ADN vs BSN - moving up?

There is no easy answer to this. Some graduate programs offer a RN-MSN option for all tracks, some offer the RN-MSN option for some tracks (not for NP), and some schools require the BSN for everyone. CRNA programs are in the process of changing to being doctoral level for everyone (DNP, DNAP), so I imagine most will want a BSN before entering a doctoral program).

I would recommend an ABSN program in your case.

I think not having previous management experience would hinder you from moving into management. Just having a degree in another field doesn't bring enough to the table.

OTOH, there are threads about new grads being offered DON/supervisory roles fresh out of school. These seem to be LTC gigs and sound dangerous.

Personally, I think starting as an ADN and then getting your BSN on the hospital's dime is the most cost effective way. Especially if you already have another degree. Have you looked into accelerated BSN's. Might be an option but not cheap.

Good luck.

emt made some good points, but a lot of hospitals have stopped hiring new ADNs. Hospitals are also becoming very competitive regarding quality standards, and many of them are ramping up for magnet status - which requires that the bulk of your nursing force (if not all) be BSN prepared.

Degrees aren't everything. I know people who've been promoted all the way to ADON with only an Associate's degree, but these people have a heck of a lot of experience, and they're also becoming the exception rather than the rule. In some states, the nurse practice act dictates the level of education required for DONs - I believe in my state, I hospital CNO must be master's prepared, and she (or he) must at least have a BSN (if the MS isn't in nursing).

Grad schools - from what I've seen - require a BSN, especially if it's an advanced practice nurse. No way around it, and yes, the trend is going toward doctoral prepared nurses.

Some universities offer accelerated BSNs for persons who already have a bachelor's degree - I think a lot of those are 12 or 13 month plans.

I was wondering if anyone knew - if you already have a bachelor's of science in another field, do you still need a BSN to move up to management or go back to school for NP/anesthetist? Or will an ADN suffice, since I already have a bachelor's in something?

I graduated with a bachelor's back in December, and just got accepted to a university for nursing school this upcoming fall. At the same time, I found out that I was getting moved up on the waiting list at a community college and have the chance to start in fall of 2012. I don't know what the smarter move would be for me - start sooner for a BSN but end up in a year's worth of debt, or start a little later in the community college, not go in debt, but potentially not be able to move to a higher up nursing position because I chose to get an ADN over a BSN. Help!

Yes you still need a BSN if you want to do Nurse anesthesia.