Find Good Nursing Schools

For most people, salary is the primary concern when seeking to make a job change. However, there are a variety of additional considerations which are equally important in ensuring long term job satisfaction. Take some time to review your needs with regard to each of the factors listed below and then devise a strategic plan so that you can focus your job search only on those opportunities most aligned to the needs you have defined.



Before you can apply to a nursing school you must have a high school diploma; it also helps if you have taken related classes such as chemistry, nutrition, biology, math, etc. You can start your nursing education at a community college, trade school or vocational school where you can obtain the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN degree) in about two years. Such a degree will qualify you to begin an entry-level health care career, or continue your training to the next levels, the Bachelor of Science (BSN), the Master of Science (MSN), and even a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS or DNSc). The choice is up to you.



Schools for nursing are designed to prepare health care professionals at all levels of the field, from certified nursing assistants (CNAs), to RNs, to LPNs, and far beyond. Graduate studies will allow you to specialize in one specific area of the field and become a respected and valued expert in health care. You could become a clinical nurse leader (CNL), a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or even a teacher!



Salary Benefits of BSN Most BSN holders make a higher salary than an RN. Obviously, the pay differential depends on the hospital or employer. The BSN is not guaranteed to suddenly catapult the degree-holder to new heights of wealth, but the BSN can expect to start at a slightly higher average than RNs who do not have the four-year degree. New Nursing Schools.



Opportunity Benefits of BSN More and more, hospitals, clinics, and other health care institutions are beginning to require the BSN. Hospitals in the past would simply hire based on the RN. The requirements today are much higher. It will help move you to the front of the list of potential hires for the job you want. Education Benefits of BSN The BSN is the building block for pursuing higher education. Without a bachelor's degree, it is impossible to move on to earn one's master's degree in nursing (MSN), gain nurse-practitioner training, or pursue other education advancements. The BSN will provide a level of education that opens up the possibility of furthering one's career by taking it to the next level. For someone just entering the field of nursing, the BSN is a logical option due to the risks and rewards present. There are RNs who find it unnecessary to pursue a higher degree but could still find the training beneficial.