I am a CST and I am looking to start nursing school the spring or fall of 2015. I was recently told by someone in administration that once I graduate nursing school I can no longer be hired as a CST. This conversation started because I had a plan of going to a diploma program nursing school, continue working as a CST at my current hospital (because all RN's must have a bachelors degree at this hospital), then get my BSN online. Is it true that once I become an RN, I can no longer go back to being a tech? Will I be forced to work to the highest of my degree?

It might be a facility specific policy. I've seen scrub techs who finished nursing school work as ST's while painfully trying to pass NCLEX. But they were not considered RN's, of course, until they passed NCLEX. That said, if your facility requires the BSN, why not just go for your BSN from the beginning?

The big issue many employers see is that whether you are employed in your full scope or not, you will be held accountable to your highest license- the same would be true of an LPN working as a CNA, an RN working as an LPN, an NP working as a floor RN, or any other combination you can think of. My guess is that it is a facility-specific policy, and that they have had something happen in the past. I don't think it's tied so much to your degree as to the license. I also agree with the previous poster- if a BSN is required to work there, just go straight for the BSN. It isn't just your hospital that has such a requirement; it's the nature of the current employment environment. Having that BSN off the bat enables you to work as a nurse immediately and also means you can apply to facilities other than the one you currently work for.

My main reason for not going directly for my BSN was due to my current work/family schedule...all the BSN programs in my area are completely full-time. I think I'll just have to make a way. Thanks.

Does your facility allow you to start work as an ADN as long as you get enrolled in a BSN program within a certain time period? I am aware of a few facilities that have that policy in place. That allows ADNs to work but be committed to obtaining a higher degree as soon as possible. If that is not available in your facility, I would consider going for a BSN first thing. I'm sure you are excited to get your nursing career underway, but having a degree that allows you to start work immediately would be the most beneficial. If you are unable to do a full-time BSN program, perhaps think about keeping working as an ST and save some money and get things settled with family to eventually enter a BSN program. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Nursing is a great profession and I hope you make it to your goal without too many issues!