Non-degree RN license issues...

[lolale]

There's an issue going on with our nursing program...

In December our class will have all the requirements needed to test for the nclex but we aren't issued degrees cause we still have another year left in our BSN program. We have the choice to take the nclex before we graduate which the BRN will label us as non-degreed RNs OR we continue on with the BSN program for another year and take our boards after we graduate which the BRN will label us as degreed RNs.

My issue is that I want to take my nclex before i graduate so that I can start working while i'm continuing my BSN program. This will give me a non-degree rn license yet i'm still planning on getting my BSN.

(even if i do receive my BSN afterwards, i'm still labeled a non-degreed RN, and I can only change my status if I take the NCLEX again)

The question is what are the disadvantages of having a non-degreed license, even if i will be receiving my BS in nursing?

I understand that non-degreed RNs will have a hard time getting licensed in other states, but how hard is it? Isn't it just the matter of sending in your transcripts stating you have a BSN?

And is there an issue about going for higher education with a non-degreed license?

How do hospitals look at this, even though I will have my BSN.

[butterflyeffect]

I am currently residing in Arizona and am one of those who received the RN as a non graduate, however the program I attended the RN portion was part of a direct entry FNP program of which i transferred out of into a DNP program here in AZ...the course work I took was identicle to the BSN coursework right down to the professors who taught it however I was not conferred a degree as according to CA if I am receiving financial aid under a graduate program then i cannot be conferred an undergraduate degree (BSN) on my way to my MSN...I was the first cohort they did this with...all other graduates of this entry level program were conferred their BSN on their way to their MSN...so I am currently moving my request for licensure up the AZ BON ladder to see if I can have my transcripts evaluated for equivalency (won't know until Monday if this will even happen).

Personally, if a foreign educated nurse can come to AZ and submit their transcripts for equivalency...why couldn't I?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Personally, if a foreign educated nurse can come to AZ and submit their transcripts for equivalency...why couldn't I?

Both you and the foreign-educated nurse can submit transcripts for equivalency. However, the nurse who was educated in a foreign country is more likely to have her transcripts approved because she graduated with a BSN before she took NCLEX. For immigration purposes, a foreign nurse will not be granted a visa unless she has earned a BSN degree or higher.

[MissFairy]

OK I'm a RN orginally licensed in California back in 1985....was an LVN while working on RN so I am a diploma nurse....back then my boards were for California there was no NCLEX.....so in 2004 never thinking I would leave California I decided to leave Cali to Arizona....got my RN there....and they are a compact state so I am licensed in Multi states......so much for needing a degree....I do intend on teaching....so Arizona will recognize my MSN....so much for restricting oneself....

[kamiworm]

My advice is that you contact the BRN on licensure regulations and qualifications. The market is saturated currently by NON-employed RNs who are Associate Degree and Bachelor Degree graduates. Unless you are in a rural area or Internship program while in school finding a non-graduate job in the hospital's are nearly non-existant since they are all fighting for Magnet status for recognition leading to narrow entry & more competition in nursing.