The national shortage of registered nurses (RNs) has helped generate tremendous interest in the nursing profession among people entering the workforce and those pursuing a change in career. According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2002, the nation's population continues to grow and age and medical services continue to advance, so the need for nurses will continue to increase. They report that from 2000 to 2020, the nursing shortage is projected to increase to 29%, compared to a 6% shortage in 2000. With the projected supply, demand, and shortage of registered nurses and nursing salaries steadily increasing, the profession Nursing can offer countless opportunities. But first you need to determine which educational path to pursue, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in nursing (ADN). Most will initially be educated at the associate degree level, although the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE) has recommended a baccalaureate level as a minimum for entry-level nurses. With the growing number of RN to BSN programs available, there is always the option to further your education later. Benefits of acquiring a BSN over an ADN include improved knowledge of evidence-based practice, greater advantage for promotion, and necessary progression to higher education. Many would argue that one is just as capable as the other at providing patient care. But recent studies conducted by Aiken et al. have demonstrated that nurses trained at higher levels are better equipped to provide optimal patient care. One major elimination is evidence-based practice. BSN programs provide the knowledge and preparation needed for evidence-based practice...... middle of paper ...... consider BSN education. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 22(2), 88-90. doi: 10.1097/01.JPN.0000319092.74920.32Peirce, A. G. (2010). The essential imperative of basic nursing education: an ethical discourse. Advances in Nursing Science, 33(4), 320-328. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0b013e3181fb2ebaRaines, C., & Taglaireni, M. (2008). Career paths in nursing: Entry points and academic progression. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 13(3), 3. doi: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol13No03Man01Spencer, J. (2008). Increasing RN-BSN enrollments: Facilitating articulation through curriculum reform. Journal of Continuing Nursing Education, 39(7), 307-313. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2005). The fiscal year 2006 budget in brief: the administration of health resources and services. Retrieved June 5, 2011, from http://www.hhs.gov/budget/06budget/healthres.html