You can begin working as a nurse with only an associate’s degree. This is the fastest and most affordable way into the profession.
It can be accomplished at a community college in flexible modules that respect both your other commitments and your budget.
However, there is a drawback. Associate-level credentials only go so far. Unfortunately, with only an ASN, there are limits to both your current earning potential and the future of your career as a whole.
In this article, we take a look at why getting a BSN is a worthwhile next step and how you can do it in a way that makes sense to you.
Why BSNs are Worthwhile?
To begin with, it’s important to understand that in practical terms, there is very little difference between holding an ASN and a BSN.
Associate-level nurses study the same basic concepts and even pass the NCLEX exam to earn the same RN license.
Clinically speaking, they are still able to assess patients and attend to their care plans in a way very similar to that of a full BSN.
One of the bigger differences between these two jobs is the proverbial career ceiling. While ASN and BSN recipients perform the same basic day-to-day tasks, those with a bachelor’s degree are able to go much farther.
They have been trained on leadership, research, and public health concepts. They’re also more familiar with the ever-growing field of evidence-based practice medicine.
In this way, they have a higher level of eligibility for promotions.
They are also given more options in terms of additional credentialing opportunities. For example, BSNs can take advantage of more certification programs, and they are also the only nurses who are eligible for MSN programs.
Basically, if your goal is to serve the needs of patients at the highest possible level, this is the best way to do it. The good news is that once you have an ASN, acquiring the bachelor’s level certification is relatively straightforward.
How to Get Your BSN?
Most ASNs get their bachelor’s degree through what colleges refer to as bridge programs, basically just a transitional learning module that allows you to fulfill your bachelor’s-level requirements as quickly as possible.
Assuming that you are able to work as a full-time student, it is possible to complete a bridge program in about a year.
That said, it’s often completed in more like three years by people who are also working while they pursue their degree.
In terms of credit hours, you’re picking up about 30 to 40, depending on the program. Fortunately, you are spared the burden of additional clinical rotations.
This, of course, reflects the fact that you already have ample clinical experience as a registered nurse. Any practicum requirements or capstone coursework can generally be completed on the job.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that many of these programs are very flexible and can be done entirely online. This, again, is to reflect the reality that most people in bridge programs are living under, having both the responsibility to work and study.
Here’s more good news. There is a reasonably high chance that your workplace will provide employer-sponsored tuition, making it even easier to get started.
Making BSN Programs Work for You
Though BSN bridge programs are designed to reflect the needs of working nurses, they can still be difficult. Nurses, after all, are already stretched to capacity.
Most can’t fathom the idea of adding on even more responsibilities. In the next few headings, we take a look at how to make the process of getting an additional credential work for you.
Decide On a Sensible Course Load
It’s probably going to be tempting to try to knock out as many classes as you possibly can to accelerate the completion of your degree. While this might work for some people, it is a potentially hazardous approach to take.
The faster or the more intense a course load, the more likely you are to experience burnout. While it’s certainly okay to want and attempt a quick completion timeline, make sure you give serious thought to your current bandwidth before going down this path.
It’s okay to go slow and steady.
Choose the Right Format for Your Needs
As mentioned earlier, it’s often possible to complete bridge programs online. This is a great way to give yourself the gift of a little bit of flexibility.
Online programs are every bit as comprehensive and respectable as their brick-and-mortar alternatives.
Many also have the benefit of bending to your schedule. Some online programs will even include pre-recorded modules that allow you to work at your own pace.
This is particularly handy for busy nurses who don’t have a consistent schedule.
Prioritize Balance
Last but not least, as you work and focus on getting your degree, it’s important to prioritize a sense of balance.
Focusing on work-life balance is difficult, but it can provide longevity to your efforts. Simple things like daily exercise or mindfulness practices can relieve stress and put more gas in the tank for later on.
Investing in Your Own Future
You can absolutely have a fulfilling career as a nurse holding only an ASN credential. However, if you want to invest fully in your future, getting a BSN is the right move.
Not only will it open more professional doors, but it will also create additional opportunities that you can take advantage of later.
For example, if you want to become an advanced practice nurse at some point, you absolutely have to get your BSN credential, and from there, an MSN.
Associate-level nurses do great things every day, but, fair or not, they also have a much lower ceiling than their peers. Use education as a tool to unlock more opportunities and fully live out your potential.
