Frustrated with RN-BSN classes

[microkate]

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.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

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.

*** People will point to the Atkins study and try to blow smoke up your back end about improved patient outcomes when cared for by BSN nurses. However their land mark study is deeply flawed and fails to take several things into account, like years of experiences.

By far the favorite claim to make is about the supposed superior critical thinking ability of BSN prepared nurses. You know why they like to crow about critical thinking? Because it can't be measured!

[libran1984, ASN, RN]

By far the favorite claim to make is about the supposed superior critical thinking ability of BSN prepared nurses. You know why they like to crow about critical thinking? Because it can't be measured!

I have spoken to multiple BSNs at my place of employment and just like u said, PMFB-RN, many have said it was the critical thinking aspect.

When asked to provide examples one BSN said it was her ability to recognize the need of a pale, ashen colored patient sent to triage who was diaphoretic and that her BSN allowed her the capacity to recognize this man needed immediate help.... Yah.... It was her BSN.

Another BSN said in very vague terms it was the ability to think outside of the nursing box and draw upon concepts an ADN may not have been exposed to.... Okay.... I could bite and chew on that for a while.

Then the BSN that I was absolutely blown away with, in terms of ignorance, said that in some states BSNs take a different, more challenging NCLEX....... Ha! ...... I couldn't even rebuttal to this RN's ignorance.

I am about to finish my LPN-RN and still fail to have that light bulb moment and doubt that I ever will bc next semester is just a review semester for NCLEX... Nothing new. My only two new classes were mental health and critical care- my two specialties as an LPN!!! I feel like I'm in an RN-BSN class: just another box to check off.

I'm not good enough as an LPN, I won't be good enough as an RN, as a BSN I will realize I spent the last ten years drowning in a world flooded with feelings of inferiority.

I love my work, but the moment I step out of the patient 's room and into the nurse's station I feel like a total peon. When I'm with the patient, I feel important, vital, and worthwhile! I just want to feel like that ALL of the time!

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

From what I understand, the BSN component was mostly to "expand" student's understanding of culture/fluff disciplines like history and to increase management skills. However, my ADN program is better than most BSN programs in the area in terms of skills, knowledge, and critical thinking.

Universities would be a lot cheaper if we eliminated unnecessary degree components like the arts. I took Dance History to transfer to an RN to BSN degree. Dance History. All I can remember from that class is that there are some ill-prepared college grads who couldn't figure out if you are going to copy from Wikipedia, at least change the font to blend in with the rest of your powerpoint. They had giant blocks of text that was an arial size 16 when the rest of the power point was in times new roman 12.

[adnrnstudent, ASN, RN]

Unfortunately, a MSN is the same way as a RN-BSN. Just a bunch of useless papers. I really hope some school does something and comes up with a program for nurses that are interested in more than how to write a paper. No one likes writing papers except English majors. Every person I know doing RN-BSN right now is frustrated with how silly these programs are.

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

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!

If you are second-degree RN, nearly all MSN programs will allow you to enroll however, most require a number of "bridge" classes for non-BSN degree students.

[nononsense]

I understand your frustration! The patho/phys classes directed towards information that happens in the body or mind is more helpful.

I have an associates in Biology, a minor in Psychology, and an associates in Nursing. These courses have to be done to move on, and get a BSN. It sucks, who ever made these rules have a different way of thinking.

Right now I have taken 90% of the courses it takes to get a BSN. Last course I took I earned a "D" because of my career, responsibilities, and etc... Now, this is the last time I can re take the class. If I do not pass, I am not coming back to the BSN Program. At least with your theory, and foundation you have the motivation to get these classes over with.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I think the other benefit of a BSN is that they can expand the community class more and require them to go to the health department for two days. Another BSN program rotated them through other mental health services like private places and rehab instead of just a psych floor. However, I don't want to do psych. Not all programs were like this though. Ultimately though I am not impressed with the BSN programs due to the cost.

I'm debating RN to MSN or just RN to BSN for now. I eventually do want to become either a family nurse practitioner/women's health practitioner or a CNM.

Also, more education isn't necessarily helpful. The ADN programs are pushing more and more people into researching and being aware of the research.

