Best RN to BSN program for RN with BA in other field, looking to transition to ED nursing

[ivyleaf]

The bottom line: I am looking for a reasonably priced program that will let me transfer all/most of my gen ed credits and ASN nursing classes, ideally with online classes, that includes a clinical experience of my choosing. A plus if it includes a patho or pharm class, as I could use a review-- I have spent the last 8 years in mental health nursing.

I have always thought I would not get my BSN, as I have an Associate's in Nursing and a BA in Psychology-- there would only be a few theory courses that would differentiate me from someone from with a BSN, besides the title-- which, unfortunately, seems to be more important than experience.

As I am considering a move to another state and am trying to transition into a new speciality, I thought a BSN program might be a good idea. I have spent 8 years in psychiatric nursing, in unlocked/non hospital units, community mental health and health promotion/education, psychiatric case management in a hospital setting, and approx 2-2 1/2 years in an acute psych ward as a staff nurse on a unit in a general hospital.

I have always wanted to do ED nursing, but hated med surg in school. I have applied to med surg and ED jobs over the years, but without success. I just took a position floating between different primary care/ambulatory care clinics (including OB, family medicine and urgent care), and will be starting in a few weeks, and am happy to get out of psych and get the urgent care exp, but I still want to try the ED.

Esp as I am considering moving in the next 1-2 yrs, I thought the BSN could make me more competitive AND allow the opportunity for a clinical experience/internship in the ED, where I could hopefully make some connections.

I have looked at some programs near me, but most of them seem to be theory based and have clinicals focused on community/public health nursing and nursing leadership. I worked in a community setting for 3 years doing health teaching/promotion, as well as in a supervisory role-- this is not the kind of experience I am looking for.

Any ideas??? I live in MA and am strongly considering a move to Philadelphia, as well as the west coast.

Thanks!!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Pretty much all RN-BSN programs will have clinicals/practicum in community health. That's the main thing that differentiates a BSN program from an ADN program. Beyond that, most RN-BSN programs do not have any type of clinical experience, because the assumption is that you've already gotten all of your clinicals in your ADN program, and that you're a working RN, so you don't need additional clinicals.

[neonurse97]

Capella University has no clinical requirements in their RN-BSN program.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Most do not have real clinicals and instead do capstone projects related to the place you work because you already are licensed as an RN. Networking or transferring in hospital may be key. Have people look at your resume too. A BSN can be attractive as hospitals won't have to pay for you to go back for that.