Confusing Credentials – RN vs BSN

• At some time or another one may have seen the credentials RN or BSN on a name badge. RN vs BSN can be confusing to an outsider. 
• An RN means registered nurse, while BSN refers to a registered nurse who holds a bachelor’s degree.   
• Simply put, an RN is an umbrella term for nurses who either received a 2-year nursing degree (ADN) or 4-year degree (BSN). Read on for further distinctions between the two.

RN vs BSN

Many individuals understand the value of nursing and do not typically make judgments about the competency of a nurse based on their education level.   

However, it is important for patients, caregivers, and the general public to understand the differences between nurses with associate degrees versus bachelor’s degrees and to be aware of the similarities and differences between the two.   

When one considers the differences, educational levels, and requirements of RN vs BSN, the following are important to consider in order to have an accurate understanding: 

• What is a Registered Nurse and what do they do? 
• What is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and what do they do?  
• What are the benefits of getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?
  

Registered Nurse

A Registered Nurse is a licensed nurse who either holds a nursing diploma, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or some even pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).  With the healthcare industry changing over the years, the number of diploma programs have decreased in recent years with the focus more on associate degree programs and bachelor degree programs.  It is important to remember that each program is important since it allows one to earn a RN license once courses are completed, and each program builds on the last.   

Once any of the above programs have been completed, the future nurse is eligible to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.  Licensure is administered once the future nurse applicant submits an application through their state board of nursing and successfully completes the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).   

Many have the view that Registered Nurses have a heavy load to pull, but in actuality, their working tasks vary greatly.  Some nurses love the adrenaline and super-fast-paced schedule of the emergency department or intensive care units, while others enjoy a much more calm and regularly scheduled environment.   

Hospitals seem to remain the most common place to work that offer varying specialty areas, shifts, and departments.   

The following lists the main universal responsibilities among nurses regardless of the specialty area according to the American Nurses Association (ANA): 

• Performing physical exams and histories before making critical decisions 
• Providing health promotion, counseling, and education  
• Administering medications and other personalized interventions 
• Coordinating care in a collaborative effort with other healthcare professionals 

These responsibilities will consistently be a part of a registered nurse’s day no matter the educational level or degree that a nurse possesses.  There are some specializations that require further certification, experience, or educational level but of course this varies based on the specialty area. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN), is a four-year bachelor’s degree completed at a university or college that offers a much broader education than an associate degree.  Often a BSN offers many more possibilities for those pursuing a nursing career.   

A few of the benefits include a higher salary, increased job offerings, and advancements within a workplace.   

Even though both the associate degree and the bachelor’s degree prepare adequate education and training needed to pass the NCLEX exam and work as a Registered Nurse, a BSN dives deeper by building on the concepts from the associate degree and takes one’s skills and education to the next level.   

There are many programs that allow nurses without a bachelor’s degree to continue their education and earn the required credits needed for the bachelor’s degree.  It is known as the RN-to-BSN program and allows a working RN to complete the remaining BSN courses that are required.  The increased length of study required for a BSN allows nurses to participate in more advanced procedures while under a doctor’s supervision, and to also manage or supervise other nurses.   

After completion of the BSN, nurses can go a step farther for higher positions if desired by completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which can prepare one for some of the higher paying nursing jobs.   

A BSN program also focuses on developing skills that focus on issues such as research, management, leadership, and social sciences.  Once these nurses undergo this type of program, they are better equipped to deal with both the professional and cultural issues that nurses encounter.

Benefits of Obtaining a BSN Degree

Numerous benefits are available when choosing to receive a BSN degree with two of the most visible advantages being increased pay/salary and expanded job opportunities.   

However, there are various other benefits when deciding if pursuing a BSN is the right path for each individual.  Some of the other benefits that evolve when pursuing and obtaining a BSN include the following: 

• Preparedness – nurses are more prepared to deal with patients in a more effective manner 
• Leadership – obtaining a BSN degree allows opportunities in nurse management  
• Progression – possess greater likelihood of securing an Advanced Practice Nurse position 
• Specialty – obtaining a BSN degree often leads to more specialized and focused nursing work 
• Requirement – some states are beginning to require all licensed nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree within ten years of initial licensure in an effort to improve outcomes among nurses 

One of the greatest benefits of obtaining a BSN is the flexibility to choose various positions, settings, and specialized areas that work best for the individual nurse.   

Many of the nurses that pursue a BSN work either part-time or full-time in their main position and need to do the RN-to-BSN program that offers a full online schedule to meet the demanding needs of nurses.   

The Bottom Line on RN vs BSN

As one can easily see, an ADN and BSN ultimately lead to the same goal of becoming a Registered Nurse; however, the two routes have some major differences. If you see RN vs BSN, think of an “RN” as an umbrella term. If a nurse has the desire to obtain more in-depth education, higher paying positions, and more job opportunities in specialized areas, a BSN is the way to go.   

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nurses is projected to grow by nine percent from 2020 to 2030 and many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers that have retired, transferred to different occupations, or have left the work force. The work outcomes for nursing positions is extremely positive with a great amount of growth potential for both current and future positions.  

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