[llg, PhD, RN]

It looks like a lot of you chose programs that didn't match up well with your desires. Not all programs are the same. A prospective student should investigate the curriculi of several programs and choose the one with the best match -- instead of the one that is the cheapest or most convenient. If people investigated more thoroughly before enrolling, there might be more satisfied people.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

It looks like a lot of you chose programs that didn't match up well with your desires. Not all programs are the same. A prospective student should investigate the curriculi of several programs and choose the one with the best match -- instead of the one that is the cheapest or most convenient. If people investigated more thoroughly before enrolling, there might be more satisfied people.

Yes of course! That must be it. Obviously it can not possibly be that there simply isn't much for us to learn at the BSN level. We made bad decisions.

The fact is that ADN curriculums have moved to imitate BSN curriculums. There isn't a cat sneeze difference between them anymore. THAT, and that fact that many of us come to these programs with a lot of life experience, is why we aren't learning much.

I didn't do my RN to BSN at some for profit diploma mill. I went to a well respected major state university. A university with a full school of nursing and programs from BSN to DNP, CRNA, various NP, direct entry masters and a PhD program.

Lucky for me it was at no cost to me at all and I was even able to do much of the "work" on paid time at work.

[microkate]

I think the other benefit of a BSN is that they can expand the community class more and require them to go to the health department for two days. Another BSN program rotated them through other mental health services like private places and rehab instead of just a psych floor. However, I don't want to do psych. Not all programs were like this though.

Our ADN program did this too though. We rotated through hospital general and geri psych. We were paired with a community psych nurse who did home visits, went to a group home to participate in therapy sessions, a pediatric psych school, and attended 12-step meetings.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

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.

I agree with you, but RN-MSN is not available at most of the colleges where I live. They want to make sure you spend the extra money on a BSN first! There are probably close to a dozen colleges in the area and I only know of one local option and that is a direct entry RN/MSN so it doesn't even apply to ADN RN's! I think a person would have to do an online RN-MSN program if they wanted to bypass the BSN. I wish there were more options for the majority of ADN RN's today!

Still I'm not sure I would go back to school, I'm almost 50 and been a nurse for over 20 years and still have several thousand in student loans I'm paying off, so the last thing I want to do is take out more student loans! I want the peace of mind of being debt free, be able to save for retirement, buy a much needed new car and pay off the house early, if there is any money left over enjoy a vacation as well.

I think there is too much pressure placed on RN's to go back to school just for a BSN for the hospitals' magnet status and no consideration of the nurses' personal and family financial and economic situation! School isn't free!

However, if the hospitals would actually pay for the BSN, etc then I would be willing to do it, but not when it is just a token gesture, lucky if it covers one class a year! I wonder how many nurses are going to still be paying off student loans in retirement and if they will end up regretting going back to school.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

I agree with you, but RN-MSN is not available at most of the colleges where I live. They want to make sure you spend the extra money on a BSN first! There are probably close to a dozen colleges in the area and I only know of one local option and that is a direct entry RN/MSN so it doesn't even apply to ADN RN's! I think a person would have to do an online RN-MSN program if they wanted to bypass the BSN. I wish there were more options for the majority of ADN RN's today!

Still I'm not sure I would go back to school, I'm almost 50 and been a nurse for over 20 years and still have several thousand in student loans I'm paying off, so the last thing I want to do is take out more student loans! I want the peace of mind of being debt free, be able to save for retirement, buy a much needed new car and pay off the house early, if there is any money left over enjoy a vacation as well.

I think there is too much pressure placed on RN's to go back to school just for a BSN for the hospitals' magnet status and no consideration of the nurses' personal and family financial and economic situation! School isn't free!

However, if the hospitals would actually pay for the BSN, etc then I would be willing to do it, but not when it is just a token gesture, lucky if it covers one class a year! I wonder how many nurses are going to still be paying off student loans in retirement and if they will end up regretting going back to school.

I agree on both counts. I am in a position to advise nursing students and new grads. I now strongly recommend that they do NOT go back for their RN and do RN to MSN instead. I know some people who are doing the University of Arizona's RN to MSN program and say they are learning a lot.

The big reason to get a BSN is to become employed. If you have a job, and are not looking to moving into a postion like managment or education then I would seriously question if the money is worth it. There are some low cost options out there. I know a number of nurses who have earned their BSN for less than $4K through WGU.

If my employers had not only paid 100% of my BSN AND allowed me to do much of the work on paid time I wouldn't have done it.