A Ban=Bsn?

klone, MSN, RN · May 12, 2014

Just for fun, I looked at all the major hospital networks in Denver to see, for those jobs requiring a Bachelor's, if they specify BSN or just "Bachelor's in Nursing". This is what I found:

Centura: EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS BSN required

RN ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Job

Exempla: Bachelor's degree required

https://sclhs.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=14000018

HealthOne: Education: Graduate of a certified School of Nursing, BSN preferred

Nursing - Professional job in Englewood, CO - HealthONE Jobs, HCA

UCH:

Our ideal candidate has:

BSN or MSN from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school

Children's Hospital: Required Education/Field of Study:Bachelor or higher in Nursing.

https://erecruit.childrenscolorado.org/psc/erecruitprd1/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?FolderPath=PORTAL_ROOT_OBJECT.HC_HRS_CE_GBL2&IsFolder=false&IgnoreParamTempl=FolderPath%252cIsFolder&SiteId=2&

Denver Health: Education Required: Bachelors Degree

https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_denverhealth/External/jobDetails.do?functionName=getJobDetail&jobPostId=13488&localeCode=en-us

So it seems it's about 50/50.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 12, 2014

PMFB, to be honest you were the rude one originally. I'm glad that I am not the only one who thought that.

Also, saying that it's a non-issue is ridiculous. Have you not applied to a job recently? Not to mention that it is becoming more common for HR to scan a resume before the manager actually reads it? Have you looked at job postings? I research job postings in my area regularly and many of them say BSN preferred or BSN only.

However there are a handful that have said bachelors without any indication that the bachelors has to be in nursing. In those cases, they are usually management positions

Ultimately, it's up to the person to decide if they want to pursue the degree or not based on their plans and preferences.

klone, MSN, RN · May 12, 2014

I found this thread from 4 years ago (ironically, also started by Smartnurse1982)

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/anyone-have-bachelor-488242-page2.html

It seems that four years ago, there were similar questions about "what the heck is a BAN, never heard of it?"

In googling, I could find less than 5 programs in the entire US that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (three of which seem to be in MN, which confirms my original thought that it's a highly regional thing). So I think we "ignorant" nurses can be forgiven for not having ever heard of it before.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 12, 2014

That was the same thread that I posted earlier! A BAN is simply not that popular of a choice. It must be some miracle that PMFB met all those nurses.

One reason why a BAN may not be that common, at least now since apparently it used to be very common according to PFMB, is that most of the ADN programs have all the science requirements necessary for a BSN. For me, I only had to take stats which is now built into the curriculum of my ADN program. If the ADN program has been keeping up with the times, then they modify the curriculum to allow the students to stay competitive.

In fact, in my area the traditional BSN programs only have a few "fluff" classes like fine arts added into the mix to make it a bachelors program.

klone, MSN, RN · May 12, 2014

I'm guessing that perhaps the BAN is more widely known in the upper Midwest (MN, WI) area, since it seems that most, if not all, the BAN programs come from that region. I can say that I know of NO nurses in either AZ or CO who have a BAN, and in fact, as evidenced by this thread and the one from 4 years ago, most people are not familiar with it.

It's quite possible that any place that accepts a BSN would also accept a BAN, but then one could argue, if they would also accept a BAN, why would their listing state "BSN required" and not "BSN/BAN required"? With that being the case, and with the myriad RN-BSN programs that are out there, quite inexpensive, I personally would be very hesitant to enroll in a BAN program in a region where they are almost unheard of, for fear of limiting my opportunities. But that's just me, and of course everyone must make their own choice. :)

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 12, 2014

It's not widespread in the overall Midwest since I'm from the area, but I'm not from those two states.

That's why I do recommend writing the name out of the degree instead of listing it as a BAN in case people who never have heard of a BAN will know what it is. Technically the resume etiquette deems that's the proper way to do it in the first place. It may also solve the keyword issue too if they look for bachelors but then a lot of new nurses have 2nd majors in another field.

smartnurse1982 · May 12, 2014

I found this thread from 4 years ago (ironically, also started by Smartnurse1982)
https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/anyone-have-bachelor-488242-page2.html
It seems that four years ago, there were similar questions about "what the heck is a BAN, never heard of it?"
In googling, I could find less than 5 programs in the entire US that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (three of which seem to be in MN, which confirms my original thought that it's a highly regional thing). So I think we "ignorant" nurses can be forgiven for not having ever heard of it before.

Yes,i stated that in the opening post.

I just wanted to see if the responses would be different as many new nurses have joined since then,and i was hoping someone had a BAN.

chare · May 12, 2014

Apparently the American Nurses Credentialing Center makes no distinction between the BSN and BAN as the following information is included in their Magnet Recognition Program FAQ: Data and Expected Outcomes

When collecting information about educational level of RNs, where do I count someone who has a bachelor of arts in nursing?
The category will read baccalaureate in nursing. If the RN holds a bachelor of science in nursing or a bachelor of arts in nursing, it should be counted in the baccalaureate category.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 12, 2014

Yes,i stated that in the opening post.
I just wanted to see if the responses would be different as many new nurses have joined since then,and i was hoping someone had a BAN.

Are you enrolled in a program that grants a BAN? There is no difference. I have worked with 2 BAN prepared nurses...they are NOT common but they exist and are accredited.

What are you looking for?

BrandonLPN, LPN · May 12, 2014

I am worried that many nursing managers will just toss my resume if i get a Ban because many do not know what it is.
Also,with so much emphasis on Bsn i wondered why the ANA has not mentioned anything about BAN Degrees.

It's certainly possible they'll never have heard of a BAN. I didn't before today. But I doubt it would make anyone toss out your resume. I think it's a nonissue.

If it really bugs you, I would simply avoid using the acronym. Write out on your resume "Bachelor of Arts in Nursing". Likely they won't even notice that doesn't stand for BSN and, if they do, writing the whole degree out will reassure them it's a 4 year nursing degree, interchangeable with a BSN.

5678kma · Jan 29, 2016

Greetings!

I am a RN, BAN and got hired at Mayo Clinic as a PCU nurse mid-year before graduation. Those in the position of hiring nurses will know what a BAN prepared nurse is. It did not come up in my interview, but I've always knows BANs and BSNs to be considered equal. The BAN just has more focus on being well-rounded/cultured outside of nursing (which makes you stronger as a nurse) and the other puts heavier focus on the sciences (which also makes you a stronger nurse). Both are beneficial!

That's been my experience.

OBwonKnewbie · Jan 29, 2016

Do you plan on getting a master's? If so, I would ask if it would matter for getting an MSN if your bachelor's is not a BSN. I honestly think you would be ahead to just get the BSN.