What's a BA,RN to do?

U.S.A. Massachusetts

Published

Specializes in Interested in Pediatrics, ER.

Hi everyone,

Maybe I'm worrying about this waaaay before I need to, but I have a BA in psychology from Boston U. and am currently in the ADN program at Quincy College in Plymouth.

I know that many Boston hospitals now require their potential nursing hires to have a Bachelor's, but I was under the impression that a BA in another field was acceptable. Now I'm hearing that at the bigger hospitals (B&W, BIDMC, NEMC, MGH) it absolutely must be a BSN or you won't even be considered...and that even the suburban hospitals look down on a BA in another field.

Am I going to be ok as a BA/RN or will I need to move out of Massachusetts?

Thanks,

Mark

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

A BA in another field has nothing to do with becoming an RN, and as far as I've seen, it gives no extra brownie points when it comes to the job search.

One of my co-workers (another new grad RN) has a BA in another field, and I do not (nursing was my first degree). We both have BSNs, and are looked at no differently in the workplace.

It seems true that many hospitals are moving towards "BSN preferred", but since there are so many ADN programs around, I'm sure ADNs still get jobs. The issue right now in the big hospitals is hiring freezes---there just is not room in the budget to hire new grads. Many of us have had to be creative, and step away from the idea of automatically working in the hospital setting right out of school. I'm five months in on a sub-acute unit & haven't thought twice about my decision.

Good luck in your job search.

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I am going to be a BS (exercise science and Nutrition) and a ADN. I ma planning on working in the medical fiedl in some manner and doing my ADN to BSN through UMB. Already having a BS I am hoping the RN to BSN will not be too much more.

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I would not waste time stressing about this now. Concentrate on getting your RN license. RN to BSN programs are many and you will be able to find a program to get you that desired BSN without problems.

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Specializes in Psych, ER, Resp/Med, LTC, Education.

your prior bachelors is completely separate from the nursing--other then if you go to an accelerated BSN program where they require a bachelors in another area other then nursing.....I have a BS in Health Science and a BS in Nursing but lets just say if you are a AS in nursing and have another area bachelors you are an RN once you get your license but not a bachelors RN the bachelors HAS to be in NURSING to be considered a bachelors level RN. They like it that my first degree is in health education as it is helpful but it doesnt earn me a dime more. It's my BS in NURSING that earns me a bit more. Does that help clarify it?

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I called MGH HR to ask about this before I saw your message. I was told that they will only consider nurses with a BSN for new hire. I have a non-nursing BS and am looking at various RN programs now. That put all of the community college programs out of the picture for me.

I do think that it is a silly policy because, in the end a second bachelor's in nursing will be basically the same course work as an ADN and a non-nursing bachelor's but I don't make the rules.

So, how would an ADN to BSN program work for someone who already has a bachelors? What courses do you take? You've already got the nursing courses and the liberal arts?

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I am in the same situation. Have a BA in Political Science from UNH, LPN almost RN. Don't bother with a 2nd Bachelor's. Get the RN and head straight for the Master's degree. Many schools are starting to figure out that there are a lot of us 2nd career folks and/or with a degree in a different field. Check out Excelsior College distance learning and Curry College @ Plymouth is launching an MSN program that looks like you might have to take a few transitional courses then move right into MSN. Check UMASS Dartmouth MSN as well. Hope this helped.

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I do think that it is a silly policy because, in the end a second bachelor's in nursing will be basically the same course work as an ADN and a non-nursing bachelor's but I don't make the rules.

I'm not arguing with you or defending the policy, but, just for the record, there is specific nursing content in baccalaureate programs (public/community health and management/leadership, at the minimum) that is not covered in associate's programs. It is a common misconception that the nursing content in the two types of programs is identical, but it is a misconception. This is why the distinction is drawn between holding a BSN and holding an Associate's-plus-a-Bachelor's-something-else. Some employers care deeply about that distinction and some don't, but the distinction is there.

RN-to-BSN programs do include nursing courses in addition to whatever general college the individual needs to complete in order to meet the baccalaureate requirements, but that is the situation in which your other degree will come in handy (when I returned to school to complete a BSN, I only needed the additional nursing courses because I already had all the general college requirements and was able to finish much sooner that my classmates who "only" had an associate's degree and had lots of general college requirements to complete).

Fortunately, there are always a few different routes to accomplish your objectives in nursing. Best wishes for your journey!

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I suppose with the economy the way that it is, the big hospitals can afford to be so picky.

I am hoping to get a second bachelor's instead of an ADN anyway, but it seems like it is the hospitals that are missing out on tons of great candidates by making arbitrary rules like this.

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Don't bother with a 2nd Bachelor's.

I agree with not streessing about it if you are already in an ADN program, the hiring market could change in a couple of years anyway. But would you say that given the choice between an ADN and a 2nd BS, that the ADN is still the way to go? It seems like the ADN programs would be easier to complete for a working adult.

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Specializes in CEN.

I, too, have a BA in Psych, but earned it after my ASN. I've been an RN for many years and though I considered earning my Bachelor's an accomplishment, it meant nothing on my pay scale because it isn't a nursing degree. I am exploring options for an MSN without the BSN. Many of the larger Boston hospitals are hiring only BSN nurses to try for Magnet status and must have a certain percentage of their nursing staff with that to qualify, but there are hospitals hiring new grads with Associate degrees, so I don't think you need to leave MA to get a job. If you can, try a job as a tech in a hospital to get your foot in the door. It can't hurt.

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I am in the same boat with a bachelors degree in another field, and just graduated with my ADN. Finding a job with an associates degree is VERY difficult. I am already thinking about doing UMass Boston's online RN to BSN program (which is only 5 classes I think). If you are already enrolled in the associates program, there is nothing you can do. My only suggestion would be to find a hospital you want to work at and try to get a CNA job. It will help you have an in at that hospital once you do graduate. :crying2:

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