BSN worth it?

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok now I am not looking for which is better BSN vs Adn agument. So dont throw darts at me for posting this. I am currently a stay at home mom, I am looking into getting my BSN while I am at home, I already have my ADN. The tuition has gone up 20% stating this summer session at the college where I was planning. I know I can apply for finanial aid but my question is would it even be worth it. I dont want a BSN to get back into bedside nursing, I can do that without a BSN. I want to know if it gives you better job opportunities, better pay, better...everything. Is it actually worth the investment. My hubby is a little reluctant as we are already crunched here and doesnt want to have another bill collector calling. Tell me if your lives improved or was it just more of the same. Does the BS in BSN stand for BETTER STANDARDS or BULLSH**??:confused:

I don't know what ADN stands for BUT in Ontario/Canada, whether you have a college diploma in nursing or university bachelor of science of nursing, you both write the same exam. You hold the same nursing licence. The only area I know where you get paid more for having a degree is through gov't or district health unit/service area. Also, in Ontario they are moving towards a minimun requirement for nursing will be a BScN by 2005. They are phasing out diploma programs. Is it right? I don't know. Nursing is very cyclic...

Thanks for the replies! In answer to some of the qwuestions raised...I do not want to go back to bedside nursing or at least not stay in for to much longer. I dont think my back can take it any longer and truthfully I was burned out with it when I left yrs ago. From what Ive heard, it has only gotten worse with the shortage. To many pts, not enough time, ect. YES, I do want my BSN, I want it so bad I dream about it at night. BUT, my wants are not my priority and I wont do it unless my family benefits from it also. If I do it and am not better off than the only thing Ive accomplished is being in worse debt... money that could have gone toward my daughters college fund instead. I know education is worth more than money unfortunetly it does have a price tag on it. If they gave BSN for free I would be the first in line! Im just asking if the investment is worth the return. Some interesting points were made on different work environments that hadnt even occured to me where a BSN would be of use. I will definietly look into that as it is a good argument for getting a BSN! Thanks again.

Specializes in MS Home Health.

Glad we could help you!

renerian

Specializes in Critical Care,Recovery, ED.

If you have a potentially long working career ahead of you it will be definitely worth getting BSN or any other college degree.

Most hospitals in my region will pay more for BSN degrees for staff nurses.

Today it is essentially required to have BSN to move away from bedside. But as time goes on that requirement will turn to mandatory.

I think getting your BSN is just a personal decision. I have been an ADN RN for two years and am currently working on my BSN. I just decided it was something I was going to do. I have learned alot of information that is helpful in the classes I have taken. Hopefully in my future it will pay off!

advancing ones education is always worth it.even if not measured monitarily

Yes worth it IMHO. I was a diploma grad and did my BSN while at home with the kids. It helped because:

Showed I was still involved in nursing, despite being out [helps to make that gap on the resume look better]

Allowed me to get away from shift work when I returned.

Also look into tuition reimubursement as part of your financial aid package if you decide to return to school...many facilities will help with your costs if you agree to stay on and work there awhile. :)

I know it is hard to look ahead when your family has immediate needs...but look at it this way. If you get hurt and become disabled there may be few to no options for you. Having your BSN gives you more options for now and later...for both yours and your family's futures. :)

Best wishes...in 20 20 hindsite I (as a Diploma RN) wish I had finished that BSN when I was younger...you have your ADN so you're already on your way to the BSN! I always encourage young nurses to take that step if they can possibly swing it.

It won't necessarily make you a better nurse but it WILL give you more options. :)

Specializes in LDRP; Education.
The sad thing is that you and many others look at the additional education as being "worth it" only in terms of the immediate dollars it will put in your pocket. An education can and should be "worth" a lot more than that.

and

advancing ones education is always worth it.even if not measured monitarily

Excellently stated, as usual.

I started my BSN when I was in a management position. But I realized management was not what I wanted to do. I missed bedside nursing. I am however finishing my degree in Business, not nursing. Mainly, because I can do somethings else with a Business degree later if I decide to. A Registered Nurse is an RN regardless of 2 or 4 years. So I figured for the money, I could get another degree and be ahead of the game. I also found the money in management was no where near as good. I worked fulltime Monday - Friday and was on call for administration every 3rd week. I'm now part-time, 2, 12h shifts, one day every sat. and rotate holidays. I make the same amount of money, and if I pick up any extra time, I'm making more. I have less headache, more time with my family, and can finish my degree without a deadline. Its works for me. I guess it depends on what you want.

For the money, the BSN just didn't make sense.

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