For those with a BA in another field, but have an ADN...

Anisettes, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2011

I had a BA in Anthropology before I got my ADN - but that was over 25 years ago. I understand that many employers list BSN and I know the job market is tight for everybody, nurses included - but unless you really desire a higher degree (for whatever reason - future job or just desire) why add the debt if you already haven't found a nursing job?

I understand the need for an edge, and I'm all in favor of education, I may be out of the loop, and I know the market is tight - but I have never in 20+ years of nursing ever failed to find a job with my measly ADN. May not have been a dream job, but it's always paid the bills and there have been a couple of times when I've had more than one job at the same time.

I'm just not sure adding another load of debt when already unemployed is the way to go. I, personally have no desire whatsoever to do anything but bedside nursing and see myself winning the lottery before ever going back to school to supplement my 'sad little' ADN.

I love what I do, but if I go back to school for anything - it won't be for another nursing degree. But that's me - I'm sure you'll get better advice from others. Good luck to you!

SnowStar4 · Jan 14, 2011

I'm returning to the school I have my previous BS from for the RN-BSN program. That way all my credits for prereqs and gen ed classes don't need to be transfered and are all done.

Many other RN-BSN school in my area require that so many classes are taken at their school in order to get a degree from there (makes sense if they are endorsing your degree). But since I already have the gen eds etc from my first college, I refuse to retake them just so that they are from the BSN school. Sticking with the same university solves all that.

Black Jade, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2011

Anisettes, you made a good point about being in debt. That's one of the reasons that I am hesitant about going back to school especially since I have bills to pay. Of course, I can always apply for scholarships or get a school loan. I think eventually I might have to pursue a BSN if I want to pursue a PHN. I'm hoping that my next employer pays for tuition reimbursement.

SnowStar, I've thought about going back to the university I had my BA from, except I was told that I cannot have a second degree. They suggested that I go for a Masters instead. I've also thought about going distance learning. According to one university, if I go the RN to BSN route it will take me 9 months to finish and I would only have to pay a total of approximately $15, 000.

Guest717236 · Jan 15, 2011

In todays economic environment, you might want to consider an

MPH if public health is your interest. There are some programs where

you can work and study.

Black Jade, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2011

Thanks for your advice jahra. I will continue doing my research and consider that option as well.

Bruce_Wayne, ASN, RN · Jan 15, 2011

Yea you might want to look into a masters program, I know a university near me has a special program for ADNs that have a BA. Your situation isn't all that uncommon, a lot of people in school with me either have a BS or BA in something else but like me they're also going for an ADN.

15,000 dollars seems pretty high to me for an RN-BSN program. Is it a private/expensive school? Maybe look into a state/public school instead. To me a reasonable price for a semester of university tuition is 3000 dollars, what do other people think?

backatit2 · Jan 15, 2011

have you looked to see if any school offer a 2nd degree program? i have a BS and the school i'm going to has a BSN program specifically for people who have another degree. i will have a BSN in less time than it would take me to get an ADN.

smallnurse10 · Jan 15, 2011

I also have an ADN and a previous BS. I'm taking my last two pre-reqs this semester for the RN-BSN program at my local college. They don't offer the RN-MSN option. It will take me two semesters for the nursing courses. I'm glad that I did it this way. I'm a new grad and will be starting a new job in a few weeks. I can get experience while doing my RN-BSN program and after 6 months my hospital will pick up a portion of the tab. There are a ton of online schools and many that are affordable. I'm going to my local school because of cost and easy access for exams, books etc. After a few years of nursing experience I want to continue on for the MSN (probably at the same school) to teach.

BluegrassRN · Jan 15, 2011

You can't have a second degree from your university? That makes absolutely no sense. People frequently get dual degrees or return to an institution for a different undergraduate degree. Are you sure the person you spoke with actually knew what they were talking about?

I have my BA in Germanic language and literature, an ASN, and I'm completing my BSN now. I don't know if I'll go on for a masters, but I just wanted to finish my BSN to open up more doors later, when I don't want to work on the floor any longer.

I really didn't have a lot of additional classes to take, to enter the BSN program. I had taken stats previously, and I think that was the only class I hadn't taken for my previous undergraduate degree. All my general ed credits from my first BS transferred to my BSN program.

chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 15, 2011

I am a 3rd degree ADN-RN with a BA in communications and an MBA with a concentration in economics. My interest is in community health and I intially planned to work for a year or two after becoming an RN, then go directly to an MSN program to get my NP.

I've been forced to revise that plan somewhat after running into the realities of today's nursing environment.

One element in this is the difficulty of finding a job as an ADN-RN. In my area, southeastern PA, there are very few job openings that do not specifiy the BSN as the minimum educational credential (an aside: From what I've seen, this is a trend that is gaining momentum in many parts of the country). Another element, and one that came as a surprise to me, is that many institutions do not recognize 2nd degree MSN-RNs. Put another way, these institutions require the BSN as their minimum credential regardless and do not view the MSN as an acceptable substitute.

I have now revised my plans and hope to begin the RN-BSN program at a local state college in the Fall. Since I have all of the prerequisite classes, I am down to only 30 credits/6 classes needed, the minimum required at this particular college. I still plan to continue on for my MSN and while this is a bit of a detour, it really equates to only 2 or 3 additional classes over going the the RN-MSN route (most RN-MSN programs require 3 or 4 "bridge" classes of non-BSNs). Hopefully, having the BSN will open some doors reguarding nursing employment because I really can't imagine how you can get your MSN, much less become an NP without at least a modicum of nursing experience.

In spite of the bumps in the road, I recognize that I am in a much better position than many. I alreday have a good job, am in a position to continue to fund my education and can wait for the improvement in the nursing job market that has to occur sooner or later. This is sadly not the case for many of my fellow non-practicing RNs from my community college nursing program.

Black Jade, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2011

15,000 dollars seems pretty high to me for an RN-BSN program. Is it a private/expensive school? Maybe look into a state/public school instead. To me a reasonable price for a semester of university tuition is 3000 dollars, what do other people think?

It is University of Oklahoma online program. I haven't heard much information about them except that it would cost me $15, 000 to finish in 9 months. I don't know how much other online programs cost or if it's reputable.