I have a question for all of you who work in N.I.C.U.
I have a BS degree in Human Services (Social work) and have worked for the State for a few years. Anyway I am now back in school for my BSN, hopefully, so my question is this......would I be better served to apply for a BSN program for fall of 2009 or go ahead and enter an Associate of Nursing program this fall and then transition later? I'd love to work in N.I.C.U. and am unsure if an Associate degree is fine or if most hospitals would prefer a BSN for N.I.C.U.?
As a graduate of an accelerated second degree BSN program, I would say it's tough, but worth it. You already have the Bachelor's part, so really you just need the nursing part.
Many hospitals do have perks to the Bachelor's degree. There is a salary difference, maybe a bonus, and of course there is the advancement issue. Unless you plan on being a bedside nurse until retirement, it is much easier (and quicker) to move up the ladder with a Bachelor's degree. You'll be able to get a Master's quicker, and may even be elligible for other advanced positions without a Master's.
Not to say an ADN or diploma program is not as good, just that it'll take longer to move up and you may not get the $ you would with a BSN.
As far as NCLEX pass rates, my school had one of their perks being "100% NCLEX pass!" However, beware - our school had an extremely difficult program designed to get only the most dedicated and 'book smart' nurses through the program quickly. The tests and classes themselves weeded out approx. 30% of the class by the end of the year-long program. So of course the 70% left did well, but that was a big part of the 100% pass rate.
Like the others say, weigh your own options and decide what is best for your life. Good luck whatever you decide, the NICU is a great place to be.
Thanks for all of the great replies!! I would love to do an Accelerated BSN program and will look into that. I am afraid there are not any local accelerated programs and with two little ones, ages 3 and 5; my only option may to apply to the local BSN programs.......Thanks again for helping clear my foggy brain :)
I think ABSN programs are great for people who can commit the time required, but it's a lot (I got straight-As in undergrad and decided against an ABSN program because I felt the intensity would take away from other people and commitments I cared too deeply about to sacrifice). With two little ones, you may well want to do a program that takes longer but gives you more time for your family while in school.
One other thing about BSN vs. ADN ... I know several people who have found that an ADN with a BS in Psych (or another biological/behavioral science) qualified them for BSN-preferred positions. I don't think you'd find many doors shut to you with a BS + RN. Just do whatever works best for your family!
Oh, HeatherTN, one other thing. You can always call the HR department of the hospitals around you and ask what their requirements are. If they're Magnet hospitals, they'll probably tell you you should get your BSN, but I find Magnet hospitals in my area still hire a lot of diploma grads (there are several good diploma programs around here).
I work for a magnet hospital and they STRONGLY push to hire only BSN nurses. We had to beg, borrow and steal and sell our first borns to be able to hire a gal with a ADN, she was one of our CA's and she is sooooo good! She is going back to school, but we thought for sure the upper people would put the stop to hiring her.
Thanks again for the great advice!! I think what I will do is apply to the BSN program I want, difficult program to get into but is my alma mater, and also apply to the Associates RN program at my local community college and plan on doing a transition to BSN later if accepted there.......I think what is important to me is a BSN in the end......and thanks for letting me know that my BS degree in social work may be attractive to future employers as well....I personally had hoped it might be so I was glad to see a few of you mention that
Good luck to all of you and thanks sooooo much again
viccar82
19 Posts
As a graduate of an accelerated second degree BSN program, I would say it's tough, but worth it. You already have the Bachelor's part, so really you just need the nursing part.
Many hospitals do have perks to the Bachelor's degree. There is a salary difference, maybe a bonus, and of course there is the advancement issue. Unless you plan on being a bedside nurse until retirement, it is much easier (and quicker) to move up the ladder with a Bachelor's degree. You'll be able to get a Master's quicker, and may even be elligible for other advanced positions without a Master's.
Not to say an ADN or diploma program is not as good, just that it'll take longer to move up and you may not get the $ you would with a BSN.
As far as NCLEX pass rates, my school had one of their perks being "100% NCLEX pass!" However, beware - our school had an extremely difficult program designed to get only the most dedicated and 'book smart' nurses through the program quickly. The tests and classes themselves weeded out approx. 30% of the class by the end of the year-long program. So of course the 70% left did well, but that was a big part of the 100% pass rate.
Like the others say, weigh your own options and decide what is best for your life. Good luck whatever you decide, the NICU is a great place to be.