Health, Nursing & Medical Assisting Blog

The 12 Highest Paid Nursing Jobs in 2019

August 5, 2019/in Featured, Nursing /by Alyssa Jordan

Discover the Highest Paid Nursing Specialties in 2019, and What Kind of Nurses Get Paid the Most

Typically, when people decide to become a nurse they think of taking patients’ vitals in a clinic or conducting assessments in a hospital. As you go through nursing school, however, you begin to discover the wide range of nursing specialties that are available and the perks that come along with them. From pediatric care to midwifery, there are many types of nursing categories, each with unique benefits that appeal to a wide variety of students—but what are the best paid nursing jobs?

While a high-paying nursing career is an obvious perk, it is important to consider what your interests and goals are when deciding which position you want to pursue.

To make the selection process a little easier, this article will cover the various types of jobs and salaries of the highest paid nurses. Although most nurses don’t choose their career paths based on financial considerations alone, nurses provide an invaluable service to their communities and their compensation is very important.

With that in mind, here is a list of the highest paid nursing specialties. We’ll begin our list of nursing careers with the highest paid nursing job.

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Average Salary: $167,950

What do CRNA’s do? Registered nurse anesthetists consistently rank at the top of high paying nursing careers. That is because nurse anesthetists are advanced and highly skilled registered nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia. Also, due to the complexities of this type of clinical care, anesthetists are prone to more lawsuits and therefore must be completely comfortable in this field. Nurse anesthetists work with surgeons, dentists, anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals to prepare a patient for their procedure.

Requirements: You’ll need to obtain a master’s degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program, and then pass the NCLEX in order to become a CRNA.

Job Outlook: The BLS reports that employment of CRNA’s will grow 16% from 2016 to 2026.

Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

2. Pain Management Nurse

Average Salary: $110,160

What do Pain Management Nurses do? Pain management nurses work within hospital oncology units, hospice programs, or palliative care. They help identify the cause of a patient’s pain and assist in caring for the patient. They also educate the patient about pain management and medication.

Requirements: There’s no requirement for an advanced degree, but in order to become a pain management nurse you’ll need to have significant experience as an RN in order to earn the nurse practitioner certification for pain management.

Job Outlook: As a pain management nurse, you’ll have lots of versatility within the industry due to the high demand of this skill in multiple healthcare settings.

Learn More: How to Become a Pain Management Nurse

3. General Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: $107,030

What do Nurse Practitioner’s do? Nurse practitioners are able to make long-lasting connections with their patients by providing basic preventative health care. They most commonly work in family practices; however, they can also use their profession in adult practices, women’s health, pediatrics, and a number of other healthcare facilities, making this career incredibly versatile which can be seen as a benefit in itself.

Requirements: You’ll need to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, followed by earning your state-specific nurse practitioner licensure.

Job Outlook: The BLS reports that employment of nurse practitioners will grow 36% from 2016 to 2026.

Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

4. Nurse Midwife

Average Salary: $103,770

What do Nurse Midwives do? Typically seen as a career exclusive to women, more male nurses are unsurprisingly exploring careers in midwifery. Certified nurse midwives are able to enjoy a special relationship with their patients that evolve in a critical time in their patients’ lives. Midwives care for their patients through the joys and challenges of pregnancy, labor, and birth. This is no easy task, and is definitely deserving of this #4 spot!

Requirements: After obtaining your MSN, you can complete a program approved by the Accreditation for Midwifery Education (ACME) in order to receive your nurse midwife certification.

Job Outlook: The BLS reports that employment of nurse midwives will grow 21% from 2016 to 2026.

Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Midwife

5. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: $102,629

What do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners do? In this field, nurses treat patients with a range of psychiatric and mental health disorders, often at a mental health facility or correctional center. They provide vital and often life-changing care to their patients by offering daily physiological, mental, emotional, and even spiritual support. By providing medical treatment along with counseling to comfort patients, this career is not only rewarding financially, but emotionally as well.

Requirements: You’ll need to earn an MSN with an emphasis in psychiatric care in order to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Job Outlook: According to Nurse Journal, employment of psychiatric nurse practitioners will grow 26% by next year.

Learn More: How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

6. Nurse Researcher

Average Salary: $95,000

What do Nurse Researchers do? This position includes scientists who study various aspects of health, illness and healthcare. By researching and implementing scientific studies, nurse researchers help to improve health care services and health care outcomes for patients, making this nursing specialty absolutely essential.

