BSN- worth the extra time for little extra salary?

ArmaniX, MSN, APRN · Jun 7, 2015

You will be better off just getting the BSN now. Instead of forever "planning" on getting the BSN. It's hard to go back once you finish. Jobs are hard to get as is, won't want something like an adn vs BSN to prevent you from a job.

eroc · Jun 7, 2015

That's what I did. (ASN-BSN) I got a job with my ASN quickly, and finished my BSN in 16 months, taking a term off in between degrees.

Yes, it's worth it, and it is more finically responsible IMO. You can be actively applying to jobs while including in your resume that you are currently in your BSN program.

There is only a faction of a difference in a ASN and BSN anyway. I believe only people that went straight through to their BSN are the only ones that believe there is a huge differenceâ€¦.and of coorifice the people selling their product (college faculty).

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jun 7, 2015

It's not the difference in salary that makes it worthwhile to get your BSN. It's the fact that the better jobs are often only available to nurses with the BSN. If you can possibly go for it, it makes more sense to just get it over with.

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jun 7, 2015

I would not want to have an ADN and be a new grad in the SoCal market ...although there are plenty of BSN new grads looking for their first jobs, as well. As a new grad in Texas, I worked with several new grads from out of state who were unable to find jobs in their home states. Most of them were from California.

I was able to find something fairly easily in SoCal with two years of experience and an ADN, but it seems like there are many hospitals who hire BSNs, only. The problem is that a BSN doesn't guarantee you'll get your foot in the door, but it is more expensive to obtain. The only safe thing to do is to make sure that you're able to move to where the jobs are or able to support yourself while you spend a lot of time searching for your first job.

Cakelady1 · Jun 7, 2015

I'm getting an ADN *and* a BSN at the same time. For me, it's more financially responsible. My schools work together with a dual enrollment program. I can take some BSN courses while I'm working on my ADN, and after my ADN is completed it will be less than a year until I have my BSN, too. Yes, it's going to take a little longer (about 9 months longer.) But my cost is less than half of what the BSN program would be if I just went straight that way. I'm not in a major hurry, my husband makes good money and I need to spend the next two years working on prerequisites until our daughter starts school, anyway.

Just something to consider - check if any schools in your area have an ADN to BSN dual enrollment program.

caliotter3 · Jun 7, 2015

The BSN is not worth it in terms of any added pay, usually there is none, or not more than .25 to .75 an hour more. The BSN is worth it in terms of job stability and opportunity. Since you know that more and more employers are pushing for the BSN level of education, best to get it at the beginning of your career to save time, aggravation, and money.

dream61792 · Jun 7, 2015

In the South Florida Miami/Broward/West Palm area the market is soooo saturated with colleges pumping out new graduates, two even three times a year. It all depends on the area you plan on working in. If you live in a saturated area having that BSN will not guarantee you a job at all but it will give you a little advantage. ASN programs send out way more graduates than BSN programs. It's not 2008 with a nursing shortage anymore.Nowadays it's all about being one step ahead of the game.

mirandaaa · Jun 8, 2015

I'm getting my ASN then beginning an online BSN program immediately after.

I'm able to get into the job market about 2 years faster than if I went straight for my BSN.

It just kinda depends on what you think would be best. But I know CA is swamped with nurses and new grads so a BSN first may be your best bet *just in case* you end up not moving to WA.

Bob Loblaw · Jun 17, 2015

The best program I ever heard of was at a private university ($$$). It was called 2+2, the first 2 years one did all the course work to sit for NCLEX and get RN, the second 2 years was spent doing the "other stuff" for BSN and most worked part time or even full time as RN while wrapping it up. So when they got out with the BSN they already had experience under their belt. I often thought more schools should do it that way.

WCSU1987 · Jul 2, 2015

In my area ADN program's are super competitive and most facilities only hire BSNS...It doesn't add up, but I say BSN is the way to go.

NurseIndependa · Jul 5, 2015

For me, the BSN was worth it because I would actually have a salary. My job market does not want ADNs. They put "prefer BSN" in the job opening descriptions and then only interview BSNs. Nursing school was going to take two years anyway; might as well go for the degree that will get you hired.