RN vs. BSN

Specialties NICU

Published

Hi Everyone...

I am currently in a 4 year BSN program (2nd year), but I have had problems with my school so I am in the process of applying to transfer. I have been looking at schools and I was wondering if there was a difference in having just an RN vs a BSN when trying to get a job as a NICU nurse. I'm about 95% sure that NICU is what I want to do when I graduate (if I ever do:( ) and I want to give myself the best possible shot at getting a position. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

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Hi Everyone...

I am currently in a 4 year BSN program (2nd year), but I have had problems with my school so I am in the process of applying to transfer. I have been looking at schools and I was wondering if there was a difference in having just an RN vs a BSN when trying to get a job as a NICU nurse. I'm about 95% sure that NICU is what I want to do when I graduate (if I ever do:( ) and I want to give myself the best possible shot at getting a position. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Not where I work...just all RN's. I'm almost finished with my BSN...and I have a 3 year RN now. Only 5 courses to go...and now it's all going to be on-line which really makes me nervous...I'm from the "stone-age" you know.

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It doesn't matter.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Nope doesn't matter, you are an RN as long as you pass the boards.

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Specializes in NICU.

Hi

If you plan on continuing your education afterwards (such as getting your masters or become an educator, clinical nurse specialist ect...) then you will need a BSN in order to advance. Otherwise, it really does not make a difference. But I do think there is a difference is pay whether a nurse does or does not have her BSN...but all in all, we are all RN's once we pass the boards. Good luck.

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Specializes in NICU.

I personally don't think it matters...but I have noticed that some nurse managers think it does. When I was in school, there was talk of a lot of units hiring only BSN RNs, and the manager of the unit where I currently work no longer wants to hire anyone without a BSN. I have worked with some fabulous RNs -- and some not so fabulous BSN RNs! I'd suggest checking with the unit you are interested in. Good luck, we need more NICU nurses!

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Specializes in NICU.

Carebeth is right, it really just depends on whether you have plans to go into management in the future or not, if so then you would need a BSN. Otherwise, it makes no difference.

Please do a search on this topic, there are TONS of threads relating to this.

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Thanks everyone! I'm definitely going to try to stay in a BSN program but if it doesn't work out now I know I have some options. Thanks again!

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