For this reason, many career starters and job changers are choosing to pursue Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Masters of Science in Nursings (MSN) degrees in Nursing as the next step forward in their education and professional development. While either degree option can equip you with the knowledge and training you need to succeed and advance within the nursing profession, there are some key differences that you should consider before selecting the program that’s best for you. Determining the right path forward will also depend on your unique background, personal circumstances, and career goals, but luckily, we’re here to walk you through the process!

To help you make an informed decision regarding your nursing education, we’ve compiled a list of the key differences between BSN vs. MSN programs and what you should consider before you enroll. Read on for our helpful tips.

1. Program Length & Degree Type

A BSN program means that you will earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree upon graduating. Increasingly considered to be the recommended entry-level education for professional nurses, BSN degree programs come in a couple of different types:

• Standard four year Bachelor’s degree programs
• BSN programs, like Joyce’s Accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in around nine semesters—with no prior education or nursing experience required.
• RN-BSN degree completion programs, which enable working registered nurses to complete a Bachelor’s degree on a faster timeline. For example, Joyce’s RN to BSN program can be completed online in as little as one year—allowing you to continue working while you pursue your undergraduate degree.

Related Resource: Top 4 Benefits of a Blended Learning Accelerated BSN Program

An MSN program will award you with a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree upon graduating. Similar to BSN programs, MSN programs come in a couple of different types:

• Standard MSN programs, which require you to earn a 4 year BSN degree first and then, complete an additional 3 years of post-graduate study.
• BSN-MSN programs, which are designed to help working RNs earn a Master’s degree in 2-4 years, depending on if you will be a full- or part-time student.

2. Curriculum

Regardless of whether you choose an accelerated or non-accelerated format, BSN programs are designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for working in a wide range of nursing roles, focusing on the study of anatomy and physiology, biology, pharmacology, and psychology. In addition, BSN programs will also include coursework that teaches technical skills like data gathering and statistics, as well as more holistic skill-building in critical thinking, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. A BSN program will often conclude with a capstone project that synthesizes research and analysis on a topic of your choosing, as well as a prep course for the NCLEX-RN (the exam you must pass in order to become licensed as a registered nurse).

Compared to a BSN program, the MSN curriculum is designed to provide prospective and current nurses with more advanced training and specialization—equipping graduates with a higher level of nursing expertise. While a BSN program focuses on more generalized patient care, MSN programs build on that knowledge by combining hands-on treatment with critical thinking skills, experience with evidence-based practice, and a deeper exploration into the needs and characteristics of different patient populations. This comprehensive approach can help better prepare nurses to lead, teach, and excel in more focused areas of patient care.

For example, in Joyce’s MSN program, we place an emphasis on global population health and case management—empowering our graduates to make a greater impact on diverse communities, improving patients’ management of chronic diseases, and helping reduce the overall need for acute care and hospitalizations.

3. Career Opportunities

According to the (BLS), employment of registered nurses is predicted to grow by 12% between 2018-2028, compared to just 5% growth for all other occupations. That means that regardless of the nursing degree you choose to pursue, you can expect a solid baseline when it comes to job security and growth. However, career opportunities in the nursing field increase substantially in relation to your level of education.

The (AAMC) has predicted that there will be a massive shortage of doctors, anywhere from 46,900-121,900 by the year 2032. This translates to an increased demand for nurses who can help bridge the gap with advanced and specialized skillsets, like those with MSN degrees. In addition, aggregated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) have shown that better educated nurses can improve overall clinical outcomes, which is why nurses with a BSN degree or higher are often considered better equipped to tackle the evolving demands of the nursing profession.

Beyond serving in basic clinical settings, BSN-prepared nurses are also qualified to work in ICUs, palliative care, medical and pharmaceutical sales, as nursing administrators and educators, and many more roles. MSN-prepared nurses can pursue high-paying specializations like anesthesia, midwifery, and with additional training, can even become a certified Nurse Practitioner—fulfilling almost all of the roles traditionally served by a family doctor.

