Make a Difference
Many people find nursing a rewarding second career. The nursing profession is satisfying not only because of its favorable career outlook, but because nurses have the chance to make a profound impact in the lives of others.
Nursing Job and Salary Outlook
The job outlook for nurses continues to be favorable in 2024. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for registered nurses (RNs) is growing faster than average at a rate of 6% between 2022 and 2032. This means that over the decade, an additional 177,400 nursing jobs are expected, with an average of 193,100 openings each year.
Salary statistics are also advantageous for this career choice. In May 2022, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,220 for RNs, with the upper 10% earning more than $129,400 annually.
ABSN Nurses Can Positively Impact Nursing Shortages
The pandemic has emphasized the need for qualified, compassionate nurses. Many factors, including the impact of COVID-19, have compounded an already critical nursing shortage. These shortages have put the lives and safety of the general public at risk. As many as 1.2 million nurses will be needed to meet the current shortage needs projected for 2030, according to the University of St. Augustine for Health Science.
Nurses have always been on the front lines helping thousands of people heal and regain strength after illness or injury. Accelerated nursing programs can put nurses into the workforce in as little as 12 months, helping to fill the gap of these bedside vacancies.
Ways Nurses Make a Difference
Nurses make incredible contributions to the well-being of their patients and communities. Routine job duties regularly land nurses at the forefront of the patient experience with compassionate interactions and proficient clinical skills that can save lives. Remarkable ways nurses make a difference every day include:
- Empowering patients and families to make informed healthcare decisions
- Managing pain and providing comfort through end-of-life care
- Applying technological innovation to monitor chronic conditions effectively
- Visiting older adults in home settings to assess for safety and promote independence
Delivering Quality Care for Patients and Families
Nurses work to make a substantial difference in the daily lives of their patients. Through professional communication and care coordination, nurses are central to an interdisciplinary team that allows for a holistic approach to health and wellness. Job responsibilities of a nurse that contribute to quality care outcomes include:
- Safe medication administration
- Assessment and monitoring for changes in patient health status
- Education and training to help families manage the care of their loved ones
- Maintaining awareness of research findings for evidence-based practice
Quality care is more than providing skilled nursing for physical conditions. When emotionally challenging situations arise, nurses are trained to provide psychological support and respect for their patients' and families' spiritual and cultural needs.
Providing Emotional Support
According to Mental Health America, mental illness affects over 50 million Americans. Nurses may choose to specialize in psychiatric care and collaborate with community mental health professionals to ensure patients have access to the emotional support and resources they need. Other ways nurses provide emotional support include:
- Actively listening to patients and families
- Helping develop coping strategies for difficult experiences
- Facilitating conversation by creating safe spaces for emotional expression
- Approaching serious topics with patience and sensitivity
Nurses who provide information clearly and honestly can help alleviate anxiety surrounding a new diagnosis or care plan. Referrals to support groups can also make a difference when a nurse identifies an opportunity for advocacy.
Advocating for Patients
Ethics and integrity are essential for nurses to provide excellent care. Nurses continually uphold the best interests of their patients and families by helping them understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives to a medical intervention so they can make informed decisions. Additionally, nurses assess for decision-making capacity and provide support to vulnerable populations such as:
- Children and the elderly
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with cognitive impairment and/or mental illness
- Individuals with low health literacy or language barriers
When referrals are needed to outside sources, nurses advocate for patients and families by facilitating these connections. Sometimes this means making a phone call to coordinate a transfer of care or to help a person initiate their involvement within a supportive community group. Nurses might also help arrange transportation for individuals to adequately access the assistance they need.
Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Nurse Today
Earning your BSN degree through enrollment in one of the available online ABSN programs is an exciting step toward your future nursing career. Our accelerated BSN programs offer:
- Clinical placement assistance and student support
- Fast completion timelines of approximately 12 to 16 months
- Competitive tuition
12-16
months to complete the coursework
100%
online coursework with 1-3
on-campus assessment(s)
40h
per week of scheduled classes and studying time
86K
is the average annual salary
of a registered nurse
Online ABSN Features
For Bachelor’s Degree Owners
Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are structured specifically for people who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a separate field.
Get Started in Nursing Sooner
An ABSN program can be completed in anywhere from 12 to 18 months. That’s less than half the time of a traditional BSN program and is one of the defining features of an ABSN.
Make a Difference
Nurses make incredible contributions to the well-being of their patients and communities with compassionate interactions and proficient clinical skills that can save lives.
Online Delivery Model
While there may be some required login times, all coursework is completed 100% online, which allows for greater flexibility for students with families or other responsibilities.
Do note, however, that these programs consist of a full-time plan of study and cannot be completed at your own pace.
In-person Clinical Training
This key component of the program can be arranged to occur close to the student’s place of residence. The only other in-person component of an online ABSN program is the on-campus residency/skills assessment, which typically occurs just once or twice throughout the program.
Robust Student Support
Most online ABSN programs offer robust support options to help students succeed, including a dedicated student success advisor and assistance with finding a suitable clinical placement site and preceptor.
Frequently Asked Question
Although the online degree format requires in-person clinical training and at least one skills residency on campus, the coursework can be completely 100% online. This remote coursework option eliminates the time and cost it takes to get to class and may be particularly appealing for students who have families or other responsibilities. As well, the clinical training component of an online BSN program can be arranged to occur near the student’s home, whereas in a traditional model, it occurs near the school.
Both programs are high-intensity, full-time educational experiences that include a clinical component. The main difference is the delivery method (online coursework versus in-person coursework). Many learners prefer online coursework to in-person coursework because study periods are more flexible.
ABSN programs are of the same educational caliber as their traditional BSN counterparts, which is why they confer the same degree. The coursework is rigorous and relevant to today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Student Experience
“Everything is done with a purpose, and you feel that you’re doing everything you need to learn for the NCLEX and to be a good nurse.”
C. Tomlin, Rockhurst University
Get Started on Your New Career