Do I want an RN or BSN?

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Sorry, I'm new at this....

I'm currently enrolled in liberal arts and will be entering into the ASN program this fall. I'm trying to decide if I want to get my ASN or if I'd like to go an extra 3 or 4 semesters and get my BSN. What are the advantages of getting your BSN vs RN? I'm hoping to eventually end up in the PICU or NICU. Any information you can give me would be appriciated.

First of all an RN is an RN whether you graduated from an associate's program, a diploma program or have your bachelor's. Each of those take the NCLEX-RN. The advantages of a BSN are greater opportunities for advancement and specialization. I am currently in a program that is a 2 yr. diploma program since I already have a Bachelor's in another field. I could have applied for an acclerated program but it was very expensive and too many prerequisites were required before I could even begin. I am very happy with the school and it has an excellent reputation. Having said that, if I were younger and had the funds I would pursue the Bachelor's. Not because it will make you a better nurse necessarily but because of the increased opportunities. Good luck!

Specializes in MS Home Health.

The market if you want to promote or be in management in most instances desire a BS or BSN. I would go for it.

renerian

I would suggest the BSN if you are in a situation now that you can afford to do it. It is faster and easier to do it all at once. It is a good thing to have if you ever want to get your Masters and become a teacher or nurse practitioner or go into management.

If it isn't affordable right now you can take courses part time once you have finished your ASN, but it is a longer process since many of the ASN courses don't transfer to BSN programs.

Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.
Originally posted by hope2banurse

Sorry, I'm new at this....

I'm currently enrolled in liberal arts and will be entering into the ASN program this fall. I'm trying to decide if I want to get my ASN or if I'd like to go an extra 3 or 4 semesters and get my BSN. What are the advantages of getting your BSN vs RN? I'm hoping to eventually end up in the PICU or NICU. Any information you can give me would be appriciated.

:chair:

I am in the same boat as you. I will be starting Nursing School In August 03 and I am going to be registered in the BSN program. I have been told that this is the better of the two (ASN vs. BSN)

Pookie

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.

ohoh...it's deja vu all over again.

Originally posted by FutureRN~Pookie

I am in the same boat as you. I will be starting Nursing School In August 03 and I am going to be registered in the BSN program. I have been told that this is the better of the two (ASN vs. BSN)

Pookie

Be careful who you talk to.......this is a scary subject.:o

I hope I didn't offend you or anyone else. That is just what I have been told. What is your opinion on the subject, MishlB? Hope to see your reply soon. :)

Pookie

Originally posted by FutureRN~Pookie

I hope I didn't offend you or anyone else. That is just what I have been told. What is your opinion on the subject, MishlB? Hope to see your reply soon. :)

Pookie

Not offended at all!:) This is just a very touchy subject around here. One is not better than another, just depends on what your future plans are, I guess. 4 years (sometimes 5 with gen eds) is a long time to sit in school and learn about textbook cases, but the degree is nice. Do what is best for you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, thanks! I just wanted to make sure I didn't offend ya! :) So, what do you think I should do if I want to become an RN? Like I said before, I will be registered in the BSN program. Get back to me!:)

Pookie

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