Nursing

Why You Should Get a BSN in Florida

NursingDecember 22, 2013

 

Have you thought of earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in Florida? Florida is a beautiful and incredibly diverse state. It is an exciting place to live and work for an individual pursuing this degree program.

Florida has long been a sought after as a retirement destination for the nation's aging population due to its warm weather and low cost of living. Individuals over the age of 65 make up eighteen percent of the population of Florida, almost one-fifth of the entire state. As they age, these individuals will require the services of well-trained nurses. A BSN will prepare you to provide complex care to a population that is prone to multiple co-morbidities.

While this degree is not required to practice as a nurse in Florida, it is one of the avenues to become a registered nurse. Additionally, when employers are looking to hire nurses into advanced positions, such as managers and supervisors, they prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor's degree rather than an associate degree in nursing.

To obtain a BSN in Florida, you should have at least earned a high school diploma or GED. Then, you should begin looking for a school that is in your area that has a relevant program. Many programs are available in Florida that can help you achieve your educational goals.

BSN programs in Florida will consist of the prerequisites for the nursing program, such as math, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and nutrition as well as English and chemistry. Upon beginning the actual nursing program, you will learn more about nursing theory, including infection control, caring for patients in different populations and pharmacology. In addition to classroom learning, clinical experiences will utilize students' classroom knowledge, as they work with real patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

If you already have an associate degree in nursing, RN-to-BSN programs offer more flexible options for working nurses. Many programs are entirely online, and can pave the way for you to obtain more advanced degrees such as a master's degree or doctorate degree.

A BSN in Florida is much like those of other states, which require you to complete the necessary program as well as pass the licensing exam: the NCLEX-RN. You will also have to pass a background check and get fingerprint clearance. Florida's procedure for this is different from other states, as it uses an automated system rather than paper fingerprints.

Earning your bachelor's degree in nursing in Florida is an excellent way to start your career as a registered nurse or to continue on your career pathway. It can open doors to a number of opportunities that may not be available to you without it.

Photo Source: Flickr

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Tags: LPN, nursing