Does "BSN preferred" mean "ADNs need not apply"?

Sour Lemon · Mar 6, 2017

Almost every listing says "BSN preferred". Go ahead and apply. If it says "BSN required", that's a different story.

allnurses Guide · Mar 6, 2017

Yes, I say apply. You never know!

MunoRN, RN · Mar 6, 2017

It doesn't hurt to apply, and keep in mind that the person who writes the postings are often not the person doing the hiring, and they may not necessarily agree.

I worked at a facility where there was a hiring freeze on BSNs, only ADNs were being hired, yet all the postings said "BSN preferred". This is because the postings were written by a CNS, yet the hiring was done by unit managers.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 6, 2017

If it says "preferred," then go ahead and apply.

If it says "required" and if you feel you are a strong applicant despite the lack of BSN (e.g., certifications, special skills, experience, bilingual, etc.), then go ahead and apply.

But if it says "required" and you don't feel you are a strong candidate (e.g., inexperienced, switching specialties, etc.)...probably not. If you really really really want the position, go ahead and apply anyway, but don't get your hopes up that it will get past HR. Though you never know...

Sour Lemon · Mar 6, 2017

I worked at a facility where there was a hiring freeze on BSNs, only ADNs were being hired, yet all the postings said "BSN preferred".

That seems odd ...any idea what was behind it?

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2017

Not at the last facility I worked for. If the candidate that was going to be the best fit for the unit, they were hired, regardless if they had an ADN or BSN. As a matter of fact, more ADN's were hired on my unit than BSN in the last year. And they worked out wonderfully.

Go for it.

NurseLife88, ADN, RN · Mar 6, 2017

Definitely apply. It could never hurt and the worst that happens is you don't get the job and continue applying places. Preferred vs. Required are not the same as stated above. Most jobs in my area say BSN preferred with some required. I still applied and am happy I did because I landed the job I really wanted. Take the chance/opportunity to apply and you may be suprised with the outcome:yes::)

nursewall-e · Mar 6, 2017

Thanks much for all the fine input here. Will not let the language deter me and will apply to all except the BSN required postings.

Scottishtape · Mar 6, 2017

That seems odd ...any idea what was behind it?

Maybe budgeting? They can pay an ADN less than a BSN?

Thats the only thought I had.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2017

One thing to keep in mind, some places may require you to complete your BSN within a specified time frame. Where I work, it's 5 years. However, we have tuition reimbursement for a large chunk of it and scheduling around my classes was never a problem. So it's been a win-win situation for me.

chacha82, ADN, BSN · Mar 6, 2017

If you want the job, apply and be prepared to enroll in a BSN program. You have a 100% of not getting it if you don't apply.