RN wondering is it worth getting BSN

featherzRN, MSN · Sep 22, 2013

I've been an RN for 20 years as well - but RN to BSN programs are so quick and cheap these days and most of them are online, so I figured why not? I did my BSN in just over 3 months and it opens up jobs for me, should I want them. Most of the hospitals out here are requiring a BSN in

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2013

It depends on several things. Of course, one is whether you want to leave the floor. But another is whether you value education, period. I do. So, it's your call.

Guests · Sep 22, 2013

If you have no intention of leaving your present employer, I see little point in getting your BSN now.

akanini, MSN, RN · Sep 22, 2013

I live in NY state and it's becoming mandatory. Is acquiring a BSN happening in other parts of the country, particularly Florida?

pfchang · Sep 23, 2013

I've been an RN for 20 years as well - but RN to BSN programs are so quick and cheap these days and most of them are online, so I figured why not? I did my BSN in just over 3 months and it opens up jobs for me, should I want them. Most of the hospitals out here are requiring a BSN in
FeatherzRN, I would love to know how you completed your BSN in 3 months and for only $3.5K. For the OP, if you ever want to leave your current job, a BSN will be almost essential in being considered for any other RN position. Things may change at your current job, you never know. I have recently changed jobs after a several months long search and was shocked at the number of jobs requiring a BSN. I have a BA in another field but that counted for little in most cases. I am looking now for quick, cheap, accredited RN to BSN programs.

pfchang · Sep 23, 2013

I live in NY state and it's becoming mandatory. Is acquiring a BSN happening in other parts of the country, particularly Florida?

Yes, it is becoming mandatory everywhere.

OCRN3 · Sep 23, 2013

I think if you plan on staying on the floor an ADN is enough. 20 years experience will trump a BSN any day I believe. Only problems may arise if you get hurt and can't stay on the floor. I would get it, just in case.

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applewhitern, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

No, it isn't "becoming mandatory everywhere." And, yes, lots of us RN's have degrees in other areas, and they do not count as a BSN. I have a degree in business~ you would think that would be a great thing for an RN to have to be in management!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 23, 2013

I have been an RN for 20 years. I have tried several times to return to school for a BSN. I do not see the point. I do not care to be in management or education. I'm not making any less than someone with their BSN, this I know for a fact. I don't even like nursing anymore and wonder is it worth it?

I think a LOT is going to depend upon your goals for the rest of your working life and whether or not your current employer will require the upgrade of their staff RNs before you're ready to retire. Could it be worth it? Maybe. Would it open some employment doors for you later? Yes. Consider going back to school for a Bachelor's in a different field, something that interests you. If you do that, you may be able to double major and get your BSN along the way. You'd be able to preserve current employment (depending upon your employer's policies that may come down the pike), open some future employment possibilities, and with a degree in a different field, you may yet open some avenues of employment that you haven't even considered yet.

The best part of this is that you don't have to go into management or education. You just have to find something you love doing.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

BSN in 3 months ??? Where can I sign up LOL!

akanini, MSN, RN · Sep 24, 2013

I think nurses were able to get their BSN in 3 months through Western Governers University. I hear that has ceased. I have a BA in another field and that counts for nothing here in NYC. I refuse to get another Bachelors. I just started EC's MSN program, because I'm tired of not being qualified for jobs due to be "undereducated" (Not a real word). But that's how I feel. I was an LPN for 4 years...RN for 1 but I don't plan to be at the bedside forever, so I figure to just get it over with now.