Related Resource: 5 Nursing Specialties That Require a BSN Degree

4. Earning Potential

Unsurprisingly, your earning potential as a nurse also increases with your education level. That’s because more advanced degrees can qualify you for higher paying nursing positions and specialties. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nursing can also enable you to advance in your career faster compared to degrees at the Associate’s level.

According to , nurses with BSN degrees earn an average salary of $75,484, while nurses with an MSN and a high degree of specialization like nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists can bring home average salaries of well over $100,000 a year. Even if you have already invested in some previous education, taking the time to pursue a more advanced degree can, in some cases, nearly double your earning potential—making it well worth your time and effort.

Related Resources: 15 Highest Paying Nursing Jobs

5. Tuition Costs

Many circumstances can influence the total cost of achieving a nursing degree, including how much of the program is campus-based vs. online, whether or not it can be totally or partially completed while working in the field, and a student’s current level of nursing experience and education.

Costs can also vary greatly depending on which institution you choose. At Joyce, you can expect to pay $75,300 based on 120 program credit hours for our pre-licensure BSN program and $18,816 credit hours for our MSN program.

6. Learn More 51cg Our BSN and MSN Programs

At 51cg, we’re proud to offer multiple nursing degree paths in order to serve students with a wide range of educational backgrounds, experience levels, and career goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change careers, Joyce is here to provide the high-quality education needed to help you achieve your goals.

For those new to the healthcare field, our accelerated BSN program offers an faster path towards a successful nursing career. You’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam in just 20 months and upon passing, can start working in the field as registered nurse. Then, you choose to complete your MSN degree online, you can complete it in as little as 1 year or opt for part-time schedule so you can earn income as an RN while advancing your education.

For licensed RNs looking to advance their career, improve their skillsets, and increase their earning potential, Joyce also offers an RN-to-BSN degree completion program that can be completed 100% online. You can choose to complete it in one year or take up for three for the same affordable, fixed cost.

1. Blended Learning Structure

This isn’t the traditional college experience. It’s better. Students entering a Nursing program or OTA program will undergo a blended approach to learning, combining online coursework with in-person skills development.

Depending on the program you choose, your in-person learning will often take place during your labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. Throughout your time at Joyce, our dedicated Cohort Coordinator will organize student learning teams to help you coordinate your in-person learning with your schedule. They’ll facilitate student appreciation, cohort meetups, and specialized events specific to our students. This means that while you may not be located near your fellow classmates, you’ll have the same opportunity to connect and begin building a meaningful and lasting peer network.

Joyce students are encouraged to participate in student council, regional and international clinical trips, and service projects that we organize for the community such as blood drives, to create and maintain peer connections that will last beyond your college experience.

Each in-person session is designed to advance your nursing or OTA skills. On campus, we apply hands-on skill development that reinforces information learned in your online classes, enabling you to make the most of your meaningful time. This hands-on training will ensure both a quality education and the confidence to enter the nursing field.

Distance students interested in enrolling in programs that require travel to the Draper Campus for skill development can learn more about travel requirements and how financial aid may be used to cover the cost of travel to cover expenses on the program page under residency requirements.

2. Campus Location

Our nursing program is based in Draper, Utah, conveniently close to both Trax and FrontRunner stations, and a ride down Interstate 15 from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Our facilities reflect a student-centric culture to set you up for success. With student lounges, private study rooms, and snack areas, we’re here to help make your learning experience impactful and affordable.

Rather than directing your tuition costs towards an elaborate ecosystem of buildings, our emphasis in campus life at Joyce is on student outcomes and clinical skills training. We keep labs and simulation class sizes small to guarantee personalized instruction, so that you graduate from your program ready to practice safe, quality care. You won’t blend in or fall behind. As a student in our healthcare program, you will have every opportunity to ensure that you achieve the standard of excellence our proud alumni have set.

Check out our Campus Map to get directions to our physical campus in Draper, Utah.

