RN or Second-Degree BSN?

passing thru · Jun 2, 2003

Hi Kristin.

I just responded to your "best way to find a job after graduation " thread and now reading this one. With your experience in corporate and IT , I'm sure you could handle the

unit secretary position. It is still preferable to not work or work weekends only while in nursing school.

To respond to this thread, how many years will it take for the RN? and how many for the BSN ?

Which of the 3 programs is going to give you the most credit for courses you have already taken?

Usually a BSN is required for management/teaching positions in nursing. However, I think you can get a two year-Associates Degree in Nursing....the RN program and STILL be in management BECAUSE you already have a degree in business.

If I were you, I'd be leaning towards working in management after a year or two experience "on the floors."

A two year degree generally runs into 3 years before you actually have it, because of all the prerequisite courses.

I think for you, you could obtain a BSN in nursing in 3 years, assuming you will receive credit for your previous courses.

Either way, I think there will only be about 6 months difference in obtaining the RN (2 year degree) and the BSN.

In my state, a lot of people with psyche degrees are hired by the state....the prison system....they evaluate the inmates and run all the placement tests , etc., to decide where to place them.

Also, the state Childrens' Welfare--foster home-- programs hire a lot of folks with psyche backgrounds.

Good jobs here with the state....good benefits, etc. Job security...etc.....no blood and guts, puke , pee or poop ! :)

Good luck.

KristinWW · Jun 2, 2003

I only have 2 pre-req for the RN and this is why I'm leaning towards it. I also volunteered for many years in hospitals when I was in my teens and originally went to college to major in medical technology. I met my future husband and, well, you know the rest!

I keep hearing the "can't-move-forward-without-a-BSN" debate and that's why was unsure how the BS applies.

Once again, many thanks!

Repat · Jun 2, 2003

There are new 'fast track' programs RN/MSN for people with degrees in other things - would be something to check out!

Sarah, RNBScN · Jun 2, 2003

Go for the big one...get your BScN. From your background, you will have less courses to take since they would (I hope) give you credit for what you have done already. Shop around first...see what institution will give you for what you already have.

Good luck.

KristinWW · Jun 2, 2003

That's just it - unsure why I would go for the BSN when there are direct-entry MSN programs and an ADN would have me out and working quicker - convince me :) Everyone tells me go for the BSN but no one can give me a good answer - help!!

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2003

Hi Kristin. I was a 28 year old with a degree in criminal justice working towards my Master's in CJ when I realized it wasn't going to buy me any more job freedom of mobility. Sooo, I took the plunge and began investigating nursing programs while taking prerequisites at night at a local community college. At the time, there were only a few accelerated BSN programs (non nursing bachelor's degree to BSN) in the country. I chose one, Creighton University in Omaha...and by 32 I was an RN.

There are a million career options in nursing. There is also the chance to get a job whereever you want to go. I did 10 years in staff hospital nursing, a year in occupational health, 5 years as an RN manager, and now I am a community health consultant for my state. There is no way my BS in Criminal Justice (or the Master's) would have given me the opportunities I've had.

Nursing has its problems but so does every other profession. If you are interested, I found the publications from the NLN (National League of Nursing) extremely helpful while I was investigating programs. Best of luck to you.

KristinWW · Jun 2, 2003

Thanks Quick! Sorry, didn't mean to be vague - I meant to convince me on the BSN instead of the RN. Don't need to be persuaded to go into nursing :)

twarlik · Jun 2, 2003

Originally posted by KristinWW
I have a BS in Business and was 3/4 of the way through an MA in Psychology program before noting the jobs are just not there. I have applied to three nursing programs: 1 RN program at a community college and 2 BSN second-degree programs. I would rather do the RN. Any advice? I'm 36 and have several years experience in corporate training and IT. Thanks!

I went through a similar situation about a year ago. I have a BA already and decided to go back for nursing. When I looked at my options, the only difference between getting my BSN and ADN was cost. It would take me the same amount of time to get my BSN as it would the ADN. Ultimately I decided to get my BSN, since I want to teach one day and plan on going on for an advanced degree.

All that being said, I think that this is a very personal decision that you have to make. I would really decide what you want to do in nursing and go from there. There are several threads already about the benefits of a BSN over and ADN and vice versa. Check those out and give it some thought. I would also recommend that you take a hard look at the schools that you are considering. Talk to students who are already in the programs, see what the pass rates are on the NCLEX. You may find that one of the programs isn't very good at all, which would make this decision much easier.

Good luck with everything!

Todd

eltrip · Jun 2, 2003

Ditto what everyone else has written. Now, for my 2 cents' worth...

I have a BA & wanted to get my ADN. There were so many applicants that it was suggested that I apply again in a year. I thought, hmmm...now it'll take 3 years for this. The BSN required a few more prereqs & I'd graduate in 3 years...I went the BSN route. Now, I kinda wish I'd gone after the MSN bridge. With the MSN bridge, some schools prepare the students to take the boards after completing the general nursing courses. Then they can work & gain experience while studying their specialty. If I'd known that then, I would've gone straight into the MSN. However, I've gained much experience on this path...the BSN has been a plus. It got me into my current position.

Also, with your IT background, you could take your nursing degree & parlay it into the field of nursing informatics. Another option for you! Nursing is full of options if you know where to look! Good luck to you in your decision-making process.

healingtouchRN · Jun 2, 2003

go for the quickest program out of school & jump in with both feet & give us some of your help!!! Wow, what great experience for us not so techies!

ps....I am married to a Dilbert, but he's no help, we don't speak the same language!

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2003

Go for an accelerated BSN program-- you can get it done in as little as a year!!