after surgery compared to hospitals with fewer BSN-prepared nurses.

Why? Because advanced education leads to stronger critical thinking, better clinical judgment, and improved communication skills. Basically, you become an even bigger asset to your patients and your team.

4. Future-Proof Your Career

The nursing world is evolving, and healthcare employers are increasingly requiring BSNs. In fact, the Institute of Medicine set a goal for 80% of nurses to hold a BSN by 2020—and while we’ve passed that date, the trend continues. As of April 2023, more than 70% of RNs in the U.S. workforce now hold a BSN or higher, marking the first time this threshold has been exceeded (AACN). With more hospitals prioritizing BSN-prepared nurses, earning your degree now ensures you stay competitive and positioned for future opportunities.

5. It’s More Doable Than You Think

Worried about time and flexibility? Don’t be. UNC Charlotte’s online BSN is designed specifically for working nurses. You can balance your studies with your job and personal life while advancing your career at your own pace—you can even finish in just one year.

Think about it. Then take your next step. Start your application for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UNC Charlotte today!