Requirements: In order to become a nurse researcher, you’ll need to earn your doctoral degree (Ph.D.).

Job Outlook: The BLS reports that the employment of medical scientists will grow 13% from 2016 to 2026.

Learn More: How to Become a Nurse Researcher

7. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)

Average Salary: $89,291

What do Gerontological Nurse Practitioner’s do? If you have a strong desire to aid the elderly, this nursing specialty might be for you. Gerontological nurse practitioners (GNPs) hold advanced degrees specializing in geriatrics and are trained to be able to treat their patients’ long-term and debilitating conditions. Similar to all nurses, GNPs must approach nursing holistically by paying special attention to maintaining a comforting bedside manner for their elderly patients.

Requirements: In order to become a gerontological nurse practitioner, RN’s must earn their certification from the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) through passing their exam.

Job Outlook: As life expectancy continues to increase, and medicine continues to advance, there will be a greater need for nurses who specialize in caring for the elderly.

8. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Average Salary: $88,143

What do Clinical Nurse Specialists do? Also known as intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, clinical nurses specialists (CNS) must be able to act quickly under pressure and should possess excellent decision-making skills. Clinical nurse specialists provide patients with care by diagnosing and treating disease, illness, and injuries.

Requirements: You must earn your MSN with an emphasis in clinical nursing in order to become a CNS.

Job Outlook: Since demand for nurses in general is expected to grow significantly by 2026, clinical nurse specialists will have a leg up on other nursing pathways due to their higher level of education and training.

9. Nurse Administrator

Average Salary: $87,084

What do Nurse Administrators do? Nurse administrators are part of the executive team that oversees nursing staff. They help coordinate between nurses and other departments, develop policies and procedures, and deal with HR and budgeting.

Requirements: A master’s degree in healthcare administration is typically required in order to become a nurse administrator.

Job Outlook: The BLS reports that employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow 20% from 2016 to 2026.

10. Nurse Educator

Average Salary: $74,521

What do Nurse Educators do? Nurse educators are responsible for training nursing professionals within healthcare facilities through training curriculums that they personally develop. They also oversee new nurses and nursing students in a clinical setting.

Requirements: In order to become a nurse educator, you must hold a master’s degree. Many nurse educators earn their doctoral degree as well.

Job Outlook: Overall employment of nurses is expected to grow, therefore there will continue to be a need for nurse educators to train these new nurses in a variety of healthcare settings.

11. Neonatal Nurse

Average Salary: $64,692

What do Neonatal Nurses do? Neonatal nurses have a highly demanded and highly rewarding specialty in caring for newborn babies up to 28 days old. Nurses in this specialty are able to care for sick and/or premature newborn babies by administering oxygen, medication, and some more basic procedures in an NICU.

Requirements: You can be placed in the neonatal unit as an RN, however earning your neonatal nurse practitioner certification is a great way to advance in the specialty.

Job Outlook: The increase in frequency of premature births as well as the steady population growth will provide a strong outlook for neonatal nurses.

12. Pediatric Nurse

Average Salary: $60,196

What do Pediatric Nurses do? Pediatric nurses have a rewarding profession by treating children and helping with child growth and development. Pediatric nurses are able to find employment at a variety of facilities, including urgent cares, ICUs, and even at schools. It is important that pediatric nurses are comfortable communicating to their young patients as well as their caregivers.

Requirements: RN’s can become pediatric nurses, however, most healthcare settings prefer a bachelor’s degree.

Job Outlook: The growing overall demand for registered nurses will provide for a strong job outlook for pediatric nurses.

There are tons of financially and emotionally rewarding careers in nursing. Whether you’re treating newborn infants, treating the elderly, or anywhere in between, there are specialized nursing careers that require unique skills and offer a wide range of benefits to appeal to every aspiring nurse.

If you’re ready to get your nursing career started, contact us at Provo College. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you pick a program that will help you enter a financially and emotionally rewarding career in nursing.

Learn how and why CNA’s are furthering their education to become registered nurses

CNA to RN: Taking the Next Step in Nursing

July 31, 2019/in Featured, Nursing /by Alyssa Jordan

Learn how and why CNAs are furthering their education to become registered nurses.

