Role of BSN Nurses in the Healthcare System
BSN nurses are highly educated healthcare professionals who are trained to provide a wide range of patient care services. They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with a variety of medical conditions. BSN nurses also work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care, promote health and wellness, and prevent disease.
Comparison of BSN vs. ADN Degrees
BSN and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are both pathways to becoming a registered nurse, but there are some key differences between the two. BSN programs are typically four-year programs that provide a more comprehensive education in nursing theory, research, and clinical practice. ADN programs are typically two-year programs that focus more on basic nursing skills and clinical experience. While both BSN and ADN nurses can provide direct patient care, BSN nurses are often seen as more qualified to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
Settings Where BSN Nurses Work
BSN nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, and public health departments. They can also work in non-traditional settings such as schools, correctional facilities, and research institutions. BSN nurses may specialize in a particular area of nursing such as critical care, pediatrics, oncology, or geriatrics.
BSN Salary in Arkansas
The median salary for a BSN nurse in Arkansas is $70,844 per year. This is based on the most recent published data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The entry salary for a recent BSN graduate is typically lower, around $62,057 per year. However, with experience, BSN nurses can earn significantly more.
The average salary for a nursing manager in Arkansas is $92,551 per year.
Here is a breakdown of the average BSN nurse salary in Arkansas by experience level:
- Entry level
- $62,057 per year
- Mid-career
- $79,916 per year
- Experienced
- $92,551 per year
- Nursing manager
- $113,019 per year
The salary for a BSN nurse in Arkansas can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, education, and experience. However, BSN nurses in Arkansas generally earn a good salary and have the potential to earn even more with experience.
Here are some additional factors that can affect the salary of a BSN nurse in Arkansas:
Location: The salary for a BSN nurse can vary depending on the location of the job. Nurses in urban areas typically earn more than nurses in rural areas.
Education: BSN nurses with advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, typically earn more than nurses with a bachelor’s degree.
Experience: BSN nurses with more experience typically earn more than nurses with less experience.
Certifications: BSN nurses with certifications in specialized areas, such as critical care or pediatrics, typically earn more than nurses without certifications.
Salary Differences between ADN vs. BSN
BSN nurses typically earn higher salaries than ADN nurses due to their advanced education and training. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a BSN nurse in Arkansas is around $63,000 per year, while the average salary for an ADN nurse is around $56,000 per year.
Demographic Breakdowns by Total Number of Nurses
According to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, there are currently around 36,000 licensed nurses in Arkansas. Of these, around 24,000 are registered nurses (RNs) and around 12,000 are licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The vast majority of nurses in Arkansas are female, with only around 8% of RNs and 5% of LPNs being male.
Age Distribution and Average Amount of Experience
The age distribution of nurses in Arkansas varies, with the largest age group being those between the ages of 35 and 54. The average amount of experience for RNs in Arkansas is around 12 years, while the average amount of experience for LPNs is around 8 years.
BSN Nursing Programs in Arkansas
If you’re interested in pursuing a BSN degree in Arkansas, here are some programs to consider:
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- tuition
- enrollment
- rankings
Arkansas State University (Jonesboro)
Harding University (Searcy)
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
University of Central Arkansas (Conway)
Arkansas Tech University (Russellville)
Henderson State University (Arkadelphia)
Ouachita Baptist University (Arkadelphia)
Southern Arkansas University (Magnolia)