Do I need a BSN ???

Q. · May 9, 2002

Originally posted by catlady

As I said, I wish the nursing profession would recognize those of us who have other degrees as being just as professional as the BSNs.

I think that the nursing profession is striving for a bachelor's degree...period. The only reason why BSN is mentioned is because it's the degree that is associated with our profession. I could be wrong, but I don't think the argument is that BSNs are more professional than a nurse with a BA in Business, Pysch or Communication. I simply think the argument stems from having a 4 year degree.

catlady, BSN, RN · May 9, 2002

Susy, you might be surprised at how much difference nursing sees between a BSN and a BA or BS. Most graduate schools, the ANCC, most places where you might want to teach, many hospitals, etc., do not recognize the BA or BS. I actually had one so-called bridge BSN program insist on my taking their freshman English class, despite my holding a master's degree in management. Needless to say, I didn't pursue that school.

I happen to feel that a nurse with a full two or three years of nursing courses who also completed a full four years of college in another discipline is a pretty well rounded, professional person. And there are a lot of us around. Nurses like to compare themselves to lawyers and doctors. Well, lawyers and doctors can major in anything for their college degree, and then they study law and medicine. Their law studies and medical studies aren't part of their undergraduate work. Sounds like a good argument for the non-BSNs!

So I guess I agree with you that all nurses should try to get a degree. I don't agree with those who insist it's gotta be the BSN.

susanmary · May 9, 2002

Get some work experience first. A BSN is absolutely not the "holy grail" of nursing -- I work with great diploma and ADN nurses. A "degree" does not make a great nurse. Solid theory base, the ability to apply theory to patient conditions via good critical-thinking skills, being a supportive team player, health care strong patient advocate, thorough with follow-through, being able to note subtle patient changes, being kind, compassionate, excellent communication skills -- these are what matter most. Continued education -- whether through in-services, earning ceu's is important.

For me, I value continued education & earned a BS in Health/Business and a BSN after earning my ADN four years ago. I decided to go for further degrees while my neurons were still semi-functioning. My BSN has opened up higher-level positions for me, which I have turned down. I have not been compensated for earning a BSN (no difference at my hospital). I have also chosen to stay as a floor nurse -- specifically because I work with the most wonderful, supportive group of nurses/nurse's aides...we take care of each other, support each other, sing/laugh/cry together...it's a great unit.

Get some experience and decide where you want to go with nursing. Be proud you are a nurse. Do NOT let your degree define you.

mattsmom81 · May 9, 2002

OK, I can see the feathers are ruffled out there and I have not intended that at all...nurses of all types are very needed and welcome in facilities across the country, particularly at the bedside where the shortage exists.

I don't like it that a new grad BSN was chosen for 3 public health positions and I was rejected. BSN meant more than my experience in this setting. Or who knows??? Other factors may be involved too, ageism...the young fresh face got the job over a middle aged face? Maybe......LOL!

Possibly another related factor... 'comp risk'...as after an injury we are looked at as a liability. The fact I'm an old diploma nurse with no degree makes it easy for the employer to exclude me.

I think I could do the public health job as well as a BSN, but reality is the degree does matter in MANY out of hospital positions and you MAY want to have those opportunities someday. That's all I'm saying to the young nurses who are asking advice.

Is it right what's going on? NO. But reality bites sometimes. Sorry if I sound bitter, somedays I am...

I understand your feelings about the BSN agenda very well, Catlady, and see your points.:).

eltrip · May 9, 2002

I am concurring with my fellow nurses who have extolled the virtues of a BSN. I originally wanted to go for the ADN, but the program was full & I would've waited an additional year to get into the program...the BSN program was still available. 3 years for me either way (I had a BA in a different field), so I went for the BSN.

It didn't make a difference until I started looking for a day job with regular hours. The good job that I have now (call center, health information, limited triage) required a BSN, plus computer & internet literacy.

The BSN definitely expanded my options. I now get to tuck my 5 year-old in every night & have a life. For me, that's worth more than any differential for my degree.

In addition, I have now gained additional job skills through this position. New vistas are open to me & I'm thinking of a different path for graduate education.

The possiblilities are endless!

ROB R RN · May 9, 2002

i have an adn and have been nursing for 20 years. i currently work in mid-level management. i am the excetption not the rule for adn nurses in my area. get your bsn. skill wise i think that there is no difference in bsn vs adn, bsn certainly opens more doors. :cool:

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 16, 2002

Howdy Yall

from deep in the heart of texas

AD vs Diploma vs BSN etc. The debate continues. But in actuality if you want to move upwards in adminstration then yes you will most probably be better off getting BSNand also Getting your MS in either nursing or hospital administration. However all Ive ever had was an AD, and Ive been a department head in 2 different hospitals over the years and a house supervisor, and lastly a assistant nurse manager in a large ER for a decade and and a half now. But realistically if you want to move up nowadays you need the proper credentialling, which I no longer have the desire to achieve, but if I was young I would probably do it. Basically as for it, you have to decide what is the path you are wanting to go in, and go for it. Just remember does the degree make the nurse or does the nurse make the degree.

keep it in the short grass yall

Teeituptom

chartnurse · May 16, 2002

Nursing does not respect degrees outside of nursing. I have a too have a BA and MA in another field, yet I have been turned down from many positions where I am employed as a staff nurse because I do not have a BSN (yet). From nurse manager to educator to research nurse - my application was sent back as not having the 'required' degree.

So I am back in school working towards a BSN and will then go for a MSN. Although I started grudgingly, I wish I had done this much sooner. I have 10 years critical care experience and thought I had an excellent background. But one year in the BSN program has given me new insight into many areas, and I enjoy every class.

So my advice to the new ADN grad- get a job and have your employer assist with tuition reimbursement. Take one class at a time. It is the only way to move beyond the bedside in nursing.

Q. · May 16, 2002

Originally posted by chartnurse
Nursing does not respect degrees outside of nursing. I have a too have a BA and MA in another field, yet I have been turned down from many positions where I am employed as a staff nurse because I do not have a BSN (yet).

In defense of the nursing profession, I don't think they are the only profession that is like this.

My husband has a BSN but never worked as an RN; he works in Information Systems. In order to climb the ladder to officer status, he will need formal IS training, either a MIS degree or something. He is often passed up because he doesn't have a degree in computers.