Earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can significantly impact your nursing career, helping you transition into more advanced roles that not only enhance your earning potential but also offer avenues for personal and professional growth.

In the nursing profession, career advancement is not about climbing the corporate ladder — it’s about unlocking opportunities that align with your passions, skills, and aspirations.

Why should you advance your career in nursing?

Nurses with advanced degrees often have higher salaries, reflecting their more specialized skills and expertise, as well as their extra time spent in school. By pursuing an MSN or BSN, you can put yourself in a similar position, striving for financial growth and stability in your career.

In nursing, advancement also opens the doors to more diverse roles in management and administration. Whether you want to lead a department, educate future nurses, or specialize in a specific area of patient care, an advanced nursing degree can set you apart when pursuing professional goals.

Advanced practice roles also empower nurses to make more autonomous decisions and take on greater responsibilities in patient care. Increased autonomy comes with the opportunity to shape healthcare delivery, advocate for patients, and drive positive change within healthcare systems.

How to advance your nursing career

By allowing yourself to continue learning and developing professionally, you can broaden your expertise and elevate your career opportunities. Also, staying up to date on industry developments can help you develop fresh new skills.

It is also important to set goals. Define your career aspirations so you can create a plan to achieve them. Whether you aim to climb up to a leadership position, specialize in a particular area of nursing, or pursue further education, setting clear and achievable goals is key to charting your career path.

For registered nurses seeking to advance their education, Goodwin University offers an online BSN completion program that provides a flexible path to various advancement opportunities in nursing.

Level up your nursing career at Goodwin University!

Advancement opportunities for nurses with a BSN

Nurses who have a BSN can pursue various career paths in healthcare. They have the skill set to become charge nurses, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse supervisors overseeing patient care. Additionally, BSN-prepared nurses can specialize in areas of nursing that other nurses might not qualify for, like psychiatric mental health, pain management, perioperative, pediatric, or oncology nursing.

These roles offer benefits such as increased responsibility and specialization but may require additional education, credentialing, and experience. Pursuing further education, like a Master of Science in Nursing, can enhance career prospects and lead to advanced practice and leadership roles.

Advancement opportunities for nurses with an MSN

There are many advancement opportunities for nurses with MSN degrees as well. Many diverse career paths are available, plus executive roles like Chief Nursing Officer or Quality Improvement Director. Nurses in these positions can focus on enhancing patient care quality and the healthcare delivery processes. Positions such as Director of Clinical Services or Hospital Administrator offer opportunities to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage healthcare facilities effectively.

Additionally, MSN-prepared nurses can hold positions as Nurse Managers, Nurse Educators, Population Health Specialists, or Nurse Administrators. These roles involve overseeing nursing units, educating future nurses, improving community health outcomes, and managing healthcare organizations.

Nurses with an MSN typically earn 56% more than those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), highlighting the increased earning potential and leadership opportunities associated with advanced education in nursing.

Pursuing an MSN opens doors to fulfilling career paths where nurses can lead change, drive innovation, and make a significant impact on patient care.

Nursing career resources at Goodwin

Goodwin University offers a comprehensive suite of career resources tailored to help nursing students advance their careers:

Dedicated Nursing Career Advisors: Students benefit from personalized guidance and support from experienced nursing career advisors who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the nursing profession.
Clinical Placement Assistance: Goodwin University assists students in securing clinical placements, providing valuable hands-on experience in healthcare settings, and creating connections with potential employers.
Continuing Education and Certification Support: The university offers a range of advanced degree programs to help nurses enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, pursue certifications, and stay current with industry standards and advancements.
Nursing Community Networking: Students have access to networking events, workshops, and online communities where they can connect with industry professionals to expand their professional network and explore career opportunities.
Access to Nursing Job Postings: Goodwin University provides access to a wide range of nursing job postings and career opportunities, enabling students to explore and apply for positions that specifically align with their career goals and aspirations.
Alumni Support and Resources: Upon graduation, students can join a strong alumni network that offers ongoing support, mentorship, and resources to aid in their career advancement and professional development.

In short, there are advancement opportunities available to nurses, from specialized roles with a BSN to executive positions with an MSN. Advancing your career with a master’s level degree offers higher earning potential, increased leadership opportunities, and expanded career paths, making it an attractive option for nurses seeking the ultimate upward mobility and professional growth.

We encourage nurses to consider pursuing an MSN to unlock these benefits and propel their careers forward. Investing in further education and professional development not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to improved patient care outcomes and healthcare system advancements.

Take the next step in your nursing career journey. Learn about Goodwin’s flexible, online nursing programs for RNs seeking to advance their careers.