Many people aspire to become nurses. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or financial means to earn their associates or bachelor’s degree. As a result, some nurses choose to begin their careers as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). Becoming a CNA is a great way to enter the healthcare industry and begin your journey toward nursing.

As a CNA, you won’t see the same compensation or benefits as an RN. For those looking to advance their career in nursing, there are several advantages to becoming an RN, and it may be easier than you think. This guide will break down all the necessary steps for a CNA to become an RN, as well as what you can expect once you’ve earned your nursing degree.

CNA vs. RN: What’s the Difference?

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

Certified nursing assistants are on the frontline of patient care. They are often responsible for some of the day-to-day needs of the patient. Some of the responsibilities of a CNA include:

Checking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature)
Making patients beds and cleaning rooms
Assisting nurses with procedures
Serving meals and helping patients eat

CNA’s are required to attend a state-approved educational program that teaches them the basics about nursing and clinical work. After completing their program, nursing assistants must take a competency exam prior to entering the workforce.

Registered Nurse (RN):

Registered nurses have more authority and responsibility than Certified Nursing Assistants. Many CNA’s assist the RNs in performing these duties, however, it’s the registered nurse who is primarily credited and accountable for these responsibilities. RN’s provide patient care and educate patients about their health conditions. Some of the responsibilities held by Registered Nurses include:

Assessing patient conditions
Administering patient medications and treatments
Observing and recording patients’ responses and results
Helping perform diagnostic tests
Helping analyze test results

RN’s typically take one of three career paths to become nurses:

A diploma from an approved nursing program
An associate degree in nursing (ADN), or
A Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN).

Each educational path varies in time and financial commitment.

How Do I Go from CNA to RN?

In order to make the transition from CNA to RN, you’ll have to decide which educational path works best for you. The good news is that you already have experience in nursing education from when you earned your CNA license.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN):

If you’re looking to take your education in nursing to the next level, and you’d like to secure higher pay and a greater job outlook down the road, earning your BSN may be the best choice for you. You’ll likely be in school up to four years, and it will probably cost more than earning your ADN, but there are serious benefits to holding a BSN.

RN’s who have their BSN have higher annual wages, more job opportunities, and greater potential job growth. A large portion of employers require a BSN degree, and the majority favor BSN graduates over other nursing credentials.

Accelerated BSN Programs:

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject, an accelerated BSN program allows you to earn your BSN in as little as 12 months. These programs typically have a minimum GPA requirement but are a great option for those who are eligible.

Online RN-to-BSN Programs:

An online RN-to-BSN program is great if you’re working full-time and can’t commit to a campus-based program. The online education system has grown, with many of the online-accelerated programs allowing current RNs to obtain their BSN in one year.

CNA to RN Bridge Programs:

The fastest and most efficient way of becoming an RN is enrolling in a CNA to RN bridge program. These programs allow you to earn your associate degree in nursing (ADN) in as little as one year. Since you’ve already taken some of the required courses, the RN program completion time can be reduced. Plus, you’ve already got the foundational knowledge to help you complete the program with confidence, all while still working as a CNA.

Once you’ve picked your educational path, you’ll most likely have to complete a few general education classes. Once you’ve completed your Gen Eds, you’ll being taking courses such as anatomy, chemistry, and biology. Clinical hours are required for any RN certification but are more advanced in BSN programs.

All aspiring nurses are required to pass the RN licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. You’re eligible to take the NCLEX once you’ve completed your RN program. You must pass the exam in order to receive your license. After completing the requirements designated by your state board of nursing, and passing the NCLEX-RN, you will receive your RN license.

How Much Does a CNA to RN Program Cost?

If you’ve decided to enroll in a registered nursing program, it’s time to figure out how you’ll be paying for it. The cost of an RN program varies depending on how much educational experience you already have. An accelerated program requires less time in school, therefore less financial commitment. The cost of an accelerated program can range between $17,000 – $90,000. A four-year BSN program varies in cost depending on the type of institution, location, and program curriculum. BSN programs can cost between $40,000 and $200,000.

