RN - BSN

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 8, 2014

RN means registered nurse. For US entry to practice may be a 3-year hospital based diploma, 2-year community college associates degree (ADN), four-year college/university bachelor's degree (BSN) or even a non-nursing bachelors entry level masters degree in nursing (ELM/ELMSN). All of these degrees plus meeting the state board of nursing requirements for licensing by examination plus passing the NCLEX-RN entitles a professional to use the title RN or Registered Professional Nurse.

Several countries require a BSN or collegiate/university level degree as entry to practice for RNs such as Canada and the Philippines. You did not state your country of education or your level of education so it is difficult to say if you are eligible for or need a BSN. Your nursing coursework would need to be evaluated from a qualified service approved by your prospective college to determine if you meet the entry criteria. Just like boards of nursing use CGFNS to determine if an IEN's education meets their standards

Nica-RN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

I already have done the CGFNS paperwork, was able to apply at the FL State Board of Nursing, passed the NCLEX RN and also have a valid license.

My education have been a three year college study in Germany. Holding a license there, too.

My question is, with "just" an RN degree, do I need to take a BSN to get better chances?

Also, with my RN, I have no bachelors degree, right?

Do I have just an associates degree?

It is quite confusing for me, sorry.

You have been very helpful so far, sorry about the stupid questions.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 9, 2014

CGFNS usually states what your agree is equal to in the report (diploma, ASN or BSN). It's most likely equivalent to a diploma. RN isn't a degree but a license.

Diploma programs have some college and a lot of nursing theory & hands on clinical.

You can "upgrade" a diploma or ASN to a BSN if your education is deemed equivalent. The board of nursing looks at your educational credentials differently than universities. Some RN-BSN programs will only accept graduates of US schools. You need to look at admission requirements for the schools that you are interested.

It's likely that you will need your educational credentials evaluated by an academic evaluator such as WES (world education services) but the requirement is set by the school.

There is a school forum on allnurses that list several of the online nursing programs. You would have to contact the individual schools for admission requirements.

Nica-RN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

I looked at my CGFNS report, which shows, that I have a diploma. Still al little bit confused but due to your explanation it becomes more and more clear.

With some applications, I have the choice between some coursework done, associates degree or BSN. No diploma. What am I supposed to select?

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

If it says you have a diploma, then that's probably what BSN completion programs will consider you to have. The schools that aren't offering an option for "diploma" - are you certain they accept diploma grads? As far as which you should select, if there isn't an option, you should probably talk to an enrollment counselor at that school and ask them.

Nica-RN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

Even in application for employment sometimes is not a diploma as a degree available, or for insurances.

I will first apply, start working and than consider, if there is a need for taking BSN studies. Since they are very expensive, I should be sure to improve my chances in nursing with this.