Okay, you’re a Registered Nurse and a traveling nurse at that. You’ve pretty much hit the proverbial ceiling as far as advancement is concerned and you’re looking for a change. You’ve done all you can and there just seems to be nowhere else to go with the degree you hold. Maybe you’re comfortable with where you’re at and taking on more responsibility is not your cup of tea, or maybe it is?

In this day and age, healthcare and hospitals are under heavy scrutiny due to the nursing shortage, patient acuity and so forth. Many hospitals are feeling the pressure from these issues and are looking to hire well qualified applicants as opposed to the average RN. Not to say, all RN’s are average, by no means am I discounting the skill and knowledge many of you possess. It’s just that hospitals are looking to fill their open positions with people who are highly educated in the advancement of nursing theory. These nurses generally hold a BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and will be able to handle many different areas within the field of nursing and have distinct qualities of leadership. Furthermore, having a BSN will open the door to many other opportunities you can pursue, such as an advanced degree (nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist).

There are many programs available to you in which you can take the next step. You can either go back to school at your local university or college that have a BSN program. You can also earn the degree through many different online programs, all of which are accredited by the CCNE (Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education). Whatever you decide to do, know that opportunities will be waiting. As a traveling nurse with a BSN you will have the chance to earn more money, pick better locales and jobs for your next assignment, develop further as a professional and be groomed to become a leader in the nursing industry. So what are you waiting for?