It can be difficult to fund your higher education, but you should know that there are options available to you. Here are some of the best ways you can fund your education:

Federal Based Student Aid (FAFSA): The U.S. Department of Education offers special loans to students with reduced interest rates and personalized repayment plans. Find out more here.
Ask your employer about continuing education assistance or work-study programs: Many employers offer tuition-reimbursement and other types of assistance in order to help you earn your RN credential while working.
Find a grant: The federal government gives out billions of dollars in grants every year. You’ll just have to do some searching and find the grant that best fits your circumstances.
Student Loans: This is a solid option for funding your education, however you’ll be paying back interest ranging from 4% -11% once you’ve completed the program.
Scholarships: Finding a scholarship that fits your circumstances may be a daunting task, but it could lead to significant financial assistance. Government sponsored scholarships allow you to earn your degree while also gaining valuable work experience. Many educational institutions offer private scholarships as well. Here at Provo College, we offer a designated CNA scholarship for those looking to further their education in nursing.

Paying for school can be difficult, and no one likes the idea of entering debt. However, obtaining your RN certification will allow you to earn significantly more money, and ultimately will be worth the financial commitment in the end. Lucky for you, there are options for you to earn your degree while still working full time as a CNA.

CNA vs. RN: Salary and Job Outlook

CNA Salary & Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of CNA’s is projected to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026. The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $28,060 in May 2018, with the highest 10% of CNA’s earning more than $41,460.

RN Salary & Job Outlook

The salary and job outlook of an RN compared to a CNA is significantly better. The BLS reports that employment of registered nurses will grow 15% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average growth of all occupations (7%).

The median annual wage for RN’s was $71,730 in May 2018, with the highest 10% earning more than $106,530. RN’s earn an average of $43,670 more annually than CNA’s, and their job outlook is greater by 4%.

An added benefit of becoming an RN in terms of job outlook is the opportunity for RN’s who have their BSN degree. Those nurses are better equipped to earn managerial or administrative roles. These positions generally provide greater pay raises and advanced job responsibilities.

Time to Take the Next Step

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to decide on your future. Making the transition from a certified nursing assistant to a registered nurse is a decision that requires a lot of commitment. There are several benefits of entering into an RN program that justify this commitment, including:

Higher annual wages
More job opportunities
Greater job security
Greater potential job growth

If you’re ready to make the next step, you can find out more about Provo College’s BSN program here.

Woman with orthopedic problem exercising with ball while physiotherapist supporting her

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

July 11, 2019/in Featured, Physical Therapy /by Alyssa Jordan

What You Need to Know About the Qualifications, Requirements, and Responsibilities of Physical Therapist Assistants

Finding a job that not only pays the bills but also satisfies your personal ambitions can be difficult. It’s important that you love what you do, so that someday your job doesn’t feel much like a “job” at all. The healthcare industry provides millions of people with redeeming careers that range in salary, schedule, and work setting.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are one of the most in-demand positions in the healthcare industry. If you’re in search of a rewarding profession in which you can help others while staying active, you should consider a career as a physical therapist assistant.

If you’re interested to learn about this rapidly growing occupation, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to become a PTA. Continue reading to find out what you need to do in order to become a PTA, as well as what makes this career so rewarding.

What Is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?

Physical therapist assistants, or PTAs, help patients recover from injury or disability. A PTA works directly under the supervision of a physical therapist; however they’re still involved with the patients directly.

In fact, this is one of the main differentiators between a “physical therapist assistant” and a “physical therapist aid.” A physical therapist aid is only given responsibilities indirectly related to the patient, such as cleaning, transporting patients, and clerical duties.

What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Do?

Physical therapist assistants have varying duties when it comes to patient care. They are members of a team dedicated to helping patients recover their strength and mobility to perform daily tasks and activities.

PTA’s assist in the treatment of patients of all ages who have medical conditions that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities. There are number of different conditions that are treated with physical therapy. Some of the most common conditions include sports-related injuries such as concussion and tennis elbow, as well as neurological conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injuries.

Some of the treatments that physical therapist assistants are authorized to conduct include massage, exercise, and electrical stimulation.

PTA’s are also responsible for obtaining and recording data regarding the patient’s treatments, and implementing changes based on that data in order to improve their journey to recovery.

How Much Do Physical Therapist Assistants Make?

One of the most promising aspects of becoming a PTA is the significant salary you can receive as soon as you land a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the reported median salary for all physical therapist assistants was $58,040. The salary of a PTA can vary, however, depending on where they are employed. For example, the BLS reports that PTA’s working in nursing care facilities make an average salary of $66,440. PTA’s working in home healthcare services make an average salary of $62,340, while PTA’s working in offices of physicians make an average salary of $54,360.

