How important is it to get a BSN?

DalekRN · Jul 23, 2017

Get the BSN asap. It's becoming the minimum standard.

RNintheBay · Jul 25, 2017

It's very important to get a BSN. It opens up more opportunities and makes you more employable. Some nurse jobs require a Masters nowadays! I have been a nurse interviewer for state hospitals in the past, although its not required certain managers honestly prefer to hire the BSN. Some hospitals pay a little more for the higher degree too. Some people may not agree, but I feel those who graduate from a good BSN program have more effective leadership skills.

Racer15, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2017

Where I live? It's not really that important. HOWEVER, I am currently working on my BSN for three reasons. 1. My hospital pays up to $8,000 in tuition for a BSN. If I can complete my program in a year, I've earned a degree for free. 2. I get a decent raise upon completion. 3. If I ever decide to move up or out of my area, a BSN will give me more opportunities. It was a no brainer for me. I did have to sign a two year contract with my hospital, but it's worth it to me.

milmom35 · Jul 30, 2017

Like most people who posted here, I urge you to go for the BSN if you plan on having a nursing or other healthcare career (even non-bedside roles). Even being near retirement may not give you an easy pass--one of my nurse managers went back for her BSN after decades of experience. Our hospital was going Magnet and all leadership needed to have a BSN or MSN. Things have changed since hospital diploma programs dominated nursing education!

I started out with an ADN in Northern California, and quickly got a job. I went back for a BSN a couple years later. When I graduated, I had lots of job opportunities even as the recession hit. Fellow BSN grads who did not have an RN license struggled. I had the ideal combination of experience AND a BSN. Did I get higher pay? Nope, in fact I made less money because I relocated to another state that did not pay as much. But I was at a well-known academic medical center where I learned a ton and eventually went to another prestigious grad school. My biggest regret is I didn't find a better way to finance my education so I have lots of student loans. But I'm glad I invested in myself and met the goals I set out to accomplish. I landed my dream job so I have normal work hours & holidays, an amazing boss, respect from colleagues and I don't wake up thinking about calling out. And I know I have great career options when it's time to move on. So, think about getting the BSN for yourself. It's a strategic investment in your future.

smartnurse1982 · Aug 15, 2017

I know many people believe that one should only obtain a Bsn to work in hospitals but be aware that many non-bedside Rn positions are requiring Bsn also.

The VNA in my area requires field Home care nurses to have a Bsn.

matcha-cat · Aug 17, 2017

All posts have been very helpful; thank you to everyone who contributed. :)

LovelyInPink · Aug 17, 2017

Like many others that posted, I would have to say that obtaining a BSN is very important but when and how you go about obtaining that BSN depends on where you live. Where I reside, all of the area hospitals are still hiring ADN prepared nurses. As a matter of fact, our local CC has a better reputation than the local universities and many of the ADN graduates are hired before they are finished with their last semester. With that being said, many of the hospitals are also requiring these nurses to obtain their BSN within 4 to 5 years. I work as a tech in a hospital and I attend an ADN program since it has a very good reputation and leaves me with very little debt due to scholarships and grants covering tuition. Once I graduate I plan on using my job's tuition reimbursement to pay for my BSN (within 5 years). This was the best choice for me but I know for a fact there are many other cities that won't even look at an application if the person applying doesn't have a BSN.