For those RN's that later obtained a BSN

tonchitoRN · Oct 31, 2003

i am almost done with the rn-bsn. and yes, i do think it makes a difference. i am a darn good adn nurse and i will be an even better bsn nurse. my grasp on theory is better, my negotiation skills are better. i could go on and on. there are so many things that are covered in the bsn program that are not touched on in the adn program. good luck to all of you who decide to go the bsn approach.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2003

I too, am an ADN RN considering going on for my BSN. I'd like to know the same things that the original poster of this thread has inquired about.

Also for those who went from ADN RN to BSN:

Were you treated any differently by your employer? Did your employer compensate you financially for getting your BSN?

glascow · Oct 31, 2003

I was an ADN and got my BSN 7 yrs later. I don't feel that my nursing care is any better. But, I do think I learned alot and do not regret doing it. I always read nsg journals and just skimmed through the research part (jargon), now I can read that and understand it! It makes you appreciate it more and you can decide for yourself the validity.

I did not get any compensation or recognition from my employee!

BTW, I am now in school for NP.

kitty29 · Oct 31, 2003

Originally posted by New CCU RN
I am just wondering your thoughts. Did obtaining a BSN improve your practice? Give you a different perspective? If you could do it over again would you have gotten a BSN?

I have a 3year and very soon will have my BSN, and would do it all over again because I'm doing it for me.

Having said that, the focus in the program I've attending has been helpful to me in practice. In a way it's helped my find my vioce. I applied and was selected to speak to nurses in Japan and I owe it all to the BSN program! It certainly helped in the way I pressented myself, but the program has allowed me to focus on a larger scale.....to look into how I can contribute.

All has been extremely helpful in my function in committees...like I said....I've found my own vioce.

Trouble is my spelling isn't any better!

purplemania, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2003

I think it made a huge difference in my practice because the ADN program did not have time to cover as much ground as the BSN program. I learned to assess better, participate in therapeutic communication better, write better---and appreciate my profession more. I learned there is a difference between skills and knowledge. Studies have shown that nurses peak at about 5 years in skills but knowledge can continue to expand and create self-satisfaction. My employer pays BSN's $1/hr more, but having a BSN also made me eligible for other positions besides staff nurse. A recent study (Aiken/Am. Journal of Med) showed that patient outcomes in an acute care facility were greater if more BSN nurses were on staff. If you are considering returning to school let me encourage you to do it for yourself, if for no other reason.

Quicksilver · Nov 2, 2003

As one who has almost completed a BSN after 12 years as an ADN I can say two things contributed to my moving into a better(different) job. #1 The fact that I am completing my BSN certainly helped me gain my current supervisory job.

#2 Going to a new facility that valued the education and was willing to give me a chance. The hospital I worked for for 10 years wouldn't even consider me eligible for a position in management.

I had been there since graduation from school and they never saw me as being capable of anything but floor nursing. I applied for an open position and they laughed at me. My current facility hired me right off the bat and have had no problems at all!!

The more education certainly helps but sometimes it's the place itself:rolleyes:

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Nov 2, 2003

My BSN taught me how to do a library search and read research with some comprehension. It's helpful in getting a job but not in doing the job, in my opinion. It's nice to have the letters behind my name but in practical terms I haven't had much use for it.

Ted · Nov 2, 2003

With all the changes in healthcare that exists practically on a day to day basis, I can't even imagine not continuing the education process in some manner. I thoroughly enjoy going to the three to seven day long nursing conventions that offer oodles of contact hours.

And I really enjoyed the A.S. to B.S. program which also offered three years of concentrated learning. . . NOT only from books and instructors, but ALSO from my fellow students! That type of concentrated networking is gold in my opinion.

Does all of this translate into better nursing practice at the bed-side???? You bettcha! Any learned information from any source is gold when utilized at the bed-side. :)

Ted

psychomachia · Nov 3, 2003

It gave me a diploma to hang on my wall.

It taught me how to argue about the ADN vs BSN debate.

It showed me what a bunch of bull***t nursing "theories" are.

It gave me a place to be an alumni...

Trauma Columnist · Nov 3, 2003

I'm finishing a BSN in May 04 and continuing on to an MSN - with a masters you have far more opportunities.

doobiedo, RN · Nov 4, 2003

I am finishing up by BSN that I started approx 8 years ago. I always learn something when I take a class however do not feel a degree is necessary to be a good nurse. I am taking advantage of the opportunity now because after 10 + years I have an employer who will pay for it.

The initials behind your name open more doors that is true however it depends on what doors you want to open. I am going back now for me not because of anyone else. The knowledge I have to gain is what is important to me...not more initials behind my name. Besides I find I am more understand and identify with what I am learning as life experience accounts for something in those respects.