3. Nursing Simulation Center

Campus life at Joyce will give you the competitive edge for job placement and advancement in the field of nursing. While much of our programs (ASN, BSN, aBSN, RN to BSN & MSN) are online, labs and clinicals are a vital part of your education. Our state-of-the-industry nursing simulation center offers high-fidelity robotic patients, life-like synthetic cadavers, and realistic hospital settings, all to establish your relevancy as a nursing professional.

Your immersive skills labs will take place in a safe, controlled environment so that you feel prepared for real-world nursing experience on day one. At Joyce, our efforts to support outcome-centered care make our graduates highly effective nursing and healthcare professionals.

You can read more about the Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation to understand how the realistic clinical atmosphere will contribute to your nursing education.

4. Library and Student Resource Center

Our students can expect learning support resources right where they need them. You’ll find all the study materials and spaces you need on campus, within walking distance of your classes, so you have a place to work free from distractions. When you’re at home, we also have an online library with a 24-hour helpline. Flexibility is integral to our programs so that as you begin the steps towards a career in nursing, you feel both welcomed and empowered.

Our Center for Teaching and Learning is equipped with expert tutors who will empower your education and help you develop the study skills and learning techniques to retain and apply the concepts you’ll need to master as you progress through your program.

An added bonus? Our student support also includes a team of Cohort Coordinators to guide our students in administrative needs. Whether you need help with arranging travel, study sessions, or team building exercises with your cohort, you’ll be connected with quality assistance to make your learning experience as impactful as possible.

Would you like to learn more about life on campus? Are you ready to enroll?

There’s no magic bullet, but here are five techniques to improve your long-term sleeping habits as a nurse.

1. Establish a sleep routine

As humans, we find patterns comforting because we know what’s coming next; in this case, the end of the line is sleep town. Creating an evening routine is especially helpful for nurses who may have variable schedules and work night shifts.

The activities you choose to include in your routine don’t have to be closely tied to sleep, like drinking a warm glass of milk, for example. Choose a series of actions that can be done at any time of day. For instance, take a bath, read a book, sketch, listen to music, or feed your cat. The key is to find two or three quiet activities that you find soothing and might look forward to. , and do it in the same order each evening to set the pattern. Before you know it, you’ll be relaxed and sleeping like a baby in no time!

Related Resource: 5 Great Things 51cg Night Shift Nurses

2. Exercise before your shift

Regular exercise is always a top tip for staying healthy, and it’s true for sleep health as well. We emphasize this to all our ASN degree and BSN degree students, especially those preparing for their first night shifts. But don’t wait until the evening sets in to hit the gym or go for a bike ride.

• Ride your bike to the clinic, hospital, or bus stop.
• Go for a fast-paced walk during a shift break (even a few minutes can add up).
• Take the stairs, not the elevator.
• Get up 20 minutes early and go for a run or brisk walk.

If you do have time for a workout, planking and calf raises are particularly helpful for nurses. Regular exercise may be the very best way to welcome a good night’s rest.

Related resource: These Are Time Management Skills Every New Nurse Needs

3. Watch your diet

Exercise is a no-brainer, but certain foods can also be a recipe for a restless night. . Pizza (sorry!) is a big offender. The high acidity of tomato sauce can irritate your stomach and keep you up; that goes for orange juice, too. We know sugary cereal is a great late-night snack, but sadly, sugar affects your sleep, with a glucose spike and subsequent crash. Spicy foods like tacos can also disrupt slumber.

If your stomach won’t stop grumbling, try foods that are high in protein like hardboiled eggs. Low-fat dairy like cottage cheese is also a good one to keep on hand. Cherries contain natural serotonin, and avocado has essential magnesium. Like exercise, you’ll want to snack at least an hour before bedtime, since eating anything right before bed can keep you up.

Related Resource: 50 Self-Care Ideas for Nurses to Recharge on Days Off

4. Write it down

Being physically fatigued is one thing, but when your mind is spinning in circles, it can be hard to stop. Anxiety about the day’s events — a tense exchange with a coworker or the dreaded, “Did I forget to do x, y, and z on my rounds?” — can keep your mind abuzz for hours.