It’s evident that the career outlook for a PTA is bright, but what does it take to become one?

What Is the Job Outlook for a PTA?

Now is the perfect time to become a physical therapist assistant since career opportunities for PTA’s are growing rapidly.

According to the BLS, employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 31 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. As chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity have become more prevalent in recent years, more physical therapist assistants will be needed to manage the effects of these conditions and support patients in maintaining mobility. The BLS also reports that job prospects will be particularly prevalent where the elderly are most often treated, such as nursing homes and home health.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?

Now that you know what a PTA does, and how much they make, here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do to become one:

Step 1: Find an Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program

In order to become a PTA, you’ll need to earn an Associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program. When choosing a school to attend, it’s important to know the duration of the program, the credibility of the school, and the cost of the program.

The average length of a PTA program is typically 2 years (5 semesters). The program begins with general education courses and progresses into PT courses and clinical education. Some of the subjects that are covered throughout the curriculum include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and biomechanics. The curriculum is about 75% classroom orientated, with the remaining 25% dedicated to clinicals.

Accreditation, length, and affordability should all play a role in finding the right program for you. The only recognized accreditation for PTA programs is CAPTE, and you’ll only be able to take the licensure exam if your program is CAPTE accredited. If you lead a busy life and can’t be in class full time, many programs offer a significant portion of their curriculum online. Some other factors you should consider when researching PTA programs include campus setting, licensure pass rates, and size of college.

For those looking for in-depth data about CAPTE accredited PTA programs, they do provide some expansive information available here.

Step 2: Pass the PTA Licensing Exam

Unless you’re living in Colorado or Hawaii, you’ll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) before you can begin looking for a job. Once you’ve graduated from a PTA program, you’re eligible to apply for the exam.

It’s imperative that applicants are adequately prepared for the exam, as retakes are only allowed three times per year, and six times total. The minimum passing score for the PTA exam is a 600, with scoring ranging from 200-800. Official practice exams are available through the Practice Exam & Assessment Tool (PEAT) website. There’s also access to some sample questions on the FSBPT website available for free here.

Requirements for licensure do vary by state, so it’s important to know your states individual process. More information can be found at The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.

Step 3: Prepare Yourself for Interviewing and Begin Applying

If you’ve earned your degree, and have successfully passed your state’s licensure exam, you’re almost ready to begin your career as a PTA. However, just like any career, it’s important to polish up your skills and prepare yourself for the interviewing process. Look back at your education and work experience. If necessary, begin cultivating or enhancing the necessary skillsets that healthcare employers are seeking.

As a PTA, your communication skills should also be on full display when interviewing, as employers are looking for applicants that will be able to effectively instruct and motivate their patients. Employers are also looking for applicants that are detail oriented and possess a strong ability to multitask. You must be prepared to carefully track patient progress while simultaneously assisting many patients at one time.

Before you begin applying, you’ll also want to determine your preferred practice areas. PTA’s work in a variety of environments including hospitals, offices, nursing care facilities, in-home healthcare, and athletic organizations. While the work environment may depend on your location, it’s always helpful to narrow your search and tailor your resume to what you enjoy most.

Are You Ready to Start Your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Now that you know everything there is to know when it comes to becoming a PTA, do you feel ready to jump in? If so, you can find out more about Provo College’s PTA here. We’re ready to help you find success as a physical therapist assistant.

A Drone Could Be Your Next Co-Worker

May 14, 2019/in Featured, Nursing /by Alyssa Jordan

Robotic technology could soon change the working environment of hospitals in big, big ways. These include robots that follow doctors on rounds, robots that assist the elderly, and robots that literally lift and carry human patients so a nurse won’t risk injury while moving them.

Many of these robots are still in the testing phase and won’t be making it to your hospital halls any time soon. But the skies outside your hospital are a whole other story, and as of April, it’s no longer a test…it’s reality.

This April, for the first time in history, an organ was delivered for transplant by an unmanned drone. A patient in Baltimore, Trina Glispy, had undergone dialysis for over eight years and was in desperate need of a kidney. When one became available, Trina agreed to the drone flight—a technology that doctors and researchers believe could speed up organ delivery times, expand access to more organs, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The flight was a success, and more importantly, so was Trina’s surgery.

