How Did a BSN Help Your Career (Or Not)

luv4nursing · Dec 25, 2006

Im an LPN starting the LPN to RN bridge in a couple of weeks. Once I graduate in December, I hope to immediately start the RN to BSN program. There is a community college a couple of hours away offering an online RN to BSN now. The price is great, since distance learning normally costs a pretty penny.

I want to continue on, mainly bc I always wanted to get a Bachelors. When I was younger, I didnt take school seriously so I was always randomly taking classes (only to withdraw or simply stop going out of the blue and fail), so I have a very long transcript with a whole bunch of W's.....I also have a billion college credits (I retook the classes I failed or withdrew from)...yet no degree. I want my degree darn it! lol.

In order for me to get into nursing with my track record(gpa)...it took me choosing to take the LPN route. They didnt take my college gpa into consideration, only my NET and TABE scores. When I applied to the LPN to RN bridge and Ill start that in a couple of weeks.I think that I was accepted (half the applicants got turned away) because they see that I have changed. I went from flunking or dropping out consistently, to making straight A's in LPN school. With high NET scores and my LPN transcript, I think I have proven myself enough to say Im serious about school now. It was just a matter of finding what I had a passion for, and that turned out to be nursing! But Im glad I have a second chance! Its so competitive to get into some of these programs, Im glad Ive been able to reach my goals aside from past mistakes.

Anyway, back to the point! I want to get my BSN because one of these days I may want to get my MSN and be an NP or Midwife...so this way it would only be a step away. I also just want to have access and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. If that means getting my BSN, then so be it. They make it so easy to get it once you are an RN now days, with distance learning and all, there is really no reason not to do it.

henry01 · Jan 10, 2007

I have a BBA, but am currently back in school for an ADN. Do you think I would be overlooked for supervisor roles in the future, even though I have a business degree? How would I be treated at your hospital (pretend I have experience) ;-)

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2007

On the original topic, I was a career changer who already had multiple degrees. I opted for an accelerated BSN. I have been very happy that I went the BSN route. After about 15 bedside years, I was able to transition to community health which in my state required a BSN.

I advise people looking at nursing education to at least consider a BSN for the long term. It provided me with a pathway to a wonderful nursing career that will take me through to retirement.

rpv_rn · Jan 10, 2007

i have a bba, but am currently back in school for an adn. do you think i would be overlooked for supervisor roles in the future, even though i have a business degree? how would i be treated at your hospital (pretend i have experience) ;-)

if you're planning on going into an adminsitrative positive, the bba and adn degrees seem like a good combination.

rnanm · Jan 10, 2007

I am just finishing my BSN after 25 years in nursing:monkeydance: It is a personal goal for me, but in the process I found many new nursing ooportunities as well. Clinical teaching will be my goal. I have decided to use our ladder program to obtain my MSN over the next few years. Time passes and for me it is important to continue learning. There are times I want to scream at the amount of homework but in the end it will be rewarding. Hope this helps you.:typing

Bikechicky · Jan 10, 2007

[color=silver]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.[/i

]i agree with orsmurf above. i have 30 years experience bedside nursing as a diploma rn. in august i will complete my accelerated bsn (yeah!!) why did i do it? not for any of the reasons listed by others. i simply wanted to prove to myself and others i could. i've found the non-nursing courses interesting, and most of the nursing courses boring! as someone else said, lots of jumping through hoops! but i'm so glad i've done it.

judisdream · Jan 11, 2007

What an interesting topic. I too have went the route from LPN to ASN to BSN and am now in a Master's program. All over the last 25 years. I decided to go on for my BSN because it was a job requirment ( I was working in management) but now am glad that I did it. I have seen many more oppurtunites open up to me. I can look at state and federal level jobs that I could not have obtained before. I have also seen alot of growth in myself. A BSN gives you the "why" of things and I feel a better perspective on creating a culture of change in our current healthcare system. Go for it!!!

olderthandirt · Jan 11, 2007

Many states are now requiring a BSN to work as a nurse. NY is considering this. They will give current RN's 10 years to complete the 4 year degree.

allnurses Guide · Jan 11, 2007

Your BSN does not have to relate only to your career, although I know that is what the OP's question says. I took classes that had nothing to do with nursing on the way to nursing school (2 years pre-reqs, then 5 semesters nursing school). I was exposed to worlds of information and ideas that were great, and over the years have stood me in good stead one way or another. Education for the sake of education is worth it in itself.

Since I went straight for the BSN, I can't comment on what an ADN program did or didn't give, that I got. I do know that a lot of the leadership and management courses have been useful over the years, and even told some of my supervisors which theories the hospital was pushing at any given time (snicker, snicker :lol2: ) 20 years after the BSN, I'm now going for a Masters, just for the heck of it, and learning a lot here too.

And since nursing is far more than "just" patient care, all those extra subjects can help you help your patient with the larger picture, social aspects etc. Yes, I'm still at the bedside, doing direct patient care, although I do a fair amount of charge nurse stuff I have steadfastly refused to move into management.

henry01 · Jan 11, 2007

Hey. You replied to my post...I do have a bachelors degree...it is a BBA. My question is does it really make sense to have another bachelors degree. I am currently enrolled in an ADN program and am wondering why I would be looked over for a supervisor role with a BBA (bachelor business administration). If my BBA is not enough with an ADN, then I guess it would make more sense to get a MSN, right? I just don't believe a second bachelors degrees would be more helpful. Many schools will accept my ADN and BBA to enroll in a MSN program. If ADN and BBA is not enough education for a mgr role...then I am thinking an MSN may serve me better...If I have to put in more schooling anyway. Am I thinking clearly on this? What do you think?

RN34TX · Jan 11, 2007

Many states are now requiring a BSN to work as a nurse. NY is considering this. They will give current RN's 10 years to complete the 4 year degree.

There are no states in the U.S. that require a BSN to work as a nurse at this time.

NY's plan to do this is currently dead and not even remotely close to being implemented at any time in the near future.

henry01 · Jan 11, 2007

Hey. I am certainly not discounting more education, but for me...enough is enough. My bba has served me well for mgr roles in corporate america. I thought the bba and adn were going to be a good combo.