How Did a BSN Help Your Career (Or Not)

Nurses General Nursing

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Please ... this is NOT an ADN vs. BSN thread. I don't want to go there.

I am merely asking BSN nurses if they feel the bachelor's provided more career opportunities, or not. If so, what kind of career opportunities.

Or, did you see more benefit by getting your master's?

Also, for those who are currently working on their BSN, why did you decide to pursue it?

Do you feel that the additional costs, time invested, lost overtime, etc. for the BSN was or will be worth it?

Thanks.

:typing

Specializes in Emergency.

I live in Canada, and BScN is now minimum for entry to practice here. No BScN = No new RN license as of 2005(?).

Eventually I plan to get my MSN, as here having a BScN will no longer put you a step ahead of other new nurses...everyone will have one! MSN will likely become the preferred level for any management positions, should I ever decide I want one.

I actually would not have even considered nursing as a career if it hadn't been for the degree!

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Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.

I had a previous Bachelor's degree and actually was accepted to an ADN and BSN program. I had 5 kids at home and the BSN program was closer. So I attended the BSN program (also since they accepted several credits from my previous Bachelor's degree I'd only need to take the science, a nutrition and a statistic class for prerequisites to the nursing program)

Turns out I'm really glad I decided to get the BSN. It seems to be opening more doors for me ....for example I know that to work as a Community Health Nurse in our area you must have a BSN. Many posters mentioned about jobs that say "BSN only". The nurse manager at my job is a BSN nurse, the director has an MSN.

And now I'm back in school getting the MSN so I'm especially glad I already had the BSN (the school I attend also has an RN to MSN program for ADNs). I want to one day not have to work weekends, holidays, evenings and have 6 or 7 patients at a time, etc. etc. and I'm hoping the MSN will help me in this goal....

There are many job openings for ADN and BSN nurses in the metropolitan area where I work. The BSN nurses have more flexibility about where they work.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I know this is not what you're asking, but I was denied a job in my facility that I felt qualified for based on my 14 years with the organization as an ADN RN, but was turned down for lack of a BSN. I wasn't bitter, but I was disappointed, because I thought "what's the BSN going to change?".

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I know this is not what you're asking, but I was denied a job in my facility that I felt qualified for based on my 14 years with the organization as an ADN RN, but was turned down for lack of a BSN. I wasn't bitter, but I was disappointed, because I thought "what's the BSN going to change?".

Actually, that is what I'm asking also. These responses are great ... thanks.

:typing

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By the time I finished my pre-nursing requisits, I had obtained Associate degree in science. Two year ADN program vs two years to complete BSN .... just made more sense to me to get BSN since the time to complete both programs was the same -- and BSN provides broader range of opportunities. I applied to both ADN and BSN. Would have gladly attended ADN program had I not been accepted to the BSN program . . . end result is RN and that is the goal.

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Specializes in med surg.

I was 52 years old when I finished my BSN, and it does open more doors. Many hospitals are seeking magnet status and degree prepared nurses are one of the things that they seek out. I have moved into an Education job and this is much less physical on me. I also made valuable contacts through out the hospital while working on my degree/ Side benefit, in my state, I can substitute teach with this degree.

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.
By the time I finished my pre-nursing requisits, I had obtained Associate degree in science. Two year ADN program vs two years to complete BSN .... just made more sense to me to get BSN since the time to complete both programs was the same -- and BSN provides broader range of opportunities. I applied to both ADN and BSN. Would have gladly attended ADN program had I not been accepted to the BSN program . . . end result is RN and that is the goal.

This is why I also obtained a BSN over an ADN. I was accepted to the BSN program on the first try, and it was only two years long since I had already completed the first two years of prereqs at the CC. It was actually less time to get that degree than to do the ADN at the CC, where I was waitlisted. I'm actually kind of glad it worked out that way, after reading these posts! I want to have as many doors open as possible.

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Do you all believe that everything happens for a reason? I just logged on and was anticipating finding information about a BSN and decided that I was going to check this site first. The question that was asked was great and the answers are what I needed to make my decision to move forward.

Thanks to all of you. I hope you have a merry christmas and a happy new year.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
Also, for those who are currently working on their BSN, why did you decide to pursue it?

I want to become a midwife and you have to have a BSN or a Bachelors in another field with an RN. Since I was not a nurse yet, and did not have a bachelors in another field, I figured it was best to get my bachelors in the field I was wanting to get my masters in...

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This thread has been very informative...I wish I would have started a similar one myself before because I ask some of the same questions as Lizz does.

Thank you Lizz for starting this one!

I'm in a BSN program now and really have no idea why I'm here and doing it.

I have no desire to be a manager and no desire to go on to grad school to become a CRNA or NP.

My pay increase will be minimal at best for all of the hard work I've put into getting my BSN (which by the way is a Magnet hospital who wants BSN's yet fail to put out the money for them...what's new)

All I know is that as an LPN/LVN, I needed my RN because over the years I saw way too many cycles of "We're getting rid of LPN/LVN's and going all RN" and felt my job was in jeopardy much of the time and that the only thing left for me were bad nursing homes and med/surg jobs with 9-10 patient assignments.

Now as an RN I'm paranoid once again thinking that the good jobs are going to squeeze out everyone but the BSN's, so back to school I go again.

I don't know if a BSN will ever pay off for me in terms of time and effort spent on pursuing it, but I can't complain because my employer pays 100% up front (no stupid tuition reimbursement crap) tuition, books, and even extra paid time off so I'd be a fool not to do it.

But again, I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, if anything.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
Also, for those who are currently working on their BSN, why did you decide to pursue it?

- More opportunities for advancement

- Stepping stone (possibly) to grad school.

Happy Holidays!

Diane:Snowman1:

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I am an ADN just getting started on pursuing my BSN. I've had my ADN for 10 years, and NEVER thought I'd go back for the BSN. Didn't see the point. When I first went to nursing school, I didn't have the luxury of ADN or BSN. I was 19, and did not qualify for a scholarship. My mom was a single mom and it was all we could do to pay for the community college program. Kinda ironic though, took me 3 1/2 years to finish my ADN b/c it took 1 1/2 years to get in, lol. Anyway, after 10 years, I've had my feel of floor nursing. I do not want to be doing this in 10 more years. I have been looking for other jobs which are more condusive to family/church life, but they all have that

"BSN required or preferred" behind it. I don't really see it making me a better nurse. I'm already a great nurse ;) . But the reality is employers more and more want at least a BSN on the name badge. The program I'm doing is online and not very expensive, so I thought "Why not!"

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