2020 BSN law

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Specializes in LTC/Short term rehab/Trauma.

It is my understanding that by 2020 all nurses are to have a BSN. My question is this. Are those for nurses that ONLY have an ADN and no other higher education degrees, or for people like myself that have ALREADY a BBA in health services administration are not required to have the bachelors because I already have one. I'm just trying to figure out if the BON or whoever is making this into effect just wants those nurses who have ADN's to go for the BSN because they are already nurses and want them to have that higher education or since I'm already a nurse with already a bachelors it wouldn't be mandatory for me. Does anyone understand what I'm asking?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

The 2020 BSN recommendation is not a law, although there are some states out there attempting legislation. The 80% of nurses having a BSN by 2020 comes from an Institute of Medicine Report:

The Future of Nursing: Focus on Education - Institute of Medicine

The big part this recommendation plays is at the hospital level. Many hospitals require a BSN to apply- mine will begin requiring this in January. Many hospitals are also requiring staff to return to school to obtain a bachelors. How this will affect you personally depends on where you work/plan to work.

Additionally, BBA+ADN does not equal a BSN. Facilities requiring a BSN will not consider your education as meeting the requirement.

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It is my understanding that by 2020 all nurses are to have a BSN. My question is this. Are those for nurses that ONLY have an ADN and no other higher education degrees, or for people like myself that have ALREADY a BBA in health services administration are not required to have the bachelors because I already have one. I'm just trying to figure out if the BON or whoever is making this into effect just wants those nurses who have ADN's to go for the BSN because they are already nurses and want them to have that higher education or since I'm already a nurse with already a bachelors it wouldn't be mandatory for me. Does anyone understand what I'm asking?

Each state has their own individual education requirements for those seeking to become RNs, and currently there is not one in the entire USA that has passed any laws limiting now or in future graduate nurses to have a BSN in order to take the board exam. Nor are any states compelling ADN/diploma graduates to obtain the BSN.

However hospitals and other facilities are perfectly free to choose what education they prefer of their RN staff, and for the most part in many areas of the USA that is the BSN at least for new grads. ADN or diploma grads with experience *may* find it easier on the employment market but shouldn't be surprised if their new employer wishes them to complete a bridge program within a set amount of time as condition of continued employment.

No, whatever other four year degree plus an ADN will not suffice for the purpose of a BSN. If that is what an employer wishes, than that is what you must have.

What you might have heard is that some states considering mandatory BSN for entry into practice have within such proposed laws clauses that will grandfather those already licensed (ADN or diploma grads). New York State's proposed "BSN in Ten" would exempt not only RNs holding licenses at the time of the bill becoming law, but would not affect current graduate nurses (those whom have completed nursing school but have not passed NCLEX/do not hold a RN license yet) and or those already enrolled/accepted into a nursing program.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

As someone who tried finding work as a ADN/BA...definitely agree with the other two posters: employers do not consider it the equivalent of a BSN.

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I'm living under a rock so I hadn't hear about this but I would LOVE to see a BSN as an entry level nursing degree. I think it would do wonders for the profession.

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Sigh. In the early '70's we were told that a BSN would be mandatory by 1985. Or 1992. Or 1999.....

Still hasn't happened. There are, however, as noted, some facilities that are attempting to go all BSN. This reminds me of a wave of 'primary nursing' facilities in the 80's where there was no ancillary personnel. Until they realized how much cheaper things were when aides did certain tasks....

Oh - and the doors would close on all the LPN schools, the diploma schools, the ADN programs.....

It's all about the Benjamins!

Personally, if I spent 50-60-80 thousand bucks on my education I would be loathe to work weekends and holidays forever for less than 35-40 bucks an hour. Let's see when that happens in a wide variety of geographic area! Oh - and that union idea? Not if I am a 'professional', dearie.

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Specializes in ER.

What would they do if you get a MSN instead of a BSN?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Oh - and that union idea? Not if I am a 'professional', dearie.

In my area there is a "white collar" union-a union for professionals. Very large membership. :blink:

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As others have said, it's not a law..Simply a goal that 80% of nurses have a BSN by 2020. In some areas it's almost impossible to get into a hospital without a BSN, in other areas it's still fairly easy to get a job even in ICU or another speciality with an ADN. Depends on where you live and the competition in your area. However, an ADN plus a BBA will usually not put you on the same level as a BSN. Yes, it's great you have the BBA but many employers want the bachelors to be in nursing.

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I'm living under a rock so I hadn't hear about this but I would LOVE to see a BSN as an entry level nursing degree. I think it would do wonders for the profession.

What kind of wonders?

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Specializes in LTC/Short term rehab/Trauma.

i always thought that my BBA was a waste, but noticing that its worth a lot now that I'm a nurse even though I'm an LPN…The fact that i have the administration background and experience is appealing to a lot of employers…

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Here's what I did; ASN, BM (music), MSN. The MSN trumps the BSN. As far as I know, no one has questioned my credentials. I teach at two universities.

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