Keep a notebook around to . When you write down the things you need to remember, your mind can release them. You can write about things for which you’re grateful, or ideas you just can’t get out of your head, also as a means of release.

5. Lighten up

Light levels affect sleep in many ways. In fact, exposure to light stimulates a nerve pathway from the eye to parts of the brain that control hormones, body temperature, and other functions that make us feel sleepy or awake. Good,��. This is true whether you’re working a day or night shift — so you may need to use blackout curtains or put a towel under the door to block out light from other rooms. Even small LEDs put out a lot of light promoting wakefulness, so make sure to cover LED lights like those on a charging cable. And don’t forget to turn off tv, phone, and tablet screens!

Try different combinations of techniques to prepare your body for sleep, and establish a consistent pattern that is unique to your habits and fits your lifestyle. Remember, it takes 21 days to build a habit, so be gentle and give yourself time to adjust. Soon, you’ll be rising bright-eyed and ready to shine!

How do you get the rest you need? Share your sleep hacks and tips on our  page!

Cruise ships, other vessels, and oil rigs

Cruise goers, sailors, and oil rig employees spend weeks at a time at sea. At some point, someone’s going to need medical attention, be it from sea sickness or a freak shuffleboard accident.

Working at sea means you’ll have to be more independent than you would in a hospital or clinic, as you might be the only healthcare provider on board. In the case of a truly dire illness or injury, your primary duty could be keeping patients stable until they can finally be taken to dry land.

Being at sea can mean a life of travel, seeing the world, and exploring ports of call. You’ll meet (and provide healthcare to) people from all over the world and see more in a month of work than some people see in their whole lives.

Related resource: What is Working in a Hospital Really Like?

Theme parks

Nothing ruins a vacation like life-threatening illness or injury. Fortunately, some larger  to see to cuts, scrapes, and accidents. First aid services will take up most of a theme park nurse’s time, but if a guest does have a medical emergency you could be the nearest healthcare professional capable of assisting them.

Like working at sea, theme parks offer you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who are set on having the time of their lives. If they need the attention of a nurse, you’ll be there to make sure their plans continue with only minimal medical interruption.

Prisons

If you want a job that will truly test your mettle,��. Working in a prison might not be pleasant or fun, but it does have the potential to be interesting, and you’ll be providing a necessary service for the criminal justice system. It’ll also give you the opportunity to work with prisoners themselves, as some of them might very well work as your nursing assistants.

While it’s not inconceivable that you’ll treat wounds left by a fight or sit next to a hardened criminal as he finally finishes a life sentence, much of working in a prison is more routine. Prison nurses mostly see to inmates’ ongoing, everyday health issues. Working in a prison isn’t for everyone, but it’s challenging, necessary, and unforgettable.

Related resource: Everything Nurses Should Know Before Filing Their Taxes

Extreme sports

Race cars, as you might imagine, are dangerous. So are ski jumps, motor bikes, and skydiving. When feats of speed and derring-do are on display, it’s only a matter of time before someone wipes out and needs medical attention.

Responsible extreme sporting events will generally have nurses on hand. Working at a racetrack or sports park will make you very familiar with the specific kinds of injuries that participants receive on a regular basis. It might make you never want to participate in the sport at all, or maybe you’ll want to get behind the wheel of a race car or go off the edge of a ski jump yourself.

Are you ready for the adventures that come with nursing? Visit our program pages to learn more about our ASN degree program�����Ի���RN to BSN program.

Are you considering a major change in your life? Perhaps you’ve started down a new path and are experiencing the discomfort that is inevitable with learning and growing. Navigating change is tough, but here are 4 helpful tips to help you thrive during times of change.

1. Address your feelings.

If you’re uncomfortable with change, successfully navigating change starts with figuring out what your worries and fears are. Often it’s a matter of a perceived lack of control – even if the change is self-directed. Take the time to understand what’s driving your fear. Write down your feelings. This will take work, but it’s worth it!

