[HeatherTN]

Hi all
I have a question for all of you who work in N.I.C.U.

I have a BS degree in Human Services (Social work) and have worked for the State for a few years. Anyway I am now back in school for my BSN, hopefully, so my question is this......would I be better served to apply for a BSN program for fall of 2009 or go ahead and enter an Associate of Nursing program this fall and then transition later? I'd love to work in N.I.C.U. and am unsure if an Associate degree is fine or if most hospitals would prefer a BSN for N.I.C.U.?

Thanks so much!!
Heather

[NFB2008]

I can only speak from my own experience. I am graduating in May from an ADN program and just got hired on in a NICU, as did one of my classmates. The school I go to does have a good reputation though. I suppose it just depends where you are: the school, the hospital, other area schools. I actually go to a 2-year school in the same town as the U of I (Urbana-Champaign, IL). I've even had nurses tell me that new grads from my school are better at hands-on skills when they first start (than are students from other BSN programs)... not that that will be the case everywhere.

[lvnurs9]

Just about any hospital I know of doesn't give perks for having a BSN. All they care about is that you are an RN.

[NFB2008]

Originally Posted by lvnurs9

Just about any hospital I know of doesn't give perks for having a BSN. All they care about is that you are an RN.

The hospital I'm going to be working at gives an extra $1300 sign-on bonus (in addition to what you are already getting) if you have a BSN. That doesn't stop them from hiring those who with an ADN, but they will also pay for a nurse with an ADN to get a BSN.

[HeatherTN]

Thanks sooooo much for the replies!! That was my understanding also but just wanted to check as I would love to start this fall w/the ADN program. I have also heard that the clinicals are different for ADN vs BSN programs and that some ADN programs have good reps for that.

Hope you all don't mind too much if I stick around a little

Take care and thanks again
Heather

[littleneoRN]

I read that you already have a bachelor's degree. You might want to look into accelerated nursing programs. There are many different programs, and the details are different for each one. But generally, they are programs for people with Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field to become an RN. When I finished mine, I earned a BSN. Some others are Master's level programs. The time required for most of these programs is the same or less than Associate's degree programs. I feel like if you eventually wants your BSN, this is a quicker (and possibly cheaper in the long run) route to what you want. As far as program quality goes, there are good BSN programs and bad ones and good ADN programs and bad ones. It is not fair to make comparisons between a couple programs and suggest larger truths about the value of ADN vs. BSN. Plus, if you stick around nursing for very long at all, you will find out this is an age old debate that people go round and round about. Do what works best for you...but definitely look into an accelerated program!

[HeatherTN]

Thanks for the advice. I have recently done a search and had also discovered that there may be other options for me like an accelerated program. I'll definately look into that! And yes, I agree there does seem to be an "age old debate" as far as ADN vs BSN; just wanted some advice from people who have completed a nursing program and are working as to what their experience has been. I guess that I had thought for a very long time that the two year programs were the LPN programs and the RN programs were four year.....so obviously I'm trying clear the muddy waters before I start a program.

Thanks again for the advice

Heather

[babiesRmylife]

Where I work there are absolutely NO perks for holding a Bach. Degree rather than an Associates. No signing bonus, no pay difference, nada. I say do whatever you feel is best for your personal benefit & knowledge.

[kimora]

Where I work you are required to have a BSN, they won't hire anyone with a diploma or ADN.

[jenn_rn_nj]

Hi and wow we have similar situations...i have a bs in psych and am currently about to finish my diploma nursing program and start as a new grad in the nicu.

before i went back for the rn, i researched the schools in my area (diploma, adn and bsn) and i chose the school with the highest nclex pass rate which happened to be the local diploma school. i also liked the idea of a focus on clinical. because i possess a bs - even though it's not a bsn - i will be able to do a rn to msn bridge with a few extra classes to earn my bsn on the way. maybe consider your ultimate goals when planning this step of the process.

each person's situation is different - there are so many options. i'd recommend researching the options available to you and choosing the one that seems to be the best fit for your time, personality and goals.

goodluck!