Hospitals soon to be NOT hiring RNs w/o BS degrees

U.S.A. New Jersey

Published

Hi everyone,

I have just been accepted into Bergen Community College's evening program, but am hesitant. I am 20 years old and do not have a BS degree. I simply went to BCC to take my pre-requisites for nursing and then applied to the program. I'm worried that after I graduate from BCC's program (assuming I get that far), hospitals will no longer be hiring 2-year RNs or at least RNs who don't have a BS degree (not necessarily in nursing, but in anything).

I've heard this being said and am wondering if any of you have heard the same. Maybe it would be better for me just to get my general BS done first and then do an accelerated program or even just get a BSN...? I would really like to know your experiences/opinions on this. I have to make a decision by next week!

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This rumor is always floating around -- has been for decades now. It is true that there are some hospitals that have a preference or requirement for BSN-prepared nurses. However, that is still just a v. limited number of hospitals. At this point (and for a v. long time now), the majority of US RNs are ADN-prepared and never further their education beyond that. They are working!

Worst case scenario, depending on your area (if it happens to be a v. "pro-BSN" area), you might have to relocate to find a job when you finish school. However, these days, there are plenty of BSN grads having to do that, too. I would not hesitate to get into nursing with an ADN degree. You always have the option of pursuing a BSN later if you decide that you want or need one.

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elkpark, thanks so much for your input! Definitely puts me at ease.

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I am in South Jersey and most hospitals here are hiring Associate degree RN's but they are pushing for BSN. You are young and if I were you I would go for the BSN and safe yourself the trouble of taking classes for BSN while you are working as an RN. I am taking classes towards my BSN and I needed alot of electives towards my degree, it took me 3 yrs to get my ASN full time, it will take me a total of 3 yrs part time taking 2 classes a semester to finish my BSN. It is hard working taking classes and I also have children.

Just some advice from someone who wishes I would have gotten my BSN when I was young and didn't have so many responsibilites and distractions.

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