Should we Skip RN and go straight for BSN?

llg, PhD, RN · May 6, 2011

It depends on the specifics of your situation.

If the BSN is within reasonable reach for you in terms of time, money, etc. ... I'd recommend to start with a BSN. In many areas of the country, BSN's have a big advantage in the job market and you may have more trouble finding a job with an ADN. Also, I know a lot of people who got diplomas and ADN's with the intention of going back to school who never seem to get around to it ... and now, many years later, regret not having it.

However ... in some areas of the county, there are still jobs for ADN's ... and the costs, etc. of getting a BSN are outrages. If that's the case where you live, then starting with an ADN makes a lot of sense.

So ... what is the situation where you live? That's what you need to look at in order to make a good decision.

caliotter3 · May 6, 2011

It makes sense to get a BSN degree in the beginning to save time, money, and aggravation. Once you have finished that rung of the education ladder you can forgo further formal education and be reasonably assured you have met the minimum employment standards for most RN work.

RoyalPrince · May 6, 2011

in NJ hospitals want BSN in my area - they term it like "strongly preferred" but still only choose BSN candidate to interview.. so my advice is to get the BSN

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · May 10, 2011

If you have begun to take nursing courses I recommend staying with an ADN program mainly because nursing courses do not transfer, and many 4 year programs are saturated with transfer students, i.e Rutgers.

You could always apply to an RN to BSN program that could be relatively cheap such as the one offered by Kean University.

jbmd513 · May 11, 2011

This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately! I am in an Associates program in NH. I've been told that getting the BSN right off the bat is unnecessary as long as I'm not planning on finding employment in the Boston area. Being in my 30's with a family, I just need to get a job and go on to get my BSN later, which I'm planning on. Check out the program you are in and see if they have agreements with any 4 year programs for BSN that would take all your transfer credits. My school has agreements with a few, which makes me feel better! Good luck!

whalems · May 11, 2011

I teach in both an ADN and a BSN program in NYC, and to be honest in the present market, ADNs are being shut out of most nursing jobs in hospitals. I have strongly encouraged my ADN students to return for their BSN ASAP. The longer you wait the harder it is to go back particularly as your obligations grow.

Regardless, if you fortunate to land a job as either a BSN or a ADN, inquire how the institution supports nurses and education, i.e. tuition reimbursement, paid conferences, on campus programs. Determine what you want of your future and make a plan for how you will achieve your goals.

Good Luck!

mamaxmaria · May 11, 2011

Thank you! I really can't afford to go straight threw to BSN under my circumstances, and yes my school is affiliated with a university or 2 in the area. School is expensive and I need a better paying job in order to pay for it! But I have a few nurse contacts in other hospitals so I'm hoping finding a job when i finish wont be too hard.

cdsga · May 11, 2011

One thing to look at is tuition reimbursement. If you can get your RN and get a job-then go through your probationary period and jump on the opportunity to finish your BSN. Find a place that offers that-it seems that some places are cutting back on that benefit-so choose to interview with places that have that employee benefit. If you have already been working in a facility, you can talk with your HR rep to see what is offered to you so that you can easily move into a nursing job. Finish you schooling as quickly as possible, because life seems to get in the way. So you want to be free to enjoy your family, friends etc, to keep a balance in your life and have money to boot. So think carefully. It's worth the effort to get it out of the way and then live your life. Especially now that you're in your 30's.

Gods_nurse · May 11, 2011

absolutely, go for the RN, then the BSN, you can get the BSN online while working as an RN, many many hospital are hiring RNs, It is a rumor that they all wants BSNs.

Gods_nurse · May 11, 2011

Go for the RN, then you can go for the BSN while working as a RN for the BSN.

pgalmel · May 11, 2011

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. Absolutely go forward and finish your BSN, but don't wait to take your boards and get your license. I'm coming up on 2 year experience, planning to go back after that to finish. My hospital will help pay for me to finish, and even have once every 2 week classes at the hospital for BSN completion. Also, I needed the time and money to financially and mentally recover from the 2 year boot-camp that was nursing school! Now I'll be able to go back without needing any loans, and be free of credit card debt. Get your RN, and go to WORK! Good luck!