Bridge Programs, BSN and Employment

[cmjn]

I've seen a lot of RN to MSN bridge programs for students who have their ADN (not BSN). How does this work for common hospital requirements for BSN within ~1-2 years of employment? If you're enrolled in a RN -> MSN bridge program, are most hospitals okay with this in progress (even it it takes ~2-3 years to complete)? ANY and all advice is appreciated because I know it may vary regionally. Thanks so much!

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

Edit: I obviously misread the whole thing.

Unless the hospital agrees to the lengthened time, you'll have to do a program within the required amount of time.

[pro-student]

You should go for a straight RN-to-BSN. Since most RN to MSN programs don't grant a BSN at all and if, for any reason, you don't complete the whole program, you will have no degree so show for it. When hospitals say BSN, they mean BSN. Not ADN + bachelor's in anything else, not ADN + most BSN classes, not ADN + MSN student. I don't know what your career goals are but most people pursing a MSN are expecting to move into a different role. This is often not good news to an employer who has to invest a significant amount into a brand new RN (it's estimated to be about $40-60k even for an experienced nurse). Many employers will be wary of investing in someone who is already not planning on being in the position within a few years. When interviewing/applying, going straight for you BSN shows dedication and initiative but going straight for your MSN can be seem like you have one foot out the door before you even start. A RN-to-MSN program will probably only save you a few courses and a semester at best which is a significant risk without much reward.

[BassCatchingNurse]

Most hospitals are pushing for BSN to obtain "magnet status." I worked at a magnet hospital....not impressed.

Here are my thoughts on this.....you can...

1. First, Check with the school. Yes, some schools will award the BSN when the BSN courses are complete...most will not.

2. Let your employer know that you want to do an RN-MSN program and ask if it is OK that it might take longer than 1-2 years. They might say "sure." However, as pro-student pointed out, they might not like you already going for an MSN. No one really wants to put time and money into training a nurse just so they turn around and leave just as they are fully capable and experienced nurses.

3. If they do not award the BSN until the end of the MSN program, see if they will give you a letter from the school to show your employer that you have completed the BSN curriculum. If they say "yes," then let your employer know that you are going to an RN-MSN program that will not award the BSN until the whole MSN program is complete, but that they said they will give you a letter after you complete the BSN curriculum stating that it is complete. Ask them if that will be sufficient to satisfy the 1-2 year BSN requirement. I bet it will. Magnet status does not mean that 100% of your nursing staff is at the BSN level. I believe that it is around 80% that magnet wants to see. Therefore, your employer might not be as strict as you think!!

Also, as pro-student stated, some RN-MSN programs do not award a BSN at all...not even at the end of the program.

All that being said, I would encourage you to do a RN to BSN course. Get use to this new role of RN...your education does not end after ADN even if you don't go back to school...believe me!!! Get experience as an RN...then go for your masters!!! Or you can follow your own path...I'm just offering advice!!!!