2. Communicate with others.

At Joyce, we encourage Joyce pride. To us, Joyce pride is about selflessly giving of one’s time to help someone else achieve whatever goal they’re trying to accomplish. It’s a way for our students to understand we’re all in this together. An essential component of Joyce pride is the willingness to openly communicate your feelings or goals with those around you. Fear of change is due in part to the fear of the unknown. Communicate with others. It is likely that someone around you has gone through similar circumstances and can impart some wisdom.

3. Be fluid.

Flexibility is often touted as the strongest weapon in your arsenal for navigating change. While powerful, flexibility implies being firmly rooted and simply bending and flexing based on changing circumstances. As professionals who have spent decades in patient care, we understand fluidity is king! To be fluid means to go with the flow of circumstances. It’s the ability to adjust and adapt during change. A person who is fluid can transform and think in new ways. Flexibility will help you get by, but those who are fluid with thrive!

4. Take time for healthy habits.

It’s seems cliché, but it’s impossible to overstate. Creating healthy habits is one of the most important parts of successfully navigating change. Stress increases during times of change. Exercise, eat healthy, sleep well, and be open with your emotions. All other steps are less relevant if change is not managed along with a steady dose healthy habits.

Change encourages growth. It pushes us past our comfort zones and makes us stronger as a result. When change occurs, remember these tips and thrive!

1. Be teachable.

If you’ve graduated from nursing school, one would assume you’re quite teachable at this point. Never let this habit fade. You’ll be surrounded by seasoned nurses who have a wealth of knowledge. Absorb the lessons they’re willing to share and apply them immediately.

2. Look and listen.

Situational awareness will go a long way in your nursing career. Make sure you take plenty of time to observe the unit. Listen to how the team communicates. Watch how the team works together. Adjust how you work and communicate accordingly. Remember, it’s your job to adjust to your surroundings – not the other way around.

3. Show you’re reliable.

A great way to prove you can be trusted is to show up on time. Better yet, show up at least 20 minutes early! Review patient charts ahead of your shift and ask for feedback from your preceptor. Taking the initiative will go a long way towards demonstrating you the right person for the job.

4. Humor yourself.

In the right context, humor can be an excellent way to ease your patient’s (and your) nerves. Find humor wherever you can.

5. Be a team player.

This one is needs little explanation. Offer to help before being asked. Lend yourself to your fellow nurses. You’ll quickly gain the trust and respect of your coworkers.

6. Give it time.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed as a new nurse. Nursing school can only prepare you for so much. Take the lumps in stride, adapt, be fluid, and grow. This is the first step in what should be a long and meaningful career, so give yourself time to get acclimated.

Your profile picture

Remember, when someone is viewing your profile on LinkedIn, they’re likely doing it for a very different reason than someone checking you out on Facebook or Instagram. With this is mind, dress professionally and have someone take a picture of you with a white or neutral color in the background.

Your headline

Your headline should be a catchy snapshot of what you do. This is your opportunity to sell yourself, so be specific and address any sort of value proposition you might bring to the table.

Example: Rather than saying “Registered Nurse”, try something like “Tireless, caring Registered Nurse with advanced knowledge in holistic nursing practices.”

If you’re looking for a job, draft your headline around what prospective employers will be searching for.

The summary

The purpose of the summary is to give the reader a snapshot of your career. We suggest making this professional, yet conversational. It should address the following items:

• Your past (where you came from).
• Your present (what you’re currently working on. Example: I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Joyce).
• Your future (where you’re going).
  You don’t need to go too in-depth here. Simply highlight what you feel is the most important aspects relating to your professional life.

Experience

This part of your profile is pretty straightforward. Be very accurate (don’t embellish), and don’t be afraid to use plenty of detail when describing your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Education

Be specific about your education. Highlight any sort of extra activities or groups you were involved with during your time in school. You should list your schools/degrees and any sort of certifications you’ve earned that may apply to the career you’re seeking.

If you’re a Joyce student, check out our Students and Alumni page.

