The journey into the nursing profession is no small commitment. Long hours, intense classes, post-graduate examinations, and plenty of hours of practical work all lead up to a deeply rewarding but challenging career. Regardless of which educational path or department is chosen, nurses have plenty of opportunity to transfer to different departments, learn new skills, and advance in their careers. With those advancements comes even more opportunities for greater impact and fulfillment in life and career.
For any person considering such a trajectory or just wanting to earn a bit more money, or just push themselves to earn a DNP, here are some educational paths and tips to help maximize earning potential as a nurse.
Educational Options
Becoming a Registered Nurse
For those who have earned their place as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LNP) the next step in education and career standing is to become a Registered Nurse, or “RN”. This can be done through completing an associate’s degree in a nursing program. That prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX which, once passed, means that student is legally able to be employed as an RN.
Bachelors of Science in Nursing
For those persons who have become an RN by completing their Associates Degree in Nursing, the next educational step is to go on to earn their Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). Nurses who have completed their BSN earn, on average, around $16,000 more per year than those with an Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN) who take home around $70,000 on average.
In addition to more pay, BSN nurses have become the most requested standard for entry level positions. While around 40% of employers actually require candidates to have earned their BSN, over 80% of employers definitely prefer this experience, which makes it an obvious and sound decision when attempting to secure employment.
There is a good reason for this: The National Academy of Medicine has made a strong position in recommending that about 80% of all nurses across the nation complete their BSN. Their reasoning? BSN educated nurses are associated with consistent care that demonstrates itself in lower mortality rates and patient experiences.
A little-known point that is associated with BSN earners is that this educational standing also leads to additional control and preference for certain lifestyle standards in career. For those that have earned their BSN though, it can increase the amount of leverage and say when it comes to negotiating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
A Master of Science in Nursing
As with most other fields of study, once a bachelor’s degree is completed, the only real path educationally beyond that is to earn a masters. A Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) tends to elaborate on the previous skills and knowledge covered in BSN programs but with the added emphasis on nursing leadership technique, management, and educational opportunities.
Regardless of what career is eventually landed, MSN typically earn more and have more chances for advancement and high paying careers.
Other Ways to Increase Earning Potential as a Nurse
Night Shift Work
This is definitely not the most glamorous or comfortable way to make more money, but it is definitely one of the easiest and quickest ways to do so. Night shift work tends to garner a $1-3 dollar an hour wage increase, sometimes even a percentage increase. For those that can physically stomach and push through the awkward hours that are hard on the body and regular social life, the extra cash can be a nice reward.
Additional Certifications
Specialty certifications can be found and earned in a variety of fields. For anyone who may just be a little bored of the same old routines, or just looking to stay sharp and learn some new things, additional certifications are a wonderful way to contribute to one’s resume and experience levels while learning plenty of new skills.
Being that there is no limit to the number of certifications that one can earn, there is no set path or order in which certifications can be done.
Per Diem Shifts
A Per diem Shift— Latin for “per day” — is an easy way to make more money by picking up extra shifts especially if the current employer does not allow for overtime work. Additionally, the wages as a per diem worker will be higher since there are no benefits given.
Photo Credit
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
Please Share Your Thoughts - Leave A Comment!