If you are interested in a career in nursing, you may be wondering about the relative merits of the various paths to becoming a nurse. Having a bachelor's degree in nursing, also called a bachelor of science in nursing or BSN degree, gives you a wide variety of career opportunities.
Nursing and Administration
There is always a need for registered nurses to work in hospitals. Hospital nurses provide patient care, while nurse managers serve as administrators for nursing and patient services. Most nursing management positions require BSN degrees or higher, as well as some experience caring for patients. Nurse managers supervise and evaluate the working staff, as well as help develop treatment plans and protocols. Hospital nurses may work with inpatients or outpatients and in a variety of different disciplines depending on their experience and interests.
Facilities Nurse
Freestanding facilities, such as physician's offices, walk-in clinics, hospital outpatient facilities, nursing homes and assisted living homes, require nurses. This category also includes occupational or work-site nurses, such as school nurses or nurses who are stationed at a work site to provide care or investigate and resolve health-related issues. Facilities provide career options for the RN with a BSN, both in nursing and administration.
Home Health
Home health care nurses provide care for individuals in their homes. As with facilities nursing, there are options in both nursing and administration within the home health field. The home health field is a good choice for the nurse with a BSN seeking a great deal of independence in her career.
Health Educator
Nurses with BSNs often work as educators. They may provide information about a specific condition or threat, such as diabetes or the flu, or provide general health information as needed. They can provide educational services in a health care setting or in a community setting.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners provide primary health care for a variety of patient populations, diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions. Certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists and family nurse practitioners are examples of nurse practitioners. Regulations regarding education, licensure and scope of practice vary from state to state.
