Need advice-should I work between ASN & BSN degrees?

maikranz · Aug 17, 2000

Originally posted by confused:
I am in my second semester of an Associate degree program. I plan to enter the RN-to-BSN program in the future. Is it necessary to work before going into the BSN program? Has anyone gone straight from ASN to BSN? I suppose I should take the NCLEX after the ASN. Also, if I decide to continue to Master's degree level, should I go straight into that? I don't have to work, but I am in my 30s, and it seems rather silly to continue getting more and more education in a field in which I have absolutely no experience, other than clinicals. Any input from you guys?

Okay. This is a trick question, right?

hollykate · Aug 17, 2000

Well, if you plan on entering the RN to BSN program, taking the NCLEX RN would be a good idea, otherwise you won't be an RN and thus not qualified to enter the program....

Otherwise, yes work- for heavens sake, and get the hospital you work for to pay for the BSN... most will if you go to the right place.

I know of very few masters programs who will take anyone who has never worked- and if you plan on say, being an instructor or a manager, what useful experience will you bring to the classroom? if a manager your staff will not respect you if you have never

been there in their shoes at least for a while. This was a trick question wasn't it?

NorthernRN · Aug 17, 2000

Without question, take your boards and work! It is possible to continue working while doing your BSN (I did it as a single parent to a toddler) and the experience will be invaluable. And, having just looked at approx 10 different grad schools, experience was REQUIRED just to apply to ALL of the programs. WORK! LEARN ON THE JOB! There are simply things you cannot learn in the classroom that you will learn while actively practicing as a registered nurse.......

Kim-rn · Aug 17, 2000

No, no trick. I plan to work. I'm just wondering if my working between the ASN and BSN degrees would add some sort of value from an employer's viewpoint. If I went straight to the MSN degree, I realize that I would have to put in my time before I advanced to some sort of position that actually required that degree.