get BSN or work CICU

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I'm trying to make up my mind on the best direction to take in my nursing career and need help! I can work as a floor nurse or in a CCU position. With the floor nurse job, I can work on getting my BSN at the same time. With the CCU position, I think I would need to put all my efforts into learning everything possible about cardiac critical care. With that, I probably wouldn't be able to study and do class work for the BSN at the same time. I'm 46 years old and not sure if the BSN is really worth it at this point in my career since I'm not at all interested in management. Please help me decide! THANKS!

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I think you should just write down the pros and cons of each so you have it all written down on paper in black and white. I went back for my BSN but I am a younger nurse and working in the Texas Medical Center it is important in regards to being more of a desirable candidate. Good luck!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

The demand for the BSN is only going to become stronger as time goes on and employers absolutely will be requiring it for ANYTHING. I'm talking about internal unit transfers, any upward mobility opportunities, salary increments. And then other employers will seek it when you're changing jobs.

I figure you've got another 19 years or so of employment. Hopefully your health holds out and family obligations don't go badly. Maybe you'll tire of staff bedside nsg and want to move on. Will lack of a BSN hold you back?

In today's work environment (and the next) I'd bet dollars to donuts that it will. You need to LONG-TERM plan ahead.

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Specializes in ED.

There is no reason you cannot do both, if you want to. Take part time online classes.

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When I think about it, long-term, and weigh the pros and cons, I think I've made my decision. I appreciate the input! THANK YOU!

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

Do both, I did! If you end up working in CICU you'll eventually need your BSN as most ICUs these days are only hiring BSN nurses. Those who are lucky enough to get a job in ICU without a BSN will find it increasingly difficult to make a lateral move without it. By all means give yourself a month or two to get comfortable in the ICU and then dive into the BSN. I was 47 when I graduated with my BSN and I started it while working in the CICU. I did my CCRN while on summer break. It can be done!

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