Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor of Nursing degree, does it matter?

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2014

BS + ADN is NOT equivalent to BSN. So if hospitals in your area demand a BSN then you will need to continue your education.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jan 16, 2014

Some graduate programs require BSN. This is why it's sooooooo much better when you already have Bachelor's, just to go for it instead of devoting 2 years to an "inbetween" program.

odemaj · Jan 17, 2014

Even though some hospitals prefer a person to have a BSN it does not seem financially beneficial to have a BSN, when a BSN nurse gets only a $1 raise as compared to an ADN nurse. So, I can either spend another year at this college and take more student loans out and get my BSN, or I can try to get hired this summer as an RN with my ADN and start making some money. What would you recommend?

Tatinha · Jan 17, 2014

as far as I know, institutions only want to see that BSN after your name. you can have a Phd. in Biochemistry and a ADN, and it does not seam to matter to them. I think the best shot is to get the BSN, you will need it sooner or latter. Bet of luck!!

ohiobobcat · Jan 17, 2014

I am in the same situation. I have a BS in athletic training/exercise physiology along with my ADN, but graduate nursing programs I've looked at will not accept that bachelor's degree. I'm assuming hospitals will feel the same way. The good news is the BSN program will accept many of the classes I took to earn my first BS so I really only have to take the nursing classes for my BSN. I work full time and take 2 classes a semester online. Maybe that's an option for you? It's going to take me 2-2.5 years going that route, but I'm not going to overload myself by trying to work full time and go to school full time while raising 3 kids as a single mom. Not worth it to me. :)

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 17, 2014

You could have 5 separate PhDs and be knighted by the queen of England, and it still wouldn't count as a bachelor's in nursing, which is some ways is pretty crappy I think.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jan 18, 2014

Even though some hospitals prefer a person to have a BSN it does not seem financially beneficial to have a BSN, when a BSN nurse gets only a $1 raise as compared to an ADN nurse. So, I can either spend another year at this college and take more student loans out and get my BSN, or I can try to get hired this summer as an RN with my ADN and start making some money. What would you recommend?

Add that $1.00/hr. up over a 30 year career. Factor in the jobs you couldn't apply for because you didn't have that BSN. Read the posts on this website and see ADNS who are being "retired out" because they don't have BSN. Read about hospitals who are accepting applications from BSN's only.

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 18, 2014

Add that $1.00/hr. up over a 30 year career. Factor in the jobs you couldn't apply for because you didn't have that BSN. Read the posts on this website and see ADNS who are being "retired out" because they don't have BSN. Read about hospitals who are accepting applications from BSN's only.

I don't even get 5 cents more an hour for getting my BSN. I didn't do it for the money though, I did it so I can apply to grad school in a few years, and so that I have as many opportunities NOW as possible while I'm figuring out what school to go to.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jan 19, 2014

Your bachelors may definitely add a little weight to your resume, but it's not a BSN.

Since you have a bachelors already, you could have gone for an accelerated BSN. But since you're almost to graduation, get the ADN, go to work, and go back for the BSN...Or an MSN.

Like subee said, that $1 is $2,080 per year, $60,240 over 30.

And being qualified for that future dream job...priceless.

adnrnstudent, ASN, RN · Jan 20, 2014

BSN may be required, but "qualified" is a very strong word to use.