“This whole thing is amazing. Years ago, this was not something that you would think about,” said Ms. Glispy.

Drones have been used to make deliveries for some time now, with companies such as Amazon investing more and more into unmanned aerial deliveries, but medical supplies—living organs in particular—require much more planning and preservation than the average cardboard box.

“As a result of the outstanding collaboration among surgeons, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), engineers, organ procurement specialists, pilots, nurses and, ultimately, the patient, we were able to make a pioneering breakthrough in transplantation,” said Joseph Scalea, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery at UMSOM, project leader and one of the surgeons who performed the transplant at UMMC. “This was a complex process. We were successful because of the dedication of all of the people involved over a long period of time.”

The challenges the drone and the team of pilots faced weren’t small. First, the organ had to be constantly monitored during the flight, with updates being transmitted to both the pilots and the receiving hospital. Conditions within the cargo space had to be maintained precisely in order to prevent damage.

“When we started this project, I quickly realized there were a number of unmet needs in organ transport,” said Dr. Scalea. “For example, there is currently no way to track an organ’s location and health while in transit. Even in the modern era, human organs are unmonitored during flight. I found this to be unacceptable. Real-time organ monitoring is mission-critical to this experience.”

And the flight itself followed a course through an urban living area—a path lined with obstacles, airwave interference, and other unpredictable challenges.

“As astonishing as this breakthrough is from a purely engineering point of view, there’s a larger purpose at stake,” explains Darryll J. Pines, Ph.D., Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering and the Nariman Farvardin Professor of Aerospace Engineering. “It’s ultimately not about the technology; it’s about enhancing human life.”

As every nurse knows, any breakthrough in organ transplant and transportation is excellent news. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, there were nearly 114,000 people on organ waiting lists in 2018, and only 36,500 transplants actually performed.

Hopefully with the introduction of a better delivery system, those numbers can soon begin to improve.

If you are interested in beginning your own career as a nurse or medical assistant, Provo College can help make that dream a reality. Contact us today for more information!

The Advantages of a BSN Degree

May 10, 2019/in Featured, Nursing /by Alyssa Jordan

Have you been looking into Registered Nurse programs, or even accelerated RN programs? Maybe you’re already an RN but you’d like to advance your career. RN to BSN programs generally provide an excellent foundation for leadership roles, greater salaries, and management positions.

An article by Nurse Journal—a social community for nurses worldwide—delves into the many benefits of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Below we’ve included some of our favorites from their list!

1. Greater Salaries. According to BSNedu.org, “Registered nurses holding BSN degrees can expect to earn higher salaries than those with associate’s degrees or diplomas. This is a key factor driving increased enrollment in pre-licensure BSN programs, and is cited as the number one reason why licensed RNs return to school for RN to BSN completion programs.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) statistics from January 2014 revealed that the average salary for an RN was $66,620, while the average for BSN-educated RNs was $75,484.”

2. Wider Range of Nursing Careers. Nurse Journal’s article highlights the importance of a BSN degree. They state that a bachelor’s degree is essential when it comes to enrolling in many graduate nursing programs: “Four of the highest paying nursing jobs—nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist and clinical nurse specialist—require you to have a BSN.” They also add that a BSN degree is usually necessary if a nurse would like to move from basic clinical care to administration or teaching roles.

3. Learn More Than Clinical Skills. If you obtain a BSN, you will acquire skills beyond the basics of clinical care. BSN curriculums tend to also focus on communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. According to Nurse Journal, knowledge in each area is essential if you would like to gain higher paying jobs with added responsibilities. Nurse Journal also notes that the American Association of the Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recognizes the BSN degree as an educational requirement for professional nursing practice.

4. Provide Better Patient Care. While this isn’t always the case, generally speaking, RNs equipped with a BSN degree will likely provide better patient care. Nurse Journal explains with the following: “The AACN has collected extensive research that indicates that higher nursing education makes a major difference in clinical outcomes. Nurses with a BSN have better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and lower failure to rescue rates as well. The research also indicates that BSN holders have higher proficiency in making good diagnoses.”

