Which STEM Major Should You Be?
STEM offers four similar yet different pathways to success. Find out which route you should take.
By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024
Nursing is a profession that covers a wide variety of topics in the medical field. Nurses are vital to the medical profession as they work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, emergency services, and more. There are also some nurses who work in specialized fields, such as oncology. They are care professionals who have hard jobs each and every day, and they have tons of unique skills that they hone while they’re in nursing school. Some nurses go for an MSN program, while others go for an online nursing school.
If you’re interested in joining the nursing profession, you’ll first need a nursing degree. There are different types of nursing degrees, so which one would be best for you? Should you go for a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or would you benefit from a master’s degree? Take this quiz, and you can begin to understand which degree in nursing does what.
Nursing Degree
Nursing degrees help people earn the job title of a nurse. There are multiple degrees that can help you achieve that, but there is a lot of schooling that needs to be finished. There are nursing degree programs such as a licensed practical nurse, bachelor of science in nursing, master's degree in nursing, certified nursing assistant, and an associate degree in nursing.
Becoming a registered nurse or being able to teach others in nursing is based on the level of degree you have. Whether you want a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctor of nursing practice degree, you can reach different levels in the profession. Studying for two years, four years, part-time, or full-time are all options. Finding nursing degrees to help you reach your career goals is flexible.
Which Nursing Degree Should I Get?
Embarking on a nursing career is like strapping in for the most thrilling roller coaster at the theme park—exciting, rewarding, and with a ton of paths that twist and turn! So, you've got your scrubs ready and your stethoscope hanging around your neck, but you're standing at the crossroads of Nursing Degrees wondering which path to take. Fret not! We're here to unravel the mystery of whether you should go for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or step up the game with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) that might make you the Hermione Granger of the nursing world.
Now, let's talk registered nurse (RN) alley. It's like the main attraction—everyone wants to get on this ride. Getting your RN status could be your express ticket to the nursing career of your dreams, and it comes with options! You can dive in with an ADN or leap towards a BSN—either way, you're in for a career that's as impactful as a drop tower ride is spine-tingling. Each degree has its charm, and whether you want a quick entry into nursing or aim for leadership roles, there's a tailored hat for every nursing head.
Before you flip a coin or consult your horoscope, remember that we at BrainFall have your back with a quiz that's more fun than a hospital-themed party game. Our quiz is designed to guide you through the nursing degree maze with the elegance of a nurse in comfy sneakers. So, are you ready to discover which nursing degree is the heartbeat match for you? Let's find out and have a chuckle or two along the way!
The Alphabet Soup of Nursing Degrees
Navigating the world of nursing degrees is like decoding a bowl of alphabet soup. Each letter and acronym represents a unique flavor of the nursing education experience. Ready to dip in your spoon?
ADN vs. BSN: The Dynamic Duo
We’ve got two primary contenders in the foundational realm: the ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Think of the ADN as your fast pass to nursing—about two years, and you're in scrubs, ready for action. But if you aim to sling on a cape and soar, the BSN degree steps it up, adding a sprinkle of leadership and community health.
- ADN: Your quick ticket to the nursing field.
- BSN: A four-year journey that can unlock doors to management roles.
MSN and DNP: Climbing Higher
Craving more credentials? The MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) is your stairway to advanced practice, education, or even health policy roles. But why stop there? Aim for the stars with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), where you break through the atmosphere, snagging the most stellar of nursing roles!
- MSN: A graduate-level degree for those aiming higher in the nursing universe.
- DNP: The ultimate degree for nurses who want to reach the zenith of practice-based nursing excellence.
Specialized Programs for the Ambitious Types
For the go-getters, specialized bridge programs like RN-to-BSN or accelerated BSN programs are the warp zones of nursing ed. Want to balance life while levelling up? Online nursing degree options have got you covered! And for the truly ambitious, graduate school waits with open arms, heralding your arrival into the highest echelons of nursing education.
- Accelerated programs: For those in a hurry to don the nursing cap.
- Bridge programs: Seamless transitions from one degree to the next without missing a beat.
- Online degrees: Learn in your PJs, because why not?
And remember, fellow quiz takers, whether you choose to dip your toes or dive headlong into the nursing world, each degree is a stepping stone to a fantastic career in healthcare. So what'll it be? Take our quiz on BrainFall to find out which nursing degree could be your golden ticket!
Plotting Your Nursing Quest: Career Paths and Treasure Chests
Ahoy future health care heroes! As we embark on this grand adventure of deciding which nursing degree to pursue, let us be your trusty compass. From securing your RN licensure to knowing your worth in gold (aka salary), we’ll navigate through choppy waters to the bountiful lands of nursing specializations. Let's hoist the sails and set a course for success!
Map to the Treasure: RN Licensure and Getting Certified
Getting that precious RN title is like unlocking the first big chest of gold! First, we need to conquer the NCLEX-RN, a rite of passage for all would-be nurses. After locking in a nursing degree, like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), we are set to challenge the NCLEX-RN and emerge as a licensed RN. This golden ticket opens up worlds of opportunities, from being a travel nurse to a heroic nurse on the front lines at a nursing home.
X Marks the Job: Labor Statistics, Salaries, and Growth Opportunities
Shiver me timbers, job opportunities in nursing are as vast as the ocean! The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts strong job outlook for nurses, with growth expected to be faster than the average for all occupations. Aye, job security looks promising, mateys! Depending on your rank, from newly minted RN to seasoned Nurse Practitioner (NP), nursing roles offer different levels of earning potential. Annual salaries can vary widely, with Registered Nurses hoarding a median annual salary of around $75,000, while Nurse Anesthetists rake in a treasure of over $175,000!
Navigating Specializations: Choose Your Own Adventure
Arrr! The voyage doesn’t end there. You can chart your course to numerous nursing specialties, or what we like to call, "choosing your own adventure." Yearn for high stakes? Consider becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). If passing on knowledge is what you fancy, then maybe taking on the mantle of a Nurse Educator is your destined port. Or perhaps you're eyeing the helm? You could steer your career towards becoming a Nurse Administrator. Want a taste of variety? The life of a Travel Nurse might be the treasure you seek!
Navigating through the sea of nursing careers is thrilling, and each choice leads to its own trove of rewards. Weigh anchor and set sail, my friends—the world of nursing awaits!
