Frustrated with RN-BSN classes

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Specializes in Oncology, Clinical research.

I just feel like I'm not learning much. Maybe it's because I already have a B.S. (biology), but I was expecting the classes to be focused on improving practice and going deeper into topics that were skimmed over during the ADN program. I would love an in-depth patho or pharmacology class.

Of the 10 courses we have to take, THREE are dedicated to career development, and they're all 4 credit classes. I simply don't understand the reasoning behind having 12 credits entirely devoted to career development. A few classes have been interesting - health assessment, case management, and genetics nursing. Health assessment was the only one where I really felt that I learned anything substantial. Theoretical foundations has been the worst so far. I'm doing great grade-wise (because I can BS with the best of them), but I honestly want to become better at what I do, and I don't see the program as helping me get there. I've gotten much more useful information by seeking out other reading.

I feel that as you advance, the classes should keep challenging you to work to the next level, and it's just not happening.

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Specializes in ICU.

I whole-heartedly agree. My ADN was so much more intense (and I learned so much more) than the BSN classes. The BSN classes were all "fluff" and I didn't learn a thing that I didn't already learn in my ADN program.

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I felt like I did a bunch of busy work when I went back for my BSN. Which was fine because it was an easy A but I felt a little cheated.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome to the club....many RN-BSN programs are this way. facilities want the initials and schools want the cash....no one promised quality.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

nursing is the only profession, not recognizing another BS degree, in pursuit of a graduate degree..... i can pursue a masters in chemistry with a bs in biology.

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nursing is the only profession, not recognizing another BS degree, in pursuit of a graduate degree..... i can pursue a masters in chemistry with a bs in biology.

I thought there were direct entry master's programs. I have a BS in Psych and an ADN and always thought that-if I really, really, really had to- I could skip the BSN route and go directly for the grad degree. Hmmmm......makes that decision not to go back to school (unless I really, really have to) just that much easier!

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Some schools might let you skip the BSN component. I know for a fact Excelsior College will put you directly into their MSN program with your associates and Bachelors degree.

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Specializes in Oncology, Clinical research.

There are some programs that will let you go straight into an MSN. Doing the BSN was more because I couldn't do an MSN just yet, due to moving around with the Navy, not really even being sure what track I would want to do, and wanting to get a few years experience first. Everyone wants the BSN, so I figured I'd have a better shot at jobs if I were already working on it. It was mentioned in every interview I went to, so I'm assuming it did help!

If I hadn't had a move staring me in the face, I'd have done a 2nd degree BSN to begin with, but I didn't want to have to live apart from my husband for most of a year while I finished up. I finished the ADN and immediately started a distance BSN while we moved to one state for 6 months, then moved all the way across the country. I just expected getting it to be more than checking a box. I've even tried to get more out of the program, and it's just not happening.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

Forgive me all...before I type this but...what you are truly going to receive from your accomplishment (as a person whom just finished an RN to BSN) is a sense of job security for the future!

Maybe not so much as a feeling of increased education...:specs:

PS...my RN to BSN school did give me a quality education but it just so happens that my ADN school had given me much more of a cornerstone of quality education to build from...hence the feelings of not learning much extra for the extra $$$, time, and initials :oldman:

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
nursing is the only profession, not recognizing another BS degree, in pursuit of a graduate degree..... i can pursue a masters in chemistry with a bs in biology.

An RN doesn't need a BSN, or any other bachelors degree for that matter, to pursue a masters.

To the OP. I feel like I got dumber in my RN to BSN program. All of my friends and coworkers who have done the BSN will tell you the same thing.

The real reason behind this is because the ADN programs so closely match the BSN curriculum there isn't much nursing to teach you.

Now maybe you understand the frustration felt by so many of us when we see "BSN required" for staff nursing positions. We know there isn't enough difference between the ADN and BSN to justify that.

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Specializes in Emergency.

PM nailed it. I'm 5 classes into an 8 class RN-BSN program and have learned nothing except APA format. The BSN is just another box to check.

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Specializes in Oncology, Clinical research.

Thanks for the commiseration! AJJKRN - I'll keep that in mind. I'm almost done, and while this may not improve my practice it should improve my chances of getting hired.

PMFB-RN - I definitely am not seeing any difference in practice where I am between ADN/BSN, except that the experienced BSNs are managers. Of course, I'm on the rehab floor of a SNF, so I don't actually see much difference in practice between RN and LPN either. I'm always startled when one of our experienced LPNs asks me to do something, especially someone I go to for advice.

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