For lots of reasons, even though I already have a BA in Psychology and if I took another 3 or 4 courses I could apply for an ABSN program, I'm thinking it's not worth it.The fact that I would have to take a semester's worth of courses before I'd be eligible is one of my reasons (I already don't have money for school, so spending more money makes no sense). Also, I live in an area that still hires LPNs, even in the hospitals, and while I don't know where I'll end up being permanently, I can definitely see myself being there for awhile. And then of course, there is no BSN program where I live, just an associates program. So like I said, lots of reasons I think a BSN might not be worth it for me.
Is a BSN absolutely necessary? I know there's been a push to only hire BSNs, but I also know that there are plenty of places that only care about your license, not your degree...and I can't imagine I would ever want to work somewhere where degree mattered -- I want to be a nurse in a PCPs office or at an urgent care.
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.
What if I have literally no desire whatsoever to ever work in a hospital? Because I don't. And I never have. My dream job is at a pediatrician's office -- yes, if I could choose to do anything out of the million things you can do in nursing, that's what I would choose without a doubt.
You may change your mind down the road if you get bored. You have to do what you want to do, we can only give you advise based on experience.
What if I have literally no desire whatsoever to ever work in a hospital? Because I don't. And I never have. My dream job is at a pediatrician's office -- yes, if I could choose to do anything out of the million things you can do in nursing, that's what I would choose without a doubt.
Call around to various pediatric offices in your area and speak with the office manager or nurse manager. See what the requirements usually are for new hires. This will give you some direction.
You may change your mind down the road if you get bored. You have to do what you want to do, we can only give you advise based on experience.
Annie
Doubt it.
I hate hospitals, and it takes a hell of a lot for me to even visit family members in the hospital, so I can't imagine ever wanting to work in one. Not just that, but it's so much more stressful and unlike at a pediatricians office, you don't get to know the people nearly as well -- for example, from the time I was an infant to the time I was 21 and had to go to an family practitioner, I had the same nurses at my pediatrician's office so I got to know them, they got to know me and my family etc. and I really love that. Were there ever new nurses there? Yes, but not at all often.
As for my decision, I'm trying to make it based on what makes the most sense, economically and time wise. If I don't need a BSN then why take the extra time and money to do an ABSN program when I'll end up an RN either way? And that's an honest question.
What if I have literally no desire whatsoever to ever work in a hospital? Because I don't. And I never have. My dream job is at a pediatrician's office -- yes, if I could choose to do anything out of the million things you can do in nursing, that's what I would choose without a doubt.
That could actually be a well sought after position. There aren't a lot of nurses working in MD offices, and pediatrics is generally a pretty desirable field. While it's true that the pay is likely to be less, you get office hours and holidays off. I wonder what kinds of nurses grab these positions up? That might be worth looking into... I'm thinking very experienced pediatric nurses who are sick of working in a hospital, but I could be wrong!
I started with an ADN and am doing fine, but my options are more limited. I intended to start as an LVN, but the wait-list was too long, and since the ADN program was competitive entry, I got it right away. I'd like a BSN or an MSN, but I'm not sure I'm willing to spend the time and money at this point.
Call around to various pediatric offices in your area and speak with the office manager or nurse manager. See what the requirements usually are for new hires. This will give you some direction.
Since they advertise for LPN or RN, I'm guessing you don't need a BSN because if they required that, they wouldn't hire LPNs.
Don't get the BSN if it's not needed. I say take advantage!!! Get a ASN and go from there. If your hospital all of a sudden requires BSN you might get grandfathered in and may not have to get one. If they require you to get one then they might pay for it. If not there are plenty of bridge programs. Your gold either way. Take advantage of the small town requirements!
Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.
From reading posts on this site, I was really afraid for myself when I was in school to get my ASN. I have a BA in another field and learned from this site that degree didn't matter in the nursing world (and that's probably true). Anyway, I expected to get out of school and have a lot of trouble finding a job in a hospital or anywhere, for that matter. But I got a job offer very quickly after NCLEX and another one soon after that. It was quite a surprise to me. But I applied exclusively to hospitals and currently work in one. That is not my ultimate goal though. I went to nursing school with an idea to work out in the community.
I do think of going back to school and most likely will. But I don't know if it would be for my BSN or MSN. Whatever I decide, I'm not in a big hurry. I got my ASN at low cost at my local community college and it was the best decision for me.
I would be looking at ~200 per credit...$194 I think? And if I get in like I want to, I'll have 35 credits to complete, so $6790 which is crazy cheap when you compare it to the almost $8000 it would take to complete my LPN program which would only be another 15 credits.
However, a lot of employers are BSN preferred/required, so if you don't have it, you may find yourself fighting an uphill battle when it comes time to look for that first job...or you will find your career options severely limited. And yes, this does include non-acute care settings such as clinics, outpatient, doctor's offices, community nursing, etc....
If your goal is to land in a peds' office for the rest of your life, it couldn't hurt to contact some of the medical practices in town--peds and otherwise--to see what they're looking for in nursing candidates. Then, IMO, tailor your game plan accordingly.
However, a lot of employers are BSN preferred/required, so if you don't have it, you may find yourself fighting an uphill battle when it comes time to look for that first job...or you will find your career options severely limited. And yes, this does include non-acute care settings such as clinics, outpatient, doctor's offices, community nursing, etc....
If your goal is to land in a peds' office for the rest of your life, it couldn't hurt to contact some of the medical practices in town--peds and otherwise--to see what they're looking for in nursing candidates. Then, IMO, tailor your game plan accordingly.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
Thanks.
That actually makes my plan (if supported by the CC) to just get the associates the better one. It'll cost less money, take less time, and, I'll still be able to get a job in my area since almost everywhere around hires LPNs so I can't imagine that they would require a BSN. Not only that, but because of the small town nature, I doubt if most nurses have a BSN because my bet would be that most got their degree at the community college. I don't know why you'd go to a fancy nursing program and then come to where I live, or why you would leave where I live, get a BSN and come back to where I live.
Based on what you said the area you live in is like, no. You don't need a bsn in order to find a direct patient care position. My area has SEVERAL bsn programs and a few asn ones too. I have an associate's and didn't have any more trouble getting a bedside position than anyone else I've talked to.
AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P
2,610 Posts
You may change your mind down the road if you get bored. You have to do what you want to do, we can only give you advise based on experience.
Annie