Having a bachelors degree in something other than nursing...

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I am a soon to be graduate from an associate degree program in nursing (RN). I received my bachelor degree in Exercise Science prior to starting the nursing program. I have always wanted to use my other degree along with my associates degree in nursing. Are there jobs out there that allow for this? I know that in Idaho a lot of the hospitals are talking about requiring a bachelor degree in nursing to be able to work in them. Does anyone know if having a bachelors in a health-related field would be an acceptable alternative? Thank you!

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Um, I'm not sure but I wouldn't think it would be accepted as an alternative to a BSN. I will be in the same boat as you though. I have a bachelors in biology and will start an ASN program in the fall. My school has an all online RN to BSN program in a 3,4, or 5 semester option. After I graduate from the ASN program, I plan in applying to the RN to BSN program. It's more work, but will be worth it in the long run. Maybe you can look into some program options like that. I've heard some hospitals will hire you and give you X amount of time to get your BSN. Good luck with whatever you do, and congrats on your upcoming graduation!

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I also have a bachelors in a hard science but all the hospitals I have talked to require a BSN. I understand that you don't want your last degree to "go to waste" but you might be able to transfer some of those credits. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

There is no substitute for a BSN, unfortunately. Employers aren't just gung-ho over bachelors degrees in general - they want that specific degree. Unfortunate for the large number of career changers in nursing.

But your degree definitely won't be wasted! You'll have moments in your education (and probably your practice) where you'll use all that knowledge and be really excited :)

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A BSN is different from any other science baccalaureate degree since it focuses specifically on the nursing profession (nursing leadership, community nursing etc). It may give you a leg up against other ADNs applying for the same job, but most if not all hospitals strongly prefer BSNs due to the high number of new grad applicants (making it easy to be picky!)

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There are some RN-MSN programs that took into consideration your non nursing bachelors. It helps because then you do not have to take all those extra core/gen ed classes that people without any bachelors must do.

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Thank you to everyone that replied. That was basically what I was expecting to hear, I just NEEDED to hear it because nobody ever seemed to know for sure. It makes sense though to need the bachelors in nursing...so that you can learn what it takes to manage others in nursing specifically. Anyway, I think more than anything at this point I would like some on the job experience so that I can decide what route to take my education. I think it wise to be a little more clear about the direction of my education before I jump in the deep end! Thanks again for helping me see my way through that! Can't wait to be a licensed RN!

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You might want to look into a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program or a pain management program with an excellent physiatrist/PT connection. They would probably salivate at the thought of getting an RN with an ES degree.

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Yess do cardiopulmonary rehab. Awesome field. When I did my internship in one, all the nurses had degrees in ex phys. Even at the masters level.

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Ok I will definitely look into that. Thank you!

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I have my BS in Sociology, so its given me an advantage in mental health nursing. That said, its not a replacement for a BSN.

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Personally, if it were up to me I'd rather have an RN with a BS in biology than 'just' a BSN

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