Experience vs. Degree

[gareysn]

I am graduating from an ADN program and have worked as a CST for 5 years. I have been looking at available nursing positions at different facilities and they are requiring that I have a BSN in order to work. Visiting with a few of the workers at the hospital, they say they would hire me in a heartbeat due to the hospital experience that I already have; especially in surgery.

So my question is what would you choose if you were to fill an open position? If you had to choose betweem a nurse with a Bachelors degree and little experience (mainly clinicals) or an Associate Degree nurse with a lot of experience; who would you choose?

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I suspect that if the decision were truly in the hands of the nurse recruiter, it would be for experience over degree 99 time out of 100. Unfortunately, this is often not the case and corporate policy dictates instead. The clear trend these days for the BSN as the minimum. Though nursing experience may trump that sometimes, for new diploma or ADN RN's, the job market is pretty dismal. IMO, your best bet would be to see if the institution where you worked as a CST is willing to take you on as an RN.

[Tofayelbd]

I prefer a nurse with a Bachelors degree and yet experience is little (mainly clinicals). Because a Bachelors degree is sign of ability, everyone can't achieve it.

[LostButMakinGoodTime]

Bachelor's degree a sign of ability? Please. I paid for mine, did it online. Basically went through the motions and graduated. If you paid your tuition, you got a passing grade. Nothing but a cash cow for financially strapped colleges and universities.

[Tofayelbd]

Yet for professional progress, certificate is must.