Help me...BSN with a BA already?

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Hi

I have a bachelor's degree already in a completely unrelated field and worked for 8 years in business and business management before becoming a stay at home Mom. I am now looking to go back to work and really want to pursue my nursing degree. I have been home and out of any type of work field for four years.

I have the option of doing an assoc program or an accelerated BSN program. The BSN program will cost about double the assoc program, maybe more in all. I would eventually want management type positions and have management experience with a current BA so is it really necessary to have a BSN in order to advance later? I am 35 so being a bedside nurse is not what I want to do for years and years.

I would love any and all feedback. Thank you for your time.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Earning a BSN degree will increase your chances of obtaining a nurse management position if that's what you desire. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Associates Degrees are designed to prepare bedside nurses.

Getting the BSN will afford you more options in the future away from the bedside and this is what I recommend you do.

That said, it is sometimes possible with the right degree, i.e. to advance. I know a person who had a degree in Business and an ADN that is now a director level. But he had to first prove himself at the bedside and work his way up. BSN's have to do this as well, as most positions require experience.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

A degree is a degree, is a degree........... if one is able to demonstate their worth.....the advance is granted........:)

A hospital I recently worked at the CEO & DON were the same person, she had a lot of business savy, and her Doctorate was in education...

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A degree is a degree, is a degree........... if one is able to demonstate their worth.....the advance is granted........:)

A hospital I recently worked at the CEO & DON were the same person, she had a lot of business savy, and her Doctorate was in education...

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. I have a friend that has worked on the same floor for 5 years. She went out for a promotion, and was granted it provisionally, with the understanding that she would complete a ADN-BSN program. I've also seen a number of positions that are for BSN only. From what I understand, some hospitals, in order to obtain "magnet" status, have to have a certain percentage of BSN nurses. My mom, who has been a nurse for 25+ years, strongly recommends getting a BSN. She says that the powers that be would ultimately like to phase out the ADNs, but it just isn't realistic given the current demand.

Just my two cents. Definitely welcome other perspectives.

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