BSN...what for?

NurseShelly · May 20, 2009

Hi. I graduated from an ADN program three years ago. I've decided to go on and get my BSN because I'd like to teach. When in school, I really enjoyed my med surg lecture and clinicals. I am working in med surg now, and I love it when students come on our unit. To be honest, I have yetto actually investigate and see what becoming a nursing instructor involves, but I know I need to complete the BSN before going any further right now. In the meantime however, I'll continue to learn while on the job and slowly but surely pick away at the necessary classes. I hope this helps. Good luck to you!

exit96 · May 20, 2009

Yeah...I could see myself teaching in the future as well...

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 20, 2009

Entry level bedside RNs, passing the same NCLEX, naturally are going to make similar salaries to start.

I've gotten my BSN as an investment in my future. As I age in nursing, I'm surely going to want to get away from the bedside and explore other options. Many of those options such as in teaching, leadership, etc. require a BSN or it's preferred. I work in an area where highly qualified and educated nurses go for these types of jobs.

In some parts of the country experience and an ADN will get you a non-bedside leadership job.

Aneroo, LPN · May 20, 2009

Entry level bedside RNs, passing the same NCLEX, naturally are going to make similar salaries to start.
I've gotten my BSN as an investment in my future. As I age in nursing, I'm surely going to want to get away from the bedside and explore other options. Many of those options such as in teaching, leadership, etc. require a BSN or it's preferred. I work in an area where highly qualified and educated nurses go for these types of jobs.
In some parts of the country experience and an ADN will get you a non-bedside leadership job.

What Tweety said...

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 20, 2009

I plan to go for my BSN because I love to teach as well. I wouldn't mind being a CI.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · May 20, 2009

I know in some areas, hospitals are moving away from hiring ADNs and prefer BSNs. The Boston area is one example.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · May 20, 2009

I'm changing careers and am in a direct entry-MSN program. I'd love to be an NP or maybe a CNM. Kinda feeling it all out right now.

Be_Moore · May 20, 2009

1) Graduate school. Teaching, Nurse Executives, CRNA, NP, CNS.

2) Hiring potential. Many hospitals that are attempting to achieve magnet status will hire BSN's over ADN's because of the requirements for Magnet.

3) SOME hospitals pay BSN's more. It's not a lot, though..$.50 per hour or thereabouts.

RNperdiem, RN · May 20, 2009

This topic came up at work not long ago.

A well-known and highly respected nurse with about 20 years experience in her unit had become too injured with back and hip problems to continue.

We were speculating where she would work next.

This nurse was single and needed to support herself and was too young to retire.

Most of us pictured her with a teaching or leadership position.

Someone said, too bad she never went on for her BSN, since most of those jobs require a BSN or higher.

travel50 · May 20, 2009

I had an ADN for 18 yrs. Started the BSN on a whim one day. Finished it b/c the army required it. They will now only let you have an ADN for a certain amount of time. Now I am working on my master's b/c I want to teach. Where I live (rural South), no one pays more for a BSN. You can be in leadership positions with an ADN. However, if you want to teach at all, you must have the BSN. To teach LPN students, you have to have the BSN. Even if you have no immediate ideas on how to use it, I encourage you to get it. Education is never a waste. Somewhere down the road, it will open doors, some of which you are not yet aware.

exit96 · May 20, 2009

Thanks so far!!! ALL good replies and thoughts!!