Associates?

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Can I work in the NICU with only an Associates? Or do I have to have a BSN?

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Can I work in the NICU with only an Associates? Or do I have to have a BSN?

Yes you can. Some places prefer the BSN, but there are tons of us in NICU nursing that don't have the BSN yet.

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I am an ASN, but my institiution only hires BSNs now. Couldn't tell you why.

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Specializes in NICU.
I am an ASN, but my institiution only hires BSNs now. Couldn't tell you why.

Same here, lately. At least half of the nurses who've been on the unit for 10+ years are diploma (not LPN, I mean hospital RN program) or have associate's degrees. As for everyone that's been hired in the past 8 years, including myself? BSN only.

We don't have a shortage of nurses, though, and maybe that has something to do with it. When I was on orientation, oh, 7-8 years ago, there were plenty of ADN/ASN nurses starting at the hospital - BUT all of them were working on the med-surg floors that had nursing shortages. The nurses going to all the ICUs (where there are few jobs to come by) all happened to be BSNs.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong. I'm just stating facts.

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however, our unit has quite a few ADN's (including myself) on staff. They are extremely supportive of completing your BSN or further, but we definitely are treated as equals.

Jamie

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