difference bettween RN and BSN?

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Specializes in ER, Med Surg. ICU, Mgmt. Geri. Hme Care.

Hi to everyone: I'd like to know if someone could explain to me the difference bettween an Rn and a BSN. I mean, I have a diploma in my country, for which I've studyed for almost 4000 hours ( practice and theoretical) The university course covers,during 4 years, Public Health,Nursing, Med Surg, Mother and Baby, Pediatrics, Neurosurgical, Psichiatric Nursing, Sanitary Education, etc. And health Care Administration. I think that because of the amount of hours and the fields covered I should get a BSN, but I'm not sure. I don't know either how or where should I ask, nor what to do in order to get a BSN if I deserve it. Thank you all.

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RN is the title one gets when they pass their boards here in the US. You can have either a Diploma in Nursing, an Associate degree or a Bachelor in Nursing, but all three will sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam.

Diplomas in Thailand are equivalent to a BSN in the US, and transfer as such.

The title of BSN goes by what your school gives you, not what you think that it is equivalent to.

Did you also do hours in humanities, language, etc. or strictly nursing type subjects?

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Specializes in ER, Med Surg. ICU, Mgmt. Geri. Hme Care.
RN is the title one gets when they pass their boards here in the US. You can have either a Diploma in Nursing, an Associate degree or a Bachelor in Nursing, but all three will sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam.

Diplomas in Thailand are equivalent to a BSN in the US, and transfer as such.

The title of BSN goes by what your school gives you, not what you think that it is equivalent to.

Did you also do hours in humanities, language, etc. or strictly nursing type subjects?

Thank you Suzanne for your answer. I did some hours in Humanities, as I can recall, they were Anthropology, Theory of Education, I can't remember if there were more, I should see in my documents. My doubt was because our degree is called here "Licenciatura", which is translated into english as Baccalaurate, and I was also considering the amount of hours of class. Would the BON, if it applies, be the organization in charge to determine foreign nurses degree? If not who would? Thank you.

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It is not up to the BON or anyone else. Only your school confers the degree, and it is up to what they want to call it. I wouldn't put much into the title, it really doesn't make any difference. As long as your amount of clinical and theory has been accepted for licensure in the US, that is all that you need to have.

I actually do not have a BSN, nor would I go back for one. With what you have done, you could still go on for an MSN, etc. So please do not get hung up on titles, an RN is an RN.

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It is not up to the BON or anyone else. Only your school confers the degree, and it is up to what they want to call it. I wouldn't put much into the title, it really doesn't make any difference. As long as your amount of clinical and theory has been accepted for licensure in the US, that is all that you need to have.

I actually do not have a BSN, nor would I go back for one. With what you have done, you could still go on for an MSN, etc. So please do not get hung up on titles, an RN is an RN.

Hello Suzanne!:)

I remember I asked you the same question some time ago...

Actually, my concern is about the evolution of my career in the US. You said we would be able to go for an MSN, even if we are foreigners and don't have this "BSN" title? And I heard the salaries could be different between a Diploma and a BSN... is that true? Will we able to work in any specialty?

Thank you for reading me,

Dudette:balloons:

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Hello Suzanne!:)

I remember I asked you the same question some time ago...

Actually, my concern is about the evolution of my career in the US. You said we would be able to go for an MSN, even if we are foreigners and don't have this "BSN" title? And I heard the salaries could be different between a Diploma and a BSN... is that true? Will we able to work in any specialty?

Thank you for reading me,

Dudette:balloons:

Most Diplomas from overseas are equivalent to our BSN, though you have not received that title. You can easily go on for an MSN without any problem.

You are talking about the two to three year Diploma programs in the US, which I happened to have graduated originally............I have never been paid a different salary becuase of my degree. But I also hold a BS and MBA degree. You will have no problem...........

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Most Diplomas from overseas are equivalent to our BSN, though you have not received that title. You can easily go on for an MSN without any problem.

You are talking about the two to three year Diploma programs in the US, which I happened to have graduated originally............I have never been paid a different salary becuase of my degree. But I also hold a BS and MBA degree. You will have no problem...........

Thank you very much for answering me. This is good to know an evolution in the career is still possible. Great!:)

Dudette:balloons:

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