RN vs BSN: Difference and Comparison

It is a general misunderstanding that every nurse is just the same while every nurse has a specific path, also to be the type of healthcare field in which they operate.

An RN is different from a BSN in the degree of schooling a nurse has received. Hence the sort of nurse is dictated.

This article helps one understand the distinctions between RN and BSN grades and determines which path can be preferable for an individual.

Key Takeaways

  1. RN stands for registered nurse, a nursing degree that requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam, while BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a four-year degree program.
  2. RNs can work in various healthcare settings with an associate’s degree or diploma, while a BSN is required for administrative or leadership roles in healthcare.
  3. BSN curriculum includes more advanced nursing, leadership, and general education courses than an RN degree.

RN vs BSN

An RN is a nurse who has completed an approved nursing program and has passed the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed to practice nursing. A BSN is a four-year degree program that provides a comprehensive education in nursing theory, patient care, and healthcare management.

RN vs BSN

A Registered Nurse is a specialist nurse who serves patients clinically and gives them and their family with developmental and educational help.

Their particular duties will change based on the specialization of the registered nurse. An RN may provide medications regularly and control and analyze patients. 

A BSN would be a BA in professional nursing and a four-year program for students wishing to become registered nurses or those currently enrolled in nursing and having a medical degree.

Many RNs will engage in BSN programs, from an associate’s to an undergraduate program to pursue their studies in the nursing sector.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonRNBSN
Education RequirementsOne must receive an associate degree (ADN) and operate in the health industry, underneath a specialized speciality, in sequence to become a registered nurse.A BSN seems to be another registered nursing category that is characterized by its high school status. Users have either finished a degree in nursing or have undertaken a four-year program to advance from the BSN program from their undergraduate studies in order to obtain a bachelor’s.
Salary DifferencesRN graduates get paid properly but lesser when compared to BSN graduates.The pay disparity between RN vs. BSN seems to be that BSN graduates are most probably to do anything more than RN’s graduates.
ProsOne of the advantages of being a registered nurse, including an ADN, is that one can get a degree which will allow them to take NCLEX in less timeframe than if they were going to be taking a BSN degree.Registered nurses with BSN grades have more possibilities for their work, and the salary level is also increasing because of the need for graduates of BSN.
Career OptionsRegistered nurses have a range of job prospects based on their speciality of care. Relying on their preferences, RNs can take their medical expertise and implement it in many disciplines.Among BSNs’ most prevalent jobs are paediatric, surgical, gynaecological and hospice nursing.
Which is BetterAlthough RN and BSN have various job prospects, the choice is based on personal preferences in terms of timing, professional experiences, and potential career aspirations. One earns a BSN diploma and an ADN that permits them to be recognized as either a nurse and have two years earlier, well over shorter and longer employment opportunities available.

What is RN?

A Registered Nurse is a specialist nurse who serves patients clinically and gives them and their family with developmental and educational help.

Their particular duties will change based on the specialization of the registered nurse. An RN may provide medications regularly and control and analyze patients. 

An RN could also teach patients and household members about their medical records.

In a certain healthcare area, the majority of registered nurses operate encompassing paediatrics and oncology, neonatology, as well as geriatrics, but just not restricted to them.

A registered nurse (RN) holding a bachelor’s in healthcare has more jobs than just an RN with just an associate’s in the nursing program.

A nurse also works especially with these patients for all types of medical specialities. Registered healthcare professionals also operate in many environments outside of hospitals and doctors’ workplaces.

Some RNs might choose to practice in their home, clinics, residential treatment, and ambulatory facilities.

nurse

What is BSN?

A BSN would be a BA in professional nursing and a four-year program for students wishing to become registered nurses or those currently enrolled in nursing and having a medical degree.

Many RNs will engage in BSN programs, from an associate’s to an undergraduate program to pursue their studies in the nursing sector.

Usually, a BSN degree takes 4 years and is also the benchmark for starting work in the nursing sector.

The students who are graduates in infant sciences are much more likely than those who are graduates, individuals who work in facilities, to be selected for various nursing vocations.

Individuals with such a BSN degree may go for a master’s or doctoral level to be an informer’s education or an informer’s clinician.

Completing a BSN degree gives a person an advantage over career chances accessible both within the present and the future while getting an ADN enables one to enrol as a nurse two years before you are working.

nursing students

Main Differences Between RN and BSN

  1. One must receive an associate degree (ADN) and operate in the health industry, underneath a specialized speciality, in sequence to become a registered nurse. On the other hand, a BSN is another registered nursing category characterized by its high school status. Users have either finished a degree in nursing or have undertaken a four-year program to advance from the BSN program from their undergraduate studies in order to obtain a bachelors’.
  2. RN graduates get paid properly but lesser when compared to BSN graduates, whereas the pay disparity between RN vs. BSN seems to be that BSN graduates are most probably to do anything more than RN’s graduates.
  3. One of the advantages of being a registered nurse, including an ADN, is that one can get a degree which will allow them to take NCLEX in less timeframe than if they were going to be taking a BSN degree. Registered nurses with BSN grades have more possibilities for their work, and the salary level is also increasing because of the need for graduates of BSN.
  4. Registered nurses have a range of job prospects based on their speciality of care. Relying on their preferences, RNs can take their medical expertise and implement it in many disciplines. Among BSNs’ the most prevalent jobs are paediatric, surgical, gynaecological, and hospice nursing.
  5. Although RN and BSN have various job prospects, the choice is based on personal preferences in terms of timing and professional experiences as well as potential career aspirations. One earns a BSN diploma and an ADN that permits them to be recognized as either a nurse and have two years earlier, well over shorter and longer employment opportunities available.
Difference Between RN and BSN
References
  1. https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/0148-4834-19980501-04

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

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10 thoughts on “RN vs BSN: Difference and Comparison”

  1. I think the article provides a great comparison between RN and BSN. It is important to understand the differences in order to make the best career choice for oneself.

    Reply
    • You make a valid point. Knowing the differences can help individuals make well-informed decisions about their career paths.

      Reply
  2. The comparison table provided in the article is very helpful in distinguishing the education requirements and salary differences between RN and BSN. It presents the information in a structured and organized manner.

    Reply
  3. I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the education requirements, salary differences, and career options between RN and BSN degrees. It provides a comprehensive understanding of both paths.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, the article offers a thorough analysis of the two degrees, making it easier for individuals to weigh their options based on their personal preferences and career goals.

      Reply
  4. This article fails to acknowledge the valuable contributions of RNs and seems to lean more towards promoting the BSN path. It would have been more balanced to highlight the strengths of both.

    Reply
  5. The article sheds light on the most significant differences between RN and BSN degrees. It is crucial for aspiring nurses to understand these disparities.

    Reply
  6. This is a very accurate and informative article about the differences between RN and BSN degrees. It provides a clear comparison about the two paths.

    Reply
  7. The article provides essential details about the main differences between RN and BSN, helping readers comprehend the significance of making an informed decision about their nursing career.

    Reply
  8. I find the information about the career options and the debate between which degree is better quite intriguing. It’s an important consideration for individuals entering the nursing field.

    Reply

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