Should we Skip RN and go straight for BSN?

smoke20 · May 11, 2011

I received my AAS in 1996 and immediately received a position in my local hospital in the med surg unit. In 2000, I accepted a position in a large teaching institution in the Newborn ICU. In 2005, I accepted the position of Asst. Nurse Mgr in our unit of 140 staff members. Last year, everyone in management were informed that we could no longer hire anyone with less than a BSN, as we are a Magnet Hospital. Also, we were informed that anyone in management didn't hold a Master's degree would have to obtain a Master's by 2015. I am struggling now trying to obtain this degree. I would advise anyone in a RN program to immediately return to school and at least obtain a BSN, and if you have any desire to move up the ladder, obtain at least a Master's.

pgalmel · May 11, 2011

I'm also working in a Magnet hospital, with a 2-yr degree.

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · May 11, 2011

You know your current financial circumstances best, so why not just weigh that factor in your question. Personally, if I already have a lot of debt or bills to pay, and really can't see beyond my present circumstances, I would choose to put away a percentage of my paycheck each pay period, and forget about it until I had enough saved up to begin the BSN program. On the other hand, if my financial circumstances are such that I would be able to go for my BSN now, I would do that. Only you are in the position to really make the wisest decision.

Kezef76 · May 11, 2011

I paid about $600 a semester for 2 years, received my ADN and got a job in the specialty I wanted right out of school. My employer paid my $7000+ expenses for my BSN.

You do the math and tell me if you should wait for your BSN. Do hospitals prefer BSNs - yes. Can you get a good job with an ADN - yes.

Don't listen to the doom and gloom of other graduates that have a hard time finding a job. They aren't you and they don't have your personality. Be positive and eager to learn in interviews. Nobody expects a new grad to be a veteran nurse.

indigo1789 · May 12, 2011

I wEnt back for my BSN aftEr 32 yEars in nursing. I always thought that I would obtain my BSN as soon as I graduatEd from my AD program, but things got in thE way and onE nEvEr sEEms to prioritizE of going back to shcool. My advicE go straight into thE BSN program. You'rE wasting timE going to an AD program. I'vE rEtirEd, but sincE wEnt back to work, and thank God I had obtainEd my BSN, bEcausE no onE was hiring AD nursEs only BSN. Good luck in your dEcision.

newtinmpls, BSN, RN · May 12, 2011

Pgalmel:

"Get your RN. Hands down. If you wait, that's two years loss of RN pay, experience, seniority, raises, and tuition reimbursement. Especially since you already work in a hospital, you're more likely to be hired "in-house" even without the BSN. "

Depends. I was in a scholarship affiliated with the hospital where I'd worked for 15+ years, got my RN just as the economy hit the toilet and just as my facility became unionized. I'm not against unions, but it was very frustrating to be essentially shut out of nursing jobs for two and a half years while all the panicking intermittants applied for everything in sight, and got those jobs because "they were in the union already." I ended up working weekends at LTC just to get experience.

That being said, my cohort went through a AA program where you had the option of getting your LPN after year one, and a fellow student of mine did, and worked as an LPN in the pediatrics clinic - made her a more valuable employee.

If you can afford the RN, go for it. The sooner you start accumulating experience the better. I've finished my BSN (as of last week) and am starting Grad school to go BSN-Psych/Mental Health NP doctorate. For me, if I waited, I wouldn't do it, so it's my best option.

Your best option is the one that works for you

GM2RN · May 13, 2011

In my opinion, those telling you to absolutely get your ADN first because it's a "rumor" about hospitals wanting BSN only or "you'll have no trouble getting a job" with an ADN are being irresponsible. There may not be an issue with hospitals hiring ADNs where they live, but you would be foolish not to believe those who tell you that MANY hospitals in MANY regions are hiring BSNs only, because they can.

Please take the advice of those who are telling you to research what is going on in your area, or the areas in which you are willing to work before making a decision. If hospitals in your area are hiring ADNs, then it's reasonable to stop there before going on. If not, you should seriously consider going all the way for your BSN now.

mamaxmaria · May 13, 2011

THank you everyone for your answers! Even though i know my own hospital wont hire me in my unit without a BSN I'm to continue to get my 2 year RN... because of my current financial/ living situation i think it is my best bet

As for finding a job, I know some hospitals, not mine, but some look kindly on having tech experience, especially critical care, i guess cause of the patient care experience and the familiarity that comes with it, IDK

but I have contacts in other hospitals and I'm sure even as a new grad I can get some great recommendations from my co workers.

NurseGuyBri · May 14, 2011

All I can say is that not all RN's have to work in a hospital. If you wish to stay in hospital, then of course, further your career- but think about this: You can get your ADN/RN and take your NCLEX-RN, and then when you transfer to your BSN, you can FOCUS ON CLASSES and not on prep for the NCLEX because you have already TAKEN IT! ;-D this is how I am proceeding. Plus, ADN programs can be much cheaper, and when you transfer to a BSN, take your PRE REQS at Local community colleges (so cheap) and in the end, save money. By getting my ADN and then transfer to BSN (started as a CNA then LPN), I have saved over $15,000.

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · May 14, 2011

THank you everyone for your answers! Even though i know my own hospital wont hire me in my unit without a BSN I'm to continue to get my 2 year RN... because of my current financial/ living situation i think it is my best bet
As for finding a job, I know some hospitals, not mine, but some look kindly on having tech experience, especially critical care, i guess cause of the patient care experience and the familiarity that comes with it, IDK
but I have contacts in other hospitals and I'm sure even as a new grad I can get some great recommendations from my co workers.

Good luck!

MEDSURGRN! · May 16, 2011

I was in your situation at this moment. I received my ADN in 2007 with the idea of getting a job as an RN and continuing school. I found a job at a small hospital and kind of got stuck. SO I made a move and enteredthe BSN program in the Fall 2010 and I am so glad that I finally went back. Most hospitals are only prefering BSNs, but there are some hospital that will hire you with your ADN.

My advice to you is to follow your heart. You will be able to work once you get your license and then pursue your BSN if you decide to stay in the ADN program. Anything can happen betwen now and then, so least you will have your license.

Best wishes to you!

AtomicWoman · May 17, 2011

Because this is the New Jersey Nurses forum, my advice would be to go for the BSN. Here in the South Jersey/Philly area, it is getting harder and harder for ADNs to find jobs. Multiple health systems now only hire BSNs. My RN niece in North Jersey tells me it is the same, if not worse, in the northern end of the state. If we were talking about another state, I might be a bit more equivocal. Read the job ads on the hospital websites and see what they say before making your decision. Today's "BSN preferred" could well become "BSN required" in a couple of years, with the number of new BSNs being churned out every year and the job market still so crummy. My opinion only, of course.