BSN to RN

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 10, 2014

I'm confused, as I often am...you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing? Or is your BSN something else?

efda2rn · Feb 10, 2014

I believe that the OP is stating that They have their Bachelor of Science. Jessie, having your RN and a Bachelor of Science is not the same thing as having your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Many hospitals are requiring that new hires have their BSN. Many schools offer accelerated BSN programs for those that have prior degrees. However, there are often specific prerequisites and many programs have time limits for certain classes. For instance, you may have already taken your Anatomy and Physiology series for your first Bachelor degree, but if it was over 5 years ago, some schools will require you to take it again.

loriangel14, RN · Feb 10, 2014

BSN means you are a nurse with a 4 year degree. I think the OP is confused.

No having a bacheors in another field and then getting your Associates does not equal a BSN.

jkaragan · Feb 10, 2014

I was indeed confused. I have looked at a couple RN to BSN programs and found that not much of the material covered in that program is different from the BA that I already have. That's why I figured it would be fine to get the ADN and still be considered just as capable as those with a BSN in Nursing...It is much easier to get into ADN programs than into the accelerated programs. We are a military family so there is a time issue (we move a lot).

loriangel14, RN · Feb 10, 2014

You would likely be just as capable but you wouldn't be considered a nurse with a BSN.More and more employers are hiring BSN only.

schnookimz · Feb 10, 2014

I was indeed confused. I have looked at a couple RN to BSN programs and found that not much of the material covered in that program is different from the BA that I already have. That's why I figured it would be fine to get the ADN and still be considered just as capable as those with a BSN in Nursing...It is much easier to get into ADN programs than into the accelerated programs. We are a military family so there is a time issue (we move a lot).

I was in the same boat. Literally no one cared about my previous bachelors degree. It stinks but it's true. So I did an associates program and now doing an online RN to BSN program. And you're right, not much different than previous bachelors program. Just seems like a lot of busy work.

Kvedaa · Feb 11, 2014

Having my previous bachelor degree made all the difference when apply to the BSN program I am currently in. It can be a huge advantage in the application process but not neccasarily when you are a RN-BSN looking for a job.

TC3200 · Feb 11, 2014

Depending on what the BS degree is, lots of it could transfer into the 4-year BS RN degree program.

Or, you could do an associate degree RN and immediately go on to an online RN to BS RN program, in which case lots of you gen ed credits and such should transfer. I think for the people who have already done a college degree, the RN to BS RN isn't too challenging. What you need for clinical skills is covered in an Associate degree, or a diploma program if your state still has those. All three paths still sit for the same NCLEX-RN.

But, as others stated, hospitals are getting choosy and are demanding a BS RN now as the entry level. In PA, we still have diploma schools and associate degree RN programs, and those new-grads are still getting hired, at least in western PA. Rural areas and areas that don't have many nursing schools are still hiring AD RN and diploma RN. My sister says that North Carolina still hires AD RN new grads. How much longer that will last, nobody can tell.

Accelerated 2nd degree RN programs are usually very expensive. That's why people in my neck of woods go diploma or associate degree and spend maybe $10k - $12k on that if they have another degree, then go to work and do the bridge program to BSN with an employer paying for it.

iPink, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2014

OP, do you mean you have a BS (and not a BSN)? Maybe there are other specific degrees where the 'N' stands for something else besides Nursing. However, one doesn't officially become an RN until you pass the NCLEX.

I am a career changer with a BA and a BSN. I chose the accelerated BSN route because before choosing between LPN, ADN, or BSN I did some homework of how easily employable would I be in my area. I found out BSNs were getting hired over ADNs because all the hospitals in my area were going Magnet or were already Magnet which means BSN was the minimum for hiring nurses. Nurse managers weren't interested in my previous degree, they were only interested in my BSN, RN at the end of my name. I also know myself and knew I wouldn't be interested in going back to school yet again for a bridge program unless I was being forced back by my employer.

I would advise you to research your area and do a pros and cons list and decide from there. I can tell you about ABSN programs. They are more expensive, the pace is as it states - fast paced and rigorous, and most want you to have a minimum of 3.0GPA from your previous degree to even apply, but you'll be done in less than 2 years. My program was 15 months, but I've seen 12-month programs. Although I graduated just fine from my program, I would never go through that again!

Good luck.

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jkaragan · Feb 13, 2014

iPinkRN, can I send you a PM or something to talk about your path?

iPink, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2014

iPinkRN, can I send you a PM or something to talk about your path?

That's fine but I believe you need a lot more post counts before you are granted acess to even send a PM.