BSN bridge or OT?

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I may be jumping the gun here since I have not gotten into nursing school (should be accepted at the end of the semester. All A's in my classes and the program i want to get into only requires B's).

But everything I have heard is that you don't get too terribly much from going from RN to BSN. I have also heard that the only time it really comes up is when you first get hired they may say "ok, we will hire you but we want you to be going for your BSN", and when you are considered for a promotion, it looks good.

To that end I have thought it might be best once I graduate to only take one class a semester and concentrate on OT instead. I would like to make more money, and in the short term there doesn't seem to be much advantage to having a BSN. I figure taking the one class and showing that I am both willing to work a lot, and be good at my job will benefit me the most in the long run. 5 years seems to be the key point in which a nurse becomes much more marketable, and I figure if I have my BSN by than coupled with a strong performance history that will benefit me the most.

Does that sound like a sound strategy?

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Look at what is required/preferred in the area you want to practice in. Some seek BSN only. And with the tight job market, you may not find a job right away, with or without BSN. Just letting you know this upfront so that you can make the best choices possible. Good luck with your decision!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

By 'OT' do you mean overtime or occupational therapy? Because I can read it both ways. Sorry-, maybe I'm just dense here - not enough coffee.......

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Sorry, wasn't thinking. I mean overtime. I have heard, in general if you want it, it is there. I know every job is different, but if available which would you think is the better way to go?

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Personally I would work the overtime if I could and take it slow when pursuing your BSN. This is kind of what I did and I should finish my BSN in January. Where I am at you do not get anymore money for being a BSN and it really don't help you much in promotions. In fact my immediate boss is an ADN (as well as our chief nursing officer for my facility). I am going for my BSN because I will probably move to a bigger market sometime in my life and a BSN will be necessary.

Let your individual market drive your decisions. Know the facts and make the decision that fits your needs.

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