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

I will graduate with my BSN in August! The hospital that I work at pays $1 per hour more for BSN nurses. However, that is not my motivation. I hope that it will open the door for nursing opportunities outside of the hospital. Because it is rough working and going to school I'm debating on whether to enroll in a school nurse program or to go on and get my masters degree to become a nurse educator. They say in the next ten years you will have to have a BSN in order to remain in the nursing profession. But who knows!

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Nursey70 How wonderful. Congratulations in advance!!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I have 2 classes left in my accelerated BSN program. I decided to pursue the BSN since my employer paid 90% of the tuition and I do not know how much longer my old back can hack bedside nursing ( I wanted to be prepared). I am looking into different MSN programs now but am not sure if I should take a break or not. My opinion is that my nursing skills have not changed (very little clinical, 12 hrs, in the BSN program) but more opportunities for future employment.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I agree with Pompom. I was an ADN RN for 10 years and it served me well. My decision to go on was based on the fact that I wanted my MSN, the BSN was just a stepping stone to more opportunity.

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Based on these posts I've done some research on one of the employers I hope to work for (I'm a recent ADN grad).

Looks like the BSN does help with supervisory positions. For supervisory jobs it's not absolutely required but, it does count as one year's experience. So if a job requires three years experience and you only have two but also have a BSN then you still qualify. My guess is that ... all other things being equal ... this could also mean preference for a BSN candidate.

Again, thanks for all of the great responses everyone.

:typing

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I am soon to be a BSN student. My reasoning for the BSN is two-fold. One being the hospital where I work only hires new grads with their BSN. I really want to stay at that hospital. Two being that someday I would like to go on for a Master's and will need the BSN as my stepping stone. There you have it!

What state do you reside in????

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Specializes in Tele, Infectious Disease, OHN.

My BSN allowed me to have more options for employment. I was able to leave the floor and get a M-F 8-5 job in public health. I am also going to work on my MPH in the next 12 months so for me the BSN was the best way to go. Good luck!!

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What state do you reside in????

I work in Boston, Massachusetts. My hospital started this about a year ago, I've heard a lot of other magnet hospitals in the area are following suit. Let me clarify, they don't hire just new grads...but the ones that they hire have to have a BSN. lol.

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
I work in Boston, Massachusetts. My hospital started this about a year ago, I've heard a lot of other magnet hospitals in the area are following suit. Let me clarify, they don't hire just new grads...but the ones that they hire have to have a BSN. lol.

Aren't teachers in Mass. required to have a master's degree in education? I seem to recall seeing that on tv. If so, it would appear that this region has a higher focus on education compared to the rest of the US.

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Specializes in GI, OR, Oncology.

Wow - I've enjoyed reading this thread. Great question! I'm an ADN working at a Surgery Center and I love my job. I have been debating on whether or not I should go on for a BSN. There's a mostly on-line program that I had planned on doing this year, but changed my mind. I just can't make up my mind. Like a previous poster, I don't have any specific plans for what I want to do once I get it. I just like the idea of having as many doors opened as possible. I don't want to go on for NP, I don't want to teach... it seems like maybe it's not worth the time, energy and expense. I would not make any more money if I get it and I have no tuition reimbursement available.

Anyway, it's been quite interresting to read this thread.

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Much better quality of life with a BSN, better working conditions. I got my BSN to move up, and out of nursing. The four year degree has paid off in some really wonderful ways. I'm looking at law school.

So many nurses have either an ADN or diploma. They hate their jobs, and their life. Depression is epidemic in the profession.

Get your BSN and you will be ever so glad you did!!!!

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Specializes in CNA, Medication Aide.

merry christmas to every one

it has always been my dream to obtain my bachelors degree since high school i have been reading previous post and i had tried to get into some bsn programs and didn't get in (c=degree) so i tried another route & got in an lpn program at a community college and i wish i had did that in the first place because it is working out for me but when i do finish i will go back to get my rn from the community college & go back to get my bsn as well it may not be a difference in pay but just knowing that i have accomplished getting my bachelors will be enough for me it will also open some doors for me because i don't think that i will want to be a floor nurse until i retire

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