[scastillo1]

I need help with a decision. I am deciding between an accelerated BSN program and an ADN program. I already have my MPH. If I went the ADN route (because the program is more conducive with my family life), would I need to eventually go back and get a BSN, or would my MPH allow me to get positions in management, without a BSN?

I don't want to spend 2 years getting an ADN and then to have to spend another couple years getting my BSN if that is what I will need to further my career.

Any advice is appreciated. What would you do?

[Tweety]

I'm not sure what an MPH is, but depending on where you are you can do well with an ADN and a degree in aother field. Going the accellearted route is the best idea, but it requires a lot of time and sacrifice without distractions. If you have kids and other timely obligations, I can undertand your concerns.

Where I work ADNs are basically locked out when they reach charge nurse positions or case managers. All other positions in management, quality, education, risk management, ect. require a BSN. In some cases I have seen people move into management with an ADN and a business or other degree.

In some parts of the country ADNs readily move into any RN required position, be it management, directorship, DON's, and even VPs. So it's hard to say if having the BSN is required for you to advance past the bedside.

[elkpark]

(Tweety, an MPH is a Master's in Public Health ). The combination of an ADN and MPH would be v. strong professionally. I would imagine that you would be hard pressed to find a situation in which you would suffer professionally for not having a BSN. With your existing degree, I wouldn't hesitate to do the ADN (as opposed to a BSN).

Back before there were so many MSN programs in nursing adminstration, the MPH was a v. popular and common degree for nurses who wanted to advance their careers and move into management/administration.

Even if the day did come at some point in the future that you found you wanted/needed a BSN, there are tons of "RN-to-BSN" programs out there for diploma or ADN grads to complete a BSN that are part-time, on-line, self-paced, etc. and comparatively painless (compared to your basic nursing preparation, certainly!) to complete; they are generally constructed on the presumption that you're working full-time while you're completing the degree.

It's v. hard to give hard, fast advice in these matters because there is so much variation among hospitals/organizations. As soon as someone tells you no, you don't need a BSN, you'll apply for a job someplace that says "MUST have a BSN, we don't care what else ya got, no exceptions, no discussion!" If someone tells you you'll definitely need a BSN, the first place you apply for a job will say, "Oooooh, an MPH!!! Sign here!!"

Best wishes for your journey, and welcome to nursing!

[scastillo1]

Thank you so much for the good advice.

[NathanDH]

I would advise against getting an ADN. However, it depends on what you plan to do with your nursing degree. If you are interested in Public Health you would be much better off with a BSN considering the requirement to have a BSN to work in say a health department or in any type of government position.

It all comes down to what you want to do with that Nursing/MPH combination.

[jjjoy]

If you want to work in an acute care environment then I think you'd need to do extra research into the strengths and weaknesses of the various programs you are considering as well as what you think would suit your learning needs and styles. Some nursing programs take the approach that you can learn many nursing skills on the job. Some nursing programs emphasize strong hands-on training. If you want a smoother transition to an acute care job, you'd want to choose the program that has the strongest clinical education. However, if you are more interested in sticking with public health, then you'd definitely want to get a BSN and an accelerated program could make sense. Just a few things of many to consider!

[aeauooo]

I'm currently working on my MPH&TM (tropical medicine). I got my BSN only so I could go on for my MPH.
What have you been doing with your MPH? What do you want to do?
I became a nurse after hitch hiking in Africa for 10 months. I wanted to go back to help. After I got my diploma in tropical medicine from Tulane I worked in Ethiopia for a year. I plan to go back to Africa when I complete my MPH.
I'd say whether you should go for an ADN or BSN really depends on what you want to do with an RN and an MPH.

[TimSRNA2b]

BSN....without a doubt. Don't waste your time with a diploma. Diplomas are not looked upon highly.

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by TimCRNA

BSN....without a doubt. Don't waste your time with a diploma. Diplomas are not looked upon highly.

It may well be that you do not look upon diplomas highly, but do you have any documentation for your general, blanket statement?

[aeauooo]

Originally Posted by elkpark

It may well be that you do not look upon diplomas highly, but do you have any documentation for your general, blanket statement?

As far as I can see, nothing makes a good nurse other than experience. I have the deepest respect for those diploma nurses who have been in the profession for 20+ years.

It really comes down to what the OP plans to do with an RN & MPH.