Nurses with BSNs are in demand, since research has shown that they provide a level of patient care that results in better patient outcomes and lower mortality rates. Their increased level of expertise results in being able to take on a greater number of clinical responsibilities, and as a result they receive higher salaries than their ADN-educated counterparts.
According to an extensive survey conducted by the Nebraska Center of Nursing in 2012, of the BSN-educated RNs in the state that year, 52.6% were men and 58.7% were women. Nearly 45% of the RNs who had a BSN were at least 41 years old, indicating the growing trend among RNs returning to school to complete RN to BSN bridge programs. The survey also revealed that more than twice as many nurses aged 20-40 had BSN degrees than associate’s degrees, enjoying the greater level of clinical responsibility and the higher salaries that a bachelor’s degree brings.
Registered nursing is expected to be the second most in-demand occupation in Nebraska between the year 2010 and 2020, according to the state’s Department of Labor.
Comparing Salaries for ADN and BSN Prepared RNs in Nebraska
The benefit of having a BSN was apparent in the results of a 2014 salary analysis provided by the Nebraska Department of Labor. It showed that BSN prepared RNs earned 47.9% more a year on average than RNs with associate’s degrees:
BSN-educated RNs in Nebraska can earn even more than this, as was shown in a 2013 US Department of Labor analysis of top-earning RNs in the state. BSN-educated RN salaries for top earners were as follows that year:
- 90th Percentile Annual Salary – $75,310
- 75th Percentile Annual Salary – $66,660
- 90th Percentile Hourly Wage – $36.21
- 75th Percentile Hourly Wage – $32.05
Salary Analysis of BSN-Educated Nurses in Key Regions of Nebraska
The US Department of Labor provides a salary analysis for BSN-educated RNs throughout Nebraska, as shown in the table below: