Position difference between RN vs. BSN

[kalevra]

I just got into the RN program, and I was wondering what the difference is between RN vs. BSN. I fully understand both must pass the NCLEX-RN in order to become a licensed RN and that both have the same scope of practice regardless of degree. I have read previous posts that there isn't much of a difference in compensation for RN vs. BSN. What I am more interested in is the positions available for RN vs BSN. Let me be specific, my mother is an BSN working for the Catholic Healthcare West system, I was told that the primary difference between the two types of nurses is the type of position that they can hold. For example she said that an RN could not be put in charge of a BSN such as a charge nurse position. However I was told that the Kaiser system didn't have such a policy. I would like to know if there are other differences in positions between RN vs. BSN.

If there is no difference between RN vs. BSN in terms of position then what is the point to having two different degrees for the same license. I also understand that some specialties require a BSN in order to move on to their respective MSN.

Keep in mind when I say RN I mean an RN with their Associates Degree

[bcrnsi]

I don't know where you live, but in New York City and the surrounding areas - YOU CAN NOT GET AN INTERVIEW without a BSN. I am so frustrated. I worked very hard for my RN and am 27 credits away from getting my BSN. I think I'm going to have to find a job doing something else until I finish school. My advice is to go for the BSN or you're going to wind up like me - UNEMPLOYED.

[caliotter3]

Is there a reason other than failing the NCLEx for RN that would stop someone from obtaining an RN license?

Sure. There are people who never take the NCLEX. There are also people (in CA) who take the NCLEX, pass it, and then the BRN or BVNPT does not issue a license to.

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

no difference in pay or position anywhere I have worked. Well, you do get bsn after your name on your badge, but that is it.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I am pretty firm in my thoughts on education.

Edu first and formost should be obtained to gain employment. Your choice of profession/edu needs to primarily be made to ensure you can support yourself/family, after that has been researched, then you can consider what you would like doing most. If the profession you have interest in seems to require you to go into a sizeable amount of debt, but, does not pay you back with reasonable chance at employment ops and salary recovery for your debt load - or - give you options for other employment outside that profession with the same degree, then, that profession is one you should NEVER pursue unless you have another source of secure reliable income and you are able to pursue that profession/edu as just an interest you might have.

It's difficult these days. Nursing is going down the toilet fast. You are screwed if you dump your financial future into it. You gotta keep your ear to the ground and nose into the wind on a lot of stuff these days. And yes, if you started the long road of edu, you need to maybe stop in your tracks and make monumental changes to save your shirt. Yes, I do not advise any person to pursue a BSN or higher if they think that will make them marketable. This is in no way a wise thing to do right now, and in the foreseeable future. Yeah its hard to swallow this info...

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Is there a reason other than failing the NCLEx for RN that would stop someone from obtaining an RN license?

Legal issues such as a felony record, convictions for certain crimes. Add in health issues - predominantly involving certain types of drug use or psych issues that are perceived to render one unfit to be a nurse. And in most states, moral turpitude - you must be of "good moral character" to be licensed. While they do not necessarily "test" these issues, and I do not know how they expect to judge moral character, you will find that most license applications require you attest to these issues on the applications.

At least all of the 8 states that I have been licensed in, required these.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

is there a reason other than failing the nclex for rn that would stop someone from obtaining an rn license?

off topic... yes, there are posters who are living the reality of graduating nursing school and passing the nclex but who are told by their bon that he/she is not eligible for licensure. unfortunately that is when you are told..... when you apply for licensure. check out the licensure with a criminal history forum for more information: https://allnurses.com/nursing-licensure-criminal/

[Jenni811, RN]

i know more and more hospitals are hiring BSN over ADN if they want to achieve magnet status.One of the hospitals in our area, very large hospital im positive you've all heard of it, is no longer hiring ADN. Our hospital is TRYING to only hire BSN. For example- all the new grad BSN got interviews before the ADN. So we got first dibs on jobs before the ADN. they kinda got the "left-over" positions.

I'm a BSN, and i don't agree with it, so i'm not saying this is right in anyway. I think it kind of discriminates against ADN because i know many amazing amazing ADN. My mother is an ADN working in ICU, as staff and charge RN. I wish i could be half the nurse she is.

But to answer your question, coming from the BSN route, the BSN nurses have more education in areas outside of nursing as well. We have taken alot of cultural classes, psychology classes, English courses, religious courses (understanding different religions), leadership courses etc. the BSNs have done more research type courses, have maybe completed a research (our school required us to complete 2). This isnt to say an ADN has not taken these because you probably have at some point, but a BSN is more in depth and my professors tell us it makes a BSN a "more rounded person." To me though...it's just a title behind someones name, because there are many great ADN nurses out there.

BSN, you can go on for school if you wish. ADN...if you want to go for masters you will need to get your BSN first.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Thanks NurseKitten for the for the input it really helped out. From what i understand there are more options down the road for an RN with a BSN should they choose to move into something else different.

This, absolutely. I am an associate's prepared RN, and I have been looking at other areas of nursing (more administrative type things) and I have found for many jobs, they won't even accept my resume because I don't have a BSN. So now I'm in the process of getting it.

On the floor, it doesn't make a lot of difference. I work at a magnet facility, and for a long time I assumed I was the only nurse there who only had an ADN. Turns out a lot of nurses don't. The roles are not differentiated, and you can't tell by a nurse's skill level whether she's associate's or bachelor's prepared. The difference is what you mentioned above - having a BSN offers a lot more opportunities in other areas of nursing (as well as a lot more options for master's programs if you are planning on continuing your education).

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Legal issues such as a felony record, convictions for certain crimes. Add in health issues - predominantly involving certain types of drug use or psych issues that are perceived to render one unfit to be a nurse. And in most states, moral turpitude - you must be of "good moral character" to be licensed. While they do not necessarily "test" these issues, and I do not know how they expect to judge moral character, you will find that most license applications require you attest to these issues on the applications.

At least all of the 8 states that I have been licensed in, required these.

Also, I remember applying for additional licensure in another state and it was asked if you had ever failed the NCLEX. Also I have a vague memory about if you have unresolved record with the courts of just about any kind, eg delinquent child support as well. Also, if you had defaulted on any educational loans.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

first, you can be a rn with either adn (asn) or bsn as entry level education requirements. you must pass the nursing boards, nclex, to obtain your license to practice nursing in order to obtain the registration number from the state to be called a registered nurse. nursing has had debates about entry level education when the movement was made to "phase out" diploma schools and begin college based education at universities. "associate degree" nurses were "better" than "diploma" grads becasue they were " college" educated.

i have seen the studies but they aren't completely......unbiased....and funded by universities with bsn only programs. so i remain skeptical. there are no policies or regulations hat a bsn nurse cannot be supervised by a adn nurse and in fact happends quite frequently.......usually supervision is based on experience in a clinical setting....not degrees.

now we have the "associate degree" nurses versus the "bsn" nurses with the same tired arguement on who's better, worth more, and is beter educated. i think that with the climate today and jobs for nurses being very scarce, the persual of a bsn should be a priorty, asap. nursing has always been a supply and demand kind of job. when the economy is good and there are better paying jobs with less hassles and body excrement available......people who flocked to the job force will leave for those less "dirty" jobs and absence of shift work. the stay at home moms who returned to the profession because their husband got laid off will return to the home when the husband returns to work. the cycle resumes and the shortage exists once again. until nursing settles on a consistant entry level education requirement this will continue.

i have met some brilliant adn grads and some not so brilliant bsn grads. the persoin makes the nurse not the degree. but if you are young and looking at advancing down the road the bsn will get you the edge needed to

and is in some instances required to obtain positions. magnet designation does encourage bsn grads but will hire adn as well....especially if experienced. but when 2 grads are lined up next to each other....the bsn will most likely prevail in this and most likely future climate.

there are reasons that even if you pass your boards you may not be eligible for licensure as some posters have already mentioned.

caroleladybelle:quote............legal issues such as a felony record, convictions for certain crimes. add in health issues - predominantly involving certain types of drug use or psych issues that are perceived to render one unfit to be a nurse. and in most states, moral turpitude - you must be of "good moral character" to be licensed. while they do not necessarily "test" these issues, and i do not know how they expect to judge moral character, you will find that most license applications require you attest to these issues on the applications

mbarnbsn:

yes, there are posters who are living the reality of graduating nursing school and passing the nclex but who are told by their bon that he/she is not eligible for licensure. unfortunately that is when you are told..... when you apply for licensure. check out the licensure with a criminal history forum for more information: https://allnurses.com/nursing-licensure-criminal/

but when i was a manager and i was hiring new grads.....they were both new grads, they both needed new grad orientation, they were hired for their capabilities and interview as well as reccomendations and grades....and they both started at the same new grad hourly rate. i hope this helped.......

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

In order to accquire your RN licensure you must pass the NCLEX-the same no matter if you graduate from diploma, ADN, or BSN.

Have worked in hospitals where ADN and diploma nurses are charge nurses over staff (no matter their educational path). Normally they need experience and show leadership qualities.

Have been paid more per hour to have BSN in most states I have worked (.25-1.00/hour more for BSN).

There have been jobs where "BSN preferred" has been stated or "BSN required". This has presented opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have had.

The one entry fight (ADN vs. BSN) has been fought since the 80s-I'm sure you can find many threads related to this on allnurses to answer your questions related to this.