5. Greater Odds of Employment at Hospitals. The American Nurses Association (ANA) awards certain nurses a “magnet” designation. This status is highly sought-after by hospitals, and one of the requirements of the designation is the education level of the nursing staff. According to Nurse Journal, the “ANA requires that 75% of nurse managers have a BSN as of Jan. 1, 2011, and 100% had to have a BSN by Jan. 1, 2013.”

6. More Opportunities for Professional Advancement. Earning a BSN degree can open your career to intriguing specialties in areas like pediatrics, gynecology, surgery, oncology, diabetes, psychiatry, etc. An RN with a BSN will no longer be limited in their opportunities for career advancement. In this increasingly competitive world, a BSN degree can only boost your chances of landing your dream job!

7. Higher Education May Be a Requirement in the Future. Another benefit of obtaining your BSN degree now is that doing so may actually become a requirement in the future. Nurse Journal elaborates on this potential prerequisite: “The Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a study on the nursing profession. It recommended that BSN holders be increased from 50% to 80% by 2020. Nurses are being strongly encouraged to get their BSN within five years of earning a diploma or an associate’s degree.

The AACN is following the recommendations of the IOM and is also making the same recommendation. As these large, respected medical institutions make these recommendations, employers in the healthcare field tend to follow them as well. This means that many healthcare employers could require that their nurses earn their BSN by 2020.”

About the BSN Program at Provo College

Provo offers a BSN program that can lead to work as a Registered Nurse in these healthcare settings, among others: complex and critical care, acute care, long-term care, community health nursing, school nursing, and home health. Of course, obtaining a BSN degree will prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

Graduates of Provo’s BSN program are fully trained in the following areas:

Patient care
Nursing fundamentals
Pharmacology
Therapeutic treatment interventions
Medical/surgical nursing
Leadership
Mental health nursing
Mother/baby and pediatric nursing
Licensure examination preparation

For more information, please contact a school representative at (801) 818-8901!

Happy National Nurses Week!

May 7, 2019/in Featured, Nursing /by Alyssa Jordan

At hospitals around the world—and here at Provo College, of course—every week is Nurses Week. When you see firsthand how hard nurses work, how many lives they touch, and how selflessly they serve, it’s next to impossible not to be in awe of these heroes in scrubs.

This week, however, the rest of the country officially joins in, and the result can mean some fun rewards and thank-you gifts…if you know where to look. Here are just a handful of the businesses officially celebrating this year:

Cinnabon – If there’s a Cinnabon near you, stop by next week for something warm, sweet, and free. As a supporter of the DAISY Foundation, helping nurses is a priority for the Cinnabon company.

MOD Pizza – Celebrate the people everyone loves (nurses) with the food everyone loves (pizza). Nurses can visit MOD Pizza on Sunday, May 12 for buy-one-get-one-free pizza and salad.

Enlightened Ice Cream – Speaking of foods everyone loves, Enlightened Ice Cream is donating free pints to nurses, celebrating those who “make the world a little brighter.” You can collect your coupon (or send one to a nurse friend) at this link.

Uniform Advantage – Food not your thing? Want something more practical? How about scrubs? Uniform Advantage is offering 50% off everything site-wide in honor of nurses. That’s all types of scrubs, brands, footwear, and accessories.

DiscountGlasses.com – If you or one of your co-workers wear glasses, this week might be a good time to grab a back-up pair. Use the code HEARTNURSES30 sometime this week for 30% your purchase. Or go here and use HEARTNURSES15 for 15% off contact lenses…if frames aren’t your thing.

Amazon – Grab one or all of these free Kindle books on nursing—we’ve seen everything from historical books to memoirs to educational texts and fiction.

Continuing Education Credits – Have a few CE credits to earn? Why not knock out a few courses for free, available this week courtesy of BAYADA.

Contests and Giveaways – Bring home something big this National Nurses week by entering one of the many Nurses Week giveaways, such as these at NerdyNurse.com. You can win anything from high-end footwear to next-gen medical equipment.

Play Some Cards – Nurses are expert card players…according to at least one now infamous politician. And one company is having some fun with the situation, by offering a free deck of cards to all nurses. However, they need some help designing the cards first—and if they pick your design, you could win a quick getaway as well.

The perks and rewards don’t stop here, so if you have a favorite chain, restaurant, store, or service, be sure and ask if they’re offering any discounts or freebies next week. Of course, none of these gifts even come close to showing the full debt of gratitude owed you, but it’s a start. So enjoy, and again…thank you!