One of the reasons you have returned to school may be to obtain an edge on jobs and career mobility. RNs who have clinical experience, but do not possess a BSN degree, may not apply for positions that require additional knowledge, skills, and competencies derived from baccalaureate education preparation (Parolisi, 2020). The roles and possibilities are endless. What role do you see yourself in?  We will discuss a few different roles within this section but you are encouraged to explore specialties, titles, and roles that peak your interest.

Do you see yourself as a nurse leader? Nurse managers, nursing directors, and all department-based leaders usually require a BSN degree. Do you wish to work in research, quality, or education? Clinical research nurses, quality assurance coordinators, and nurse educators all require the BSN. Is community health in your future? Public health nurses, health policy nurses, and case managers need their bachelor’s degree. In fact, most hospitals will likely require nurses to obtain their BSN degree, and having it will increase your hiring potential. To reach the “top end” of the career ladder, many organizations will also likely require the BSN. Career ladder advancement offers acknowledgment of nursing expertise, personal satisfaction, respect, and more money.

Healthcare has changed greatly over the last few decades, and nursing has grown into many new roles. Healthcare relies on technology, informatics, and medical data. Nursing informatics is an analytical science that allows nurse professionals to manage and communicate data. Nurse informatics upholds the integrity of electronic health records (EHRs) to help improve patient outcomes. A bachelor’s degree is needed to work as a nurse informaticist and to advance or take on a leadership role; earning a certification, a graduate degree, or both can be a big advantage. The average informatics nurse’s salary is $102,230 a year (Nursingprocess.org, 2022). This means that, on average, informatics nurses make $49.15 an hour and $8,520 a month. As a nurse informatics specialist, you can use your knowledge and expertise to improve healthcare technology.

Instead of dedicating their career exclusively to patient care, nurse educators are passionate about teaching and advocating for nurses. They work to instruct aspiring nurses and offer guidance, which may include training in both practical and educational settings. Nurse educators also support working registered nurses through experiential learning. They work in academic settings at nursing schools, community colleges, and technical schools along with healthcare settings. A BSN is needed to be a nurse educator for a healthcare organization, with a master’s or doctorate usually required to teach at institutions of higher education.

Forensic nurses work with law enforcement professionals to gather evidence from criminal investigations. These nurses help identify cause of death or inspect wounds and determine whether injuries are related to sexual assault, child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, or another crime. In fact, there is a division of these nurses called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). A SANE nurse will conduct a forensic examination of the patient, cataloging evidence of physical or sexual abuse. Forensic nurses can serve as expert witnesses in trials. To qualify for the role, nurses are required to have a BSN and may wish to earn an MSN in forensic nursing.

Another role nurses with a BSN might consider is becoming a nurse health coach, also known as an RN wellness coach. Nurse health coaches consult with patients one on one, guiding them to make healthy lifestyle choices. They advocate for patients, negotiating patient insurance claims and speaking with doctors on their patients’ behalf. Nurse health coaches help people establish long-term goals for health and wellness that relate not only to medicine but also to their education and careers.