Do you HAVE to have your BSN?

nlitened · May 25, 2016

I am a new grad applying to a lot of positions. Just about every single one states that I must be signed up for my BSN within 90 days of hire. And in my area ASN & BSN get paid the same.

NurseMegP, BSN, RN · May 25, 2016

I work in the Cleveland, Ohio area and the major hospitals here all require their RN's to have their BSN within 5 years of hire (ie. MetroHealth, University Hospitals, the Cleveland Clinic, the list goes on...) I would suggest if you can go ahead and get your BSN, do it. If not, you can still find jobs, it just might be a tad more difficult and don't be surprised if a major hospital wants you to go back to school. While I think it's dumb to require this, I know it's probably not going to change. Best of luck to you!

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · May 25, 2016

NICU and PICU are competitive areas of nursing. A BSN doesn't guarantee you anything, but it does make you a more desirable candidate in a tough market.

EllaBella1, BSN · May 25, 2016

My hospital pays ADN RNs $0.50 less than BSN RNs, so the pay isn't terribly different. However they will only hire ADNs if you agree to get your BSN within 2 years of hire. Many hospitals follow a similar plan, while some won't even hire without a BSN. So to answer your question, no the pay isn't terribly different, but you will likely be required to obtain your BSN to secure a job.

Everline · May 25, 2016

RN is not a degree. Having said that I am in the Southeastern US. I have an ASN and I had no problem finding a job. I had more than one to choose from. I do have a four year degree in another field but I don't know if that helped or not. YMMV, of course.

Dogen · May 25, 2016

1. Google up some hospitals in the city you're considering moving

2. Find their websites, specifically the jobs, employment, or careers section

3. See if they require a BSN to work there

Based on the above, consider this:

1. Get an associate degree in nursing (ASN/ADN)

2. Pass the NCLEX

3. Get employed, depending on the above

4. Do BSN online for less money, maybe even get a discount or reimbursement through work

5. Never worry about whether you need a BSN again

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · May 25, 2016

In a word, no.

HelloWish, ADN, BSN · May 25, 2016

I was hired into a nurse internship program as an ADN and I am required to get my BSN within 3 years of hire. So in many areas, yes they will hire an associate degree nurse. However, if you want to work in a hospital, I think within a certain time frame you have to earn your BSN. I think the best way to get into a hospital is through a connection, either working as a tech, doing your preceptorship there, or knowing someone. I was hired at the hospital where I did my preceptorship in my final semester of nursing school.

Also, my guess would be if the area you are going to only has RN programs, there is a good chance they hire RN's and not only BSNs.

Finally, it seems far more practical to me to get a associate degree in nursing, get hired at a hospital and then complete the BSN online. Not only do you save money, but you will often have tuition assistance through a major hospital and you can earn money while working on the BSN.

llg, PhD, RN · May 26, 2016

You say that there are no BSN programs near where you expect to be living, only ADN programs. If that is the case, then the local employers probably hire those ADN graduates and probably do not expect all nurses to have a BSN. That would be a characteristic of the local hiring market that would be different from the majority of communities -- but that still exists in some areas.

The only way you will know for sure is to contact some of the major employers in the area and ask them about their hiring practices/expectations.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · May 26, 2016

As usual, it's all about money. Do you need to start working ASAP? Do you have the funds to attend a 4 year program? Dogen gave you the best advice, start working and have an employer fund your online BSN.

PICU and NICU are specialties you will have difficulty securing with either degree. Your best bet would be to suck up to someone during your pediatric rotation.

Best of luck, I hope you get your dream job.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 26, 2016

It is a personal decision, that may be dictated somewhat by where you end up working. Regardless of your opinion on ADN vs BSN, no one ever LOSES by having a degree. You may not get paid more or recognized differently, but you will NEVER get paid less.

You will always have what you learned and no one can take that away from you. You may possibly have the advantage over the RN who does not have a BSN when it comes to a facility that does tuition reimbursement. They won't have to pay you get it. And you may be in a position to move further up the administration track quicker.

Again, these are all possible scenarios. I am personally a big believer in education and my choices have benefited my career.

Best of luck to you.