BSN or BS in maternal/child health w/IBCLC

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Graduated in May with my ADN and now I'm looking to start my BSN or a BS in maternal/child health w/IBCLC. I'm a new grad still looking for work and I'm worried that if I go for the BS (which is where my heart is at), I will end up regretting not doing the the BSN. I know most hospitals are about reaching magnet status and that with a BSN will look more attractive. If you were a manager on an OB related unit which credentials would you prefer?

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I'm not a manager, but I do work in OB. I would whole heartedly say do your BSN, and do the 90 hrs of education for the IBCLC doing the work experience track to get your hours in.

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Specializes in critical care.

What does a BS in maternal/child health enable you to do? I second the BSN recommendation, although I'm not informed about the alternative. If you ever want to go into advanced practice, you'll need a BSN before going to grad school.

ETA: I just looked up the BS program. I'm definitely in favor of BSN. Honestly, in this market you want to make yourself as valuable to your employer as possible. Being licensed for more than lactation will make you more hire able. That said, I do think it is a beautiful thing that lactation is becoming a focus in education. It's important!!!

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Specializes in ICU, step down, dialysis.

Moved to OB/Gyn Nursing for best response

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I agree with the others that a BSN will make you more marketable/hirable.

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I say BSN as well. That's what I am doing first. I am getting IBCLC first in hopes it makes me more competetive.

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Thank you for all the advice! I had a feeling that a BSN was the way to go but I liked the fact the BS in Maternal Child health was more..specialized? Plus some of the classes would help prepare me to sit for the IBCLC exam and also counted as college credit. I dont need any prerequisites and they approved my GPA. Better get crakin' on my BSN prerequisites!

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Specializes in critical care.
Thank you for all the advice! I had a feeling that a BSN was the way to go but I liked the fact the BS in Maternal Child health was more..specialized? Plus some of the classes would help prepare me to sit for the IBCLC exam and also counted as college credit. I dont need any prerequisites and they approved my GPA. Better get crakin' on my BSN prerequisites!

Yeah, and frankly you're going to learn a lot about things you really don't care about probably, if lactation is really where your heart is. BUT, you need to know you're getting the most value possible out of the time and money you're about to put in. Nursing school is ridiculously hard, but in the end you'll have a better degree that is applicable to what you want to do.

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