[Butterbur]

As a nursing student,I want to say that right after my ADN, I will pursue my BSN.I am currently a LVN and have been for a number of years. I am getting to old to run up and down the hallways! Even for a "FEW DOLLARS MORE' career-wise worth it.

[Montessori Mommy]

I have a previous bachelor's degree (BS in engineering), and was told I don't need another. I can apply directly to a MSN program now that I have my ADN. In fact, human resources at the facility where I will be working told me they increased my new grad base pay since I already have a BS. Honestly, I was shocked!!

It will be a few years before I go back for my MSN. First, I have to pass NCLEX, and then I want to devote my time & energy to my L & D position.

[tx2007]

Honestly it depends on what you plan to do but education is NEVER a waste of time.

[caliotter3]

There is one reason I would pursue it if I were young enough, if no other reason. Heaven forbid, something might happen to you that would preclude you from doing staff bedside nursing. Usually that event is the well known back injury. It does happen. Then a BSN would be helpful, as a stepping stone, in convincing an employer to move you into a desk or mgmt type job that you could handle without the physical labor required for everyday nursing. Otherwise, unless you see a mgmt position in your horizon, it is a nice to have but not necessarily a must have. Good luck.

[WitchyRN]

I'm in a similar situation..I graduated a year ago, and am thinking of starting the ball rolling to get my BSN. I was always interested in doing either CRNA or NP though, so that's my main motivation..If I were to stay a bedside nurse, I wouldn't bother(my hospital doesn't give a rat's hienie what kind of degree you have)

[santhony44]

I had a previous BA and started out in nursing as an LPN. I went back right away and got my ADN and swore I was never going back.

Eventually, reluctantly, I did start back into a BSN bridge program (no RN to MSN programs around at that time).

It was during the course of the BSN program that I learned about the NP role and knew that was what I wanted to do.

So, for me, it was worth it. Even if you don't want to go on into some sort of advanced practice, a BSN really will tend to give you more flexibility.

[RNGrad2006]

Originally Posted by ORSmurf

Hey Joli,
I'm asking myself the same question! I also graduated with ADN 2 years ago. I was all set to start a BSN program this year, but then decided against it. I just can't make up my mind if it will be with the time, effort and expense. My husband doesn't think it would be worth it, financially. It would be hard for us to pay for it. I really don't want student loans again. I was so excited to get those paid off!
Good luck making your decision,
Christine

Your hospital doesn't offer tuition reimbursement? I am in Phoenix and most hospitals around here offer $5250 a year towards tuition and the hospital I work at even does direct bill so I have no out of pocket expense except for books. So for me I thought it was worth it since I have an interest in working in community health nursing in the future which requires a BSN. And I think it is appropriate since community health is not covered in enough detail in most ADN programs.

[irisRN]

I think that all associate degree nurses should continue their education, whether its about getting your BSN, MSN, or whatever. It opens more doors, you can do it at your own pace, etc. And since the hospital pays for it, HEY, why not?

I plan on going back Fall of next year. I'm doing a nurse internship program that specifies that i wait a year before going back...but i'll be there. Oh, and the last thing I need is for some legislator to come out with some bill that forces me into a BSN. I know that if its up to me, i will do it...but if someone FORCES me to do it, i will have issues...so might as well do it now...