BSN or training certifications? More competitive/competent in L&D?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

I am at a cross road.

Do I plan to continue my BSN immediately after finishing my ADN, or work on various applicable certifications (NRP, ACLS-OB, Fetal Monitoring, et cet) to make me a better LDRP RN, and a more attractive candidate when the rare position opens up?

My intent is to go to grad school for CNM in a few years, and I could do the RN-MSN (or DNP then) route when the time comes. I personally think the additional certification training will make me more proficient than a bunch of RN leadership coursework in the RN-BSN program, especially since I have a BS and have been in the workplace and lived several decades.

However, we will likely be moving at some point and I wonder when I go to a new city with no acquaintance network, will I regret not having the BSN when trying to obtain an OB/LD/PP job?

Can anyone speak to this? I sincerely appreciate your feedback.

PAERRN20

660 Posts

Specializes in ER.

You will never regret more education. Whether it is BSN or certifications. However, a bachelor's degree will serve you well for the rest of your life. A BSN isn't all about leadership coursework. A BSN gives you a foundation for research since you plan to go for a MSN/DNP. You said you have a BS which is great but I think the BSN will prepare you better for graduate nursing coursework. Also, a BSN translates to any specialty in nursing. Someday you may want to leave LDRP and that BSN will come in handy.

JaneyW

640 Posts

Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

I am also of the mindset that more education is always a good thing. I just finished an MSN. However, if you are asking specifically for OB, I would encourage you to get your ACLS, NRP and basic fetal monitoring. These will make you more competitive as they are required for the job. If it is an interest of yours, take other classes as well such as lactation consultant or childbirth educator. Get a student membership to AWHONN. All of those things will look good on your resume. Get your foot in the door of a perintal unit any way you can--nursery, pp or L&D. Be the best candidate.

NurseN2000

21 Posts

I think the BSN is really going to be important for any MSN degree. I am about to begin my RN-BSN program so I can learn how to write research papers, in addition to the leadership learning. I did plenty of projects and presentations in my ADN courswork, but never did a formal research paper using APA style.

Barkow

111 Posts

Specializes in L&D/postpartum.

Some hospitals are moving toward only hiring nurses with a BSN. If you are considering moving, you might run into that problem and the BSN would make you more marketable.

Specializes in L&D,Wound Care, SNC.
Some hospitals are moving toward only hiring nurses with a BSN. If you are considering moving, you might run into that problem and the BSN would make you more marketable.

This was the motivating factor in me deciding to complete my RN-BSN. I am less than 2 months away from graduating from the program! I am a military spouse so I figured it would be best to pursue this degree to keep more options open. I am completing a completely online program and there were times where I wanted to give up and quit. I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. I am stationed overseas and thanks to WiFi I have traveled without it interfering with my coursework.

neatnurse30

166 Posts

Specializes in medical.

I would definitely go for BSN. I'm currently in RN-BSN program in a nearby public college. Some of the classes are online, which I love. And it's true, the are more hospitals hiring only BSN RNs.

SiennaGreen

411 Posts

The challenge is that because of my previous BS degree, it is likely that I can complete a portfolio when it comes time to begin my CNM program and that I can begin directly into the MSN program and skip the BSN bridge.

Obviously, I would love to save that time and money, but I hope that the lack of a BSN won't hurt me too much while looking for an L&D or Mother/Baby position before I head back. I need to work for maybe 2-3 years while DH completes his Masters, and then I can return to a CNM program.

I am hopeful that getting some of the previously mentioned advanced certifications will be a selling point and honestly, I really do think that those would make me a safer, more well rounded nurse during this time. However, if I get blocked from the unit due to a lackof a BSN----it doesn't matter much.

RNBelle

234 Posts

Usually a previous BS degree is not going to count in place of a BSN. You gotta have the BSN for any MSN and/or DNP programs (unless it is a RN to MSN program). When you start working in L&D you will be required by your job to get NRP, fetal monitoring, etc. That will be part of your on the job education and usually employers pay for you to take the classes. The BSN is the coveted degree of nursing. I say go for the BSN, get the degree sooner rather than later.

SiennaGreen

411 Posts

Interestingly, both of the programs I am looking at currently do allow for a portfolio process to skip the BSN for RN's with previous BS degrees- Frontier and SUNY. I was surprised because you don't hear much about it, but it seems to be fairly common.

I hear what you're saying about the BSN being preferred, and that is what I was interested in. Thanks!

teriadn2004

38 Posts

I say get your BSN - I had similar plans to yours when I started - work now in LDRP in a hospital for the past 3.5 yrs and thought that was the only thing I ever wanted to do. However, in my previous career, I only had an AAS degree and found that even though I could do management jobs while my employer looked for a replacement, I could not be awarded the position because of lack of that degree. So, I got my BSN "just in case". I'm not sorry either........I stumbled on to a partime opening for a Newborn Home Visit Nurse with the state DHEC - guess what - I woudn't have gotten the job if I didn't have the BSN, and who knew that I would love doing this kind of nursing as much as L&D.

JaneyW

640 Posts

Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

I am like you in that I had another BA degree before becoming a nurse. That did not impede me from getting my MSN and public health nurse certification. I do not have a BSN. I am now teaching as full time faculty. The BSN is important for those that do not have another degree but not as much for those that do. That will depend a bit on where you live as well. I am in California.

+ Add a Comment