Do I really need my BSN?

Nurses New Nurse

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I currently have my ADN in Nursing with a B.S. in Public Health. With all the talk I have been hearing of needing your BSN do I need to get it since I already have a B.S.? A side note, I am planning on getting my MSN, but probably 5 years. Thanks for the help.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Check with the school you're going to to see if it requires a BSN. Sometimes it doesn't matter what degree(s) you hold, they require a BSN since there are BSN courses related to your MSN that you need. So my first instinct would be yes you do.

As far as entry level nursing goes, no you don't, because entry level RNs practice the same. For advancement, it just depends on the time and the place. I know a director that has an ADN and a Business Administration degree and has done well, but he worked his way up at one facility. For a competative job, the BSN might carry more weight.

I know that's not much help is it? People with ADNs even advance far without a BSN. Depends on location, and work situation.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

I also have a BS and my ADN. Back when I was first looking into nursing school, the schools near me didn't offer the fast track BSN they have now. I have decided that I am not going to pursue a BSN. I was lucky enough to find my dream job before I graduated at a magnet hospital with an ADN, and quite frankly, I have no desire to go back to school. I already did that!

After about 3 years I plan on going to CRNA school or becoming an NNP and both will accept my bachelor's + associates in lieu of a BSN.

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Depends....are they hiring new grad ADN's in your area?

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