BA in Nursing, not BSN - how many others?

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in FNP.

We have an assignment due for Leadership that includes writing a resume & cover letter. I'm trying to figure out if I should actually put down Jane Doe, GN, BSN on these if I'm not earning a BSN - we actually get a BA (with a nursing major)... anyone else trying to figure this one out, too? All of our instructors refer to the degree as a BSN but I knew that I was getting the BA... now as it gets closer, I'm actually thinking about it and it would just be so much easier of we could get an actual BSN degree so there's no questions about it! Anyone else?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Don't ever use credentials that you do not posess.

While the difference between a BA with a major in nursing and BSN is probably minimal, employers and licensing agencies look very harshly upon anyone using credentials that they have not earned.

Be proud of the degree you have earned!

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You're Jane Doe, GN, BA. I don't think I've ever actually seen anyone use a Bachelor's designation after RN UNLESS it was a BSN. I've seen RN, MS to denote someone having a masters that wasn't an MSN. But without the BSN, I just can't recall ever seeing RN, BA after anyone's name.

Your resume will list your education anyway. Just my thoughts.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

I had enough sciences completed at my first institution to earn a BS but I was granted a BA. I never ever list my degree to be a BS. :nono:

When I become a Registered Nurse I will have MBA, BA, ADN. When I graduate the RN-BSN I will then be a MBA, BA, BSN. And when I finish my doctorate I will be a PhD, MBA, BA, BSN.

I agree with the poster that said you should NEVER add something that is not true to your resume. It is not enough to say that you did not know or that you did not think it mattered. Listing credentials or fudging your education/degrees in any way is grounds an employer can use to terminate your employment.

Besides, I know two nurses with BS (not BSN) as credentials. They do not add the "N" because their school did not give them that degree. They earned a BS. I do not think they have trouble finding jobs. The two I know hold managerial positions and have done so for some time. Good luck.

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Specializes in FNP.

Thanks for the replies - are other 4 years earning a BA instead of a BSN? I tried searching online for other schools that only offer BAs (in nursing) but can't find any... wondering if my school is the only one? Thanks again!

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Specializes in Med onc, med, surg, now in ICU!.

I get a Bachelor of Nursing (B Nurs.). I am in Australia though.

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

at my school it is a BS degree with a major in nursing. The dean said our degree wil be more marketable with a BS.

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I agree, don't list BSN when you aren't getting one; but DON'T list RN, BA either, because that makes it look like you got a BA in a non-related major and then went back for an associate's or diploma RN. Your degree is a BAN, and just because it isn't common doesn't mean you shouldn't use it; but to simplify, on resumes and applications I would put "BA (Nursing)" just as I put "BA (Art History)" for my original degree.

BA and BS represent a difference in philosophy; when you get a BA, it means you've taken a broader base of classes besides your major. My school only awarded BAs... even to the physics majors.

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