Nurses....BSN?? Tell me why you think now....

[naughtoj]

...............as opposed to later, after you become an RN through an ADN program? I was looking to go ADN and then do the employer paid route to BSN. I have seen posts from many experienced nurses ona another nursing board saying that if you have the time and the money, get the BSN now. Why?

I am scheduled to enter ADN program in July, but already have many community college credits. I saw an advisor at a local university and she told me that I could go BSN and graduate one semester later than if I went ADN (16 mo program). That would graduate me with a BSN instead of the two AA degrees I will have after the ADN program. Of course, university tuition is much more $$, but at this point would cost me less than $10,000.

If you think I should go bachelors now, tell me why. I can tell you that I see myself doing something other than bedside care one day, with nursing forensics, legal nursing, and nursing research all looking appealing. I also would really like to have a bachelors to atleast be able to say "I have a bachelors".

I want to know the opinions of experienced nurses. What do you wish you had done in regards to which degree you chose or would you do anything differently?


Thank you all!

:7

 

[BethRN]

I am a nurse with an ADN and work in the neonatal icu. At this time I don't care to have a BSN. Nurses are not paid more and are not different as far as training goes. I don't even know which rn's at work are ADN or BSN. The only reason a lot of people continue and get their BSN is if they would like to have a masters degree. An ADN just allows you to get out into the workplace quicker with all the knowledge you will need. Any nurse ADN or BSN takes the same test to certify as RN's.
Unless you plan to go straight to a masters I would just get an ADN. If you decide to go back most hospitals will pay for you to get a BSN. I lot of schools offer a RN to BSN online track.
Also, the job that you start at, depending on what field of nsg you choose, will offer lots of continuing education(not degrees, just certifications) and in my opinion that looks better on a resume for the future. For example, to work in the rnicu I have to be certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and had to take extensive classes offered by the hospital to learn how to work with neonates.
I think nowadays with the nsg shortage employers just want RN to be beside your name and they are satisfied. I hope this helps and didn't confuse you I tried not to ramble. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[wendyjpa]

I have to say, go for the BSN. THings are rapidly changing in healthcare and nursing. Hospitals are applying for larger recognition statuses (such as Magnate) which honor and respect the bsn's. Jobs such as case managing, forensics, school nursing, administration all require BSN. I just really see the future of nursing being BSN nurses only. I think it is really hard to be a full time working nurse and be going back for BSN. Then, you have to commit for designated periods of time to the employer who reimbursed your BSN. (our hospital requires 18 months service after).

Anyway, just my opinion, i've been in nursing since 1990.

good luck in your search for the right decision!

 

[wendyjpa]

Oh, and let me add, lately, the employers of the larger hospitals and clinics, don't even want you on their committees unless your BSN.
They start asking for volunteers for committees, and clearly state BSN preferred.

At least that is the way in our area. And I live in a smaller City where there isn't as many hospitals and clinics.

 

[kmarie600]

I am a Nurse Practitioner. If you have a chance to get your BSN, go for it. Then go forward and get your MSN. Education is never a waste and an advanced degree affords you the opportunity to do clinical work, or teach. Nursing is a very physically demanding profession, so education gives you options to work areas that are not as physically demanding.

As you age, you won't probably want to be walking your legs off during a 12 hour night shift. Good luck, we definitely need good nurses. K. Marie

 

[naughtoj]

Jeez, I never thought things would get this complicated...


I am going to make another appt with the university advisor to nail down when I can realistically expect to enter the BSN program. I don't want to have to take classes over, so I want to make sure that the RN-BSN pre reqs I have now will stay with me if I do decide to go ADN and then RN-BSN. If I lose them, it may be worth just waiting longer and doing BSN now.

I just don't want to lose my "for sure" spot this July for something that is not gauranteed, but I also don't want to waste time and money if I would want to get my BSN someday. I fear that once I get out of school ADN, I will want to start a family and before I know it, the BSN will be out of reach.

This is all crashing down on me now, because Financial Aid deadline is next week and I am going out of town this week. Aggghhh!!

 

[NurseLRT]

I got my ADN, graduated in May, immediately went into a ADN to BSN program in August. I did it for self satisfaction. I may want my Master's one day, but mostly I just did it because I wanted to. The pay is no different. Many states require a BSN though.

Lori

 

[naughtoj]

Good to know Lori, thanks!!