If you’d like to add Joyce to your LinkedIn profile under your Education section, follow these steps:

• In your profile, click “Edit” (should be located to the right of your profile photo)
• Scroll down to the Education section
• Click “Add Education”
• Type in “Joyce” in the field labeled “School”
• Fill out the rest of the information

UPDATE: LinkedIn now has a one-click option to add Joyce to your profile. Simply click on this link, fill in your degree info, and you’re done!

Recommendations

Prospective employers pay a lot of attention to your recommendations. Send a polite email to people who can vouch for you in professional setting (college instructors/advisors, coworkers, mentors, etc.) asking for a recommendation.

Miscellaneous

• Have your email visible so prospective employers can contact you.
• Create a custom URL that’s a short and clean link to your profile (how to )
• List skills and endorsements relevant to the job you desire.

We’ll post more LinkedIn tips in the future around the topic of building your network. For our students and graduates, feel free to reach out to the student and career services team for additional help.

Earlier this month,�� after refusing to draw blood from an unconscious patient and give it to the police. The patient was not under arrest. Being unconscious, he could not offer consent to the officer, and the police did not have a warrant. Without patient consent or a warrant, the nurse chose to not give out the information. Police body cameras captured footage of the nurse being taken away by the police.

The incident raises issues about what responsibilities healthcare providers have regarding patient privacy, consent, and the law.

The foundations of patient privacy

Patient privacy has a long history in medicine. One translation of the Hippocratic Oath reads: “What I may see or hear in the course of the treatment or even outside of the treatment in regard to the life of men, which on no account one must spread abroad, I will keep to myself.” Since then, keeping patient information confidential has been a cornerstone of the medical practice, and trust between a patient and a healthcare provider has been one of medicine’s most enduring traditions.

Related resource: Florence Nightingale Teachings We Take to Heart

The Hippocratic Oath, though, is not U.S. law. Nor are longstanding professional traditions laws that police, courts, or healthcare providers are obligated to abide by. The cornerstone of current medical privacy law in the United States is the  Specifically, the Privacy Rule that the Department of Health and Human Services added to HIPAA gives that collection of regulations its reputation for protecting patient privacy.

The details of HIPAA are too intricate to get into here, but they do establish rules for how patient information has to be handled, cared for, and transmitted. In general, healthcare professionals are not permitted to give out patient information without adhering to certain best practices and face penalties if they are found in violation of established guidelines. The HIPAA Privacy Rule has made patient privacy more than just established tradition. It is, for the most part, the law of the land.

State law and hospital policy

Within the broad structure of federal law, individual states and hospitals may have differing policies for how they handle disclosing patient information. In the case of the University of Utah Hospital, the nurse in question was following hospital policy. She would only have been permitted to release information if a patient gave consent, was under arrest, or the police had a warrant. In most cases, staff following hospital policy will be defended by their employers in the event of legal action.

It’s the responsibility of everyone working in healthcare, not just nurses, to know and follow the legal guidelines of their state regarding disclosure of medical information and the policies and rules of their particular institution. It’s also worth noting that these rules are not arbitrary or frivolous. , even in small ways, can erode the goodwill that healthcare providers need to deal honestly with their patients. At the same time, it’s also the responsibility of healthcare providers to abide by requests from officials for information, if all policy and legal requirements have been satisfied.

Working in healthcare provides added gravity to daily tasks. Even small actions on the part of a healthcare worker can have momentous consequences for a patient’s life, health, or (in this case) legal rights. It’s the responsibility of every professional who dons scrubs to know the rules, know why they are in place, and act with deliberation and care.

At 51cg, we prepare healthcare professionals who understand both their clinical and legal responsibilities. Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a 3 year BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with a MSN degree, you’ll learn to navigate the complex responsibilities of modern healthcare. Begin your journey to becoming a knowledgeable, responsible healthcare provider by exploring our nursing school.

Any way you swing it, she’s right. With nearly 3 million registered nurses in America alone, they constitute the largest portion of the healthcare workforce and can be found wherever there’s a doctor—and often in places where there’s not. Still, the illusion persists that nurses only work in hospitals, or maybe for a college’s health services department. It may be that many registered nurses find their first jobs in those traditional clinical setting, but the reality is that myriad alternative nursing careers exist, especially for nurses who have earned their BSN degree.

Even if you enjoy working as a clinical nurse, we’ve identified a few reasons you should at least consider earning your BSN to qualify for more alternative nursing jobs.

Normal Working Hours

While some hospitals offer 8-hour day shifts, it’s very common to work three 12-hour shifts a week, or four 10s, or overnight, or some other hybrid schedule that can limit the amount of “normal” time you have to see friends and family. Many alternative nursing jobs, like visiting communities and schools as a public health nurse, allow you to work a more typical schedule. If you’re a working parent, or if you just crave evening hours to relax or meet up with friends, alternative nursing jobs can offer a more regular schedule. While three 12-hour shifts appeal to many nurses, if you’re coordinating with a baby sitter, or have other responsibilities that require your daily attention, normal working hours can alleviate a lot of stress.

(Potential) Increase in Pay

Monster.com created a list of alternative nursing careers, listing the average and range of salaries for each position. The averages for quite a few of them, like a Nurse Manager’s $80,181 figure, are impressive, but the upper ranges can be a bigger incentive to leave the hospital behind. Of course, most of them require at least a BSN, since the positions expect these nurses to possess a breadth of knowledge and experience. Nurse educators, for example, coordinate continuing education programs and opportunities—and quite often teach themselves. This requires firm knowledge not just of nursing in general but specialties and unique approaches in particular. It, like many alternative nursing jobs, entails a lot of administrative duties, so having at least a few years of working as an RN under your belt is valuable.

Change of Pace

One of the many draws of a nursing career is its potential for change and new experiences. Want to travel? Become a nurse. Want a change of pace without starting a new career? Become a nurse. Nursing is so ubiquitous you can even find positions in the fossil fuel industry. (Not many, but they’re there.) Alternative nursing jobs offer a change of pace to nurses who feel bored or worn out in their current roles. While most careers would require you to start at the bottom of another industry,��with alternative nursing jobs you can find yourself in a radically different line of work without radical life changes.

Potential for Autonomy

Nursing is often a communal career, requiring you to work not just alongside other nurses, but doctors, orderlies, medical assistants, and the rest of a clinical staff. It’s enriching work for that very reason, but some personalities are naturally drawn toward more autonomy, and alternative nursing jobs can provide that outlet. This doesn’t mean you can be a recluse. Whether they’re seeing patients directly, managing a clinic, or educating the public, all nurses still work with people and should appreciate that aspect of their jobs. Alternative careers, though, can offer more opportunities to work independently, or at least more authority to lead, rather than be led.

If you’re interested in expanding your career choices as a nurse, learn more about earning your BSN degree.

First, we’ll address the practical issue that gets you into college or technical school in the first place.

Financial Aid

Fact: School is expensive.

It’s a rare student who can afford higher education with the money they already have in their bank account. At least 66 percent of students rely on financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs to help pay for school.

Related resources: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid?

First-Generation FAFSA

Student financial aid is available to most students to make higher education possible. It’s important to remember that  when school is over. Scholarships and grants do not need to be paid back.

The federal  provides financial assistance to 13 million students every year to pay for college or career school.

How do you apply for FAFSA? Here’s the step-by-step process if you’re applying to Joyce:

1. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Register for a FSA ID. You will need a FSA ID to sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically. If you don’t have a FSA ID, you can  If you were born after 1/1/1994 your parents may also be required to obtain a FSA ID and include their information on your FAFSA. Dependency status will determined by questions answered on your FAFSA.

2. Complete the 2017-2018 Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

3. Visit the and click “Start A New FAFSA.”

4. Enter the required information. Once you reach the school selection tab, enter 016027 as the Federal School Code for Joyce. Click “Search”. Check the box next to “Joyce” from the search results. Click “Add”. Joyce will be listed under selected schools. Click “Next” to continue. Then select “Off Campus” as your housing plan. Click “Next” to continue filling out your FAFSA.

5. Use your FSA ID to sign your FAFSA electronically. The school(s) that you specified in your FAFSA application will send you a financial aid award letter or email. The award letter will specify what loans, grants, or scholarships you qualify for. You must respond to the award letter in order to accept the financial aid.

6. Visit the Joyce website to review the College’s Consumer Information Guide.

7. Complete entrance counseling and sign a promissory note. You’ll get the financial aid when both of these are completed.

At Joyce, your FAFSA results will be sent to the Financial Aid office approximately two days after you complete the application. If you have any questions as you complete the Financial Aid process, please don’t hesitate to contact your Financial Aid representative.

Related resource: Advice for Applying to Nursing School a Second Time

What Kind of Scholarships Can You Get?

Apply for scholarships. Financial aid is great because it enables students to afford school — but scholarships are free!

, because students simply don’t apply for them or think they wouldn’t qualify.

Scholarships may be awarded on the basis of your GPA, the sport you play, your interests, hobbies, heritage, area of study, and much more.  for an array of student needs and skills:

• Merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic excellence or talent.
• Need-based scholarships are awarded based on your or your parents’ financial situation.
• Athletic scholarships are granted by schools to attract top athletic talent.
• Individual scholarships are often related to your field of study. They may be issued from a private donor such as a school alumni or private organization.
• Scholarships for minorities are intended to help people of color, women, or students of certain nationalities pursue higher education.

is a great resource for students looking for financial aid. Its list of  is just a handful of thousands of available scholarships.

The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances are of getting one or more.

You Belong Here

Money is one thing, but first-generation students often wrestle with the question of whether they belong in school in the first place. If you want to pursue higher education, you should!

Cultural issues are often at play, but so are family issues — especially feelings of guilt. While many parents work just to put food on the table for their families, it can be hard for students to spend their time in class instead of working to contribute to the household.

In a piece about fitting in, the author, then a first-generation college student, relates a phone call home. “Maybe you think you’re better than us because you went to college,” her mother says to her. The student was crushed, but her mom’s words struck a chord. After spending months in an academic environment, surrounded by people with a critical ear for language and careful word choice, it was hard for the student to react to off-color jokes in the same way as before.

It can be helpful to remember that although you’re a first-generation student, you’re not the first person to experience social or financial anxiety.

Related resource: When Is the Right Time to Go Back to School

Find Office Hours

First-generation students are often less likely than their peers to ask for help. This is a disadvantage that can be easily fixed: figure out the of your instructor and counselor, and go talk to them. They are here to help.

One study showed that  services were 10–15 percent more likely to advance to another year of college.

Find a Mentor

What do First Lady Michelle Obama, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren all have in common? They’re all first-gen college students.

Look for other students or instructors on campus who come from a similar background. Ask how they deal with the pressure to fit in socially or financially.

If you’re not sure how to connect with a mentor, it’s not hard to find examples of successful first-gen college graduates for inspiration. Our country abounds with success stories!

Related resource: Nursing School Survival Kit

Finish What You Start

It is deeply unfortunate that first-generation college students complete higher education at a lower rate than those students whose parents have a college education. This is due to factors such as cultural and language barriers, financial and family obligations, and more.

There are many reasons why it’s important to finish the education you start.

If you accept financial aid to go to school, you have to pay loans back even if you don’t finish your degree. The only thing worse than graduating with thousands of dollars in debt is having thousands of dollars in debt and nothing to show for it.

The opposite is also true: If you finish your degree, you’ll be in a much better financial position to pay off debt and improve your and your family’s standard of living.

At Joyce, our instructors go to great lengths to ensure the success of each of our students.

Our financial aid representatives work closely with students and help them with the complicated process of securing financial aid. Joyce also offers scholarships.

Learn more about our admissions process,��financial aid, and our accreditations.

Start Your Healthcare Journey at 51cg

Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a 3 year BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, we’ll support you every step of the way as a first-generation student. Discover your path at our nursing school today.