For Those Who Worked Their Way Up....

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  1. Did the BSN core nursing program help you in your everyday nursing?

    • 7
      Yes, it helped tremendously.
    • 3
      Yes, but it didn't give me more nursing skills/knowledge.
    • 4
      No. I felt like I knew this stuff, I was just getting the piece of paper.
    • 2
      Not at all. I don't recommend it.

16 members have participated

Specializes in Utilization Management.

For those of you who moved from ADN to BSN:

Did the BSN core nursing program help you in your everyday nursing enough to make you feel that the effort was worth it?

Could you please elaborate and describe what you learned in the nursing core program of the BSN that is different than the ADN and how you use it every day?

Please understand this is a question about the applicability of core nursing subjects, not an ADN vs BSN debate.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Actually, I have to say yes. The courses I've had have built on current knowledge, and have gone into detail. I do feel I can better predict outcomes, adverse side effects etc. I can also navigate through policies, research, etc with a better understanding.

Let it be known that I started out as a LPN, then ASN, now finishing up BSN, and on to MSN. that's only because I still find learning about nursing interesting, though. I certainly wouldn't knock anyone who didn't want to follow this path, and who was happy where they were.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

The nursing field is so broad, I feel like a kid back in high school again trying to choose a major.

Should I get my BSN? Will it increase my employability for other things besides staff management?

I'm trying to get the image of the BSN as the "manager" out of my head. I think I'd go crazy if I had to be a Unit Manager, and have to be half-crazy to try.

Yet I'm not getting any younger and I'm scared that I'll lose my income if I leave no other option besides floor nursing in my game plan.

(Or maybe this is just the nursing version of the Jim Cramer philosopy--"Diversify, diversify, diversify!!")

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Specializes in OB/peds (after gen surgery for 3 yrs).

I went for my BSN immediately after completing the ADN. I worked full time and went to school part time. I learned a lot of theory, particularly management/leadership stuff. I think it helped me a lot to mature, and to feel qualified to take charge.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

I agree. I had a taste of management, and absolutely hated it. I like patient care, and the classes do enhance bedside nursing skills- you're just not learning the technical skills, because you already have them.

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I have discussed BSN vs staying with ASN with my buddy who was also my immediate supvr. We both agreed that age and anticipated benefit/effort ratio is important. Both of us are in our 50s, and involved in bedside care. We do hh. Neither of us anticipate manager positions, so particularly in her position, the cost in time and money to get the BSN is not worth the effort. She states she will only be working so many more yrs so there is no gain for her. As for myself, I started but was unable to complete a BSN program. Since I do not have all the yrs of experience she does, I will probably try again to finish the BSN, as difficult a task as that will be. I am now trying to get my RN license and am running into roadblocks, so am doing Excelsior for ASN as a backup. The only reason I am pursuing any of this is that I am so limited in my ability to obtain employment without either the RN or degree. And I have always used the info I learned in the BSN program on the job. However, I have been ridiculed, humiliated, and outright attacked for doing so by experienced supervisors as well as co-workers. And I go out of my way to not come across as overbearing or as a "know it all". I really do not think that obtaining the RN license, the ASN degree, and the BSN degree will do anything to change my practice of nursing. If anything, the only benefit to me will be